Project Manager

Project Manager - Direct Hire (Bellingham, WA; Billings, MT; Bismarck, ND; Minneapolis, MN; Spokane, WA; Vancouver, WA)

Summary

The Project Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, monitoring, and managing multi-discipline engineering activities and resources to successfully execute small- to mid-capital retrofit projects from initiation through closeout. This role carries single-point accountability for integrating and leading project teams to achieve scope, schedule, cost, quality, and safety objectives. An engineering background with experience in heavy industrial environments—such as pulp & paper, petroleum refining, hydrocarbons, high-tech manufacturing, or specialty chemicals—is strongly preferred.

Reporting Structure

Reports administratively to the Manager of Projects.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Maintain effective and professional interaction with clients and stakeholders, clearly defining and managing expectations.
• Ensure fulfillment of all Company and client contractual obligations.
• Monitor client satisfaction and proactively address concerns, engaging Company leadership when necessary.
• Promote Company capabilities and pursue opportunities to expand scope of services where value is demonstrated.
• Protect the interests, confidentiality, and reputation of both the Company and its clients.
  
  

Project Planning & Execution

• Initiate, plan, execute, and close projects in accordance with approved proposals, contracts, and Company procedures.
• Develop Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), project execution plans, and detailed schedules covering scope, cost, schedule, risks, and deliverables.
• Define project organization and coordinate with engineering and design leadership to secure appropriate resources.
• Clearly establish roles, responsibilities, and interfaces among the client, Company, and third parties.
• Manage interdisciplinary engineering activities within a stage-gated project delivery framework (e.g., Front-End Loading).
  
  

Schedule, Cost & Risk Management

• Develop and maintain project schedules using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6, managing dependencies and critical path activities.
• Identify, assess, document, and manage project risks and mitigation strategies.
• Implement effective management-of-change processes, including forecasting impacts, preparing change orders, and updating budgets, schedules, and scopes.
• Monitor and report project progress, costs, risks, and quality, providing accurate forecasts and recommending corrective actions as required.
  
  

Communication & Documentation

• Communicate project expectations, risks, and priorities clearly and consistently to project teams and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure timely preparation, submission, tracking, and approval of deliverables and work packages.
• Maintain accurate, organized project records and ensure proper documentation control and archiving.
• Lead project closeout activities, including documentation handover, lessons learned, and closeout reporting.
  
  

Financial & Contract Administration

• Review and approve client invoices and actively monitor payment status.
• Ensure project execution aligns with contractual scope, client requirements, and Company standards.
  
  

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide clear direction, set performance expectations, and foster collaboration across disciplines and offices.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and open communication.
• Address conflicts constructively and drive issues to resolution.
• Support the development of project personnel and recognize individual and team accomplishments.
  
  

Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred); Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant engineering and project experience in heavy industrial environments.
• At least 5 years of experience managing capital projects, preferably small- to mid-cap retrofit projects.
• Prior consulting engineering experience strongly preferred.
• Strong proficiency in critical path scheduling using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6.
• Experience managing distributed teams and work-sharing across multiple locations.
• Willingness to travel routinely to domestic project sites.
  
  

Certifications & Credentials

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Eligibility to obtain or currently possess a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) required.
  
  

General Requirements

• Legal authorization to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship available).
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage change, and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Strong verbal, written, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to ethical conduct, safety, and Company policies.
  
  

Workplace & Physical Requirements

• Ability and willingness to work at industrial client sites, comply with safety requirements, and wear required PPE.
• Capable of performing site-related physical activities, including walking, climbing, lifting (up to 50 lbs occasionally), and working in loud or hazardous environments.
• Valid driver’s license and insurability required; ability to travel by air without restriction.
  
  

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Drug and alcohol screening and background checks conducted in accordance with client, state, and federal requirements.
  
  

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, 401(k), Company-paid Life & AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, and exempt staff compensation for hours worked beyond 40 per week.