Senior Project Manager

About the Job

Bednark Studio is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead complex fabrication projects from initial scope and planning through production, delivery, and closeout. The Senior Project Manager is responsible for three core areas: Client Management, Production Management, and Budget Management.

This role sits at the center of project execution and is accountable for delivering complex builds on tight timelines while maintaining Bednark Studio's high-quality standards. Bednark Studio operates as a client service business first. Our Senior Project Managers build strong, trust-based client relationships while maintaining an efficient engineering and fabrication process. Success in this role requires exceptional communication, disciplined time management, sound decision-making, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex and rapidly evolving projects.

Senior Project Managers are experienced leaders who can independently manage large, complex projects while maintaining alignment between client expectations, internal production teams, schedules, and financial goals.

What You'll Do:

Client Management:

• Lead day-to-day client communication and serve as the primary point of contact throughout the project.
• Build strong, long-term client relationships while representing Bednark's standards and capabilities.
• Evaluate and interpret client feedback and translate it into clear, actionable direction for internal teams.
• Communicate consistently and effectively on behalf of the shop.
• Identify project risks, challenges, and opportunities early and proactively present solutions.
• Develop build proposals that align client goals with budget, timeline, and Bednark's fabrication capabilities.
• Recommend materials, finishes, hardware, construction methods, and off-the-shelf solutions as needed.
• Guide clients through fabrication and construction decisions when additional technical expertise is needed.

Production Management:

• Analyze projects for constructability and value-engineering opportunities.
• Collaborate with Department Leads to identify production risks and develop solutions.
• Drive projects through established production processes to maintain efficiency, quality, and schedule.
• Develop and track samples, mockups, and required approvals.
• Manage and document change orders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate and current project documentation, including estimates, element lists, and work-back schedules.
• Oversee quality control throughout all phases of fabrication.
• Perform material takeoffs and coordinate purchasing requirements.
• Coordinate closely with vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams including Drafting, Design, Fabrication, and Scenic.
• Maintain momentum across multiple workstreams and ensure teams have the information and direction needed to execute successfully.

Budget Management:

• Define and document the project Scope of Work (SOW).
• Develop and maintain accurate project budgets and estimates.
• Update quotes as project scope changes and ensure approvals are properly documented.
• Review vendor and subcontractor quotes for scope and budget alignment.
• Monitor project costs and proactively address potential budget or margin concerns.
• Manage projects in alignment with established financial targets.
• Own final invoicing and project expense reconciliation.

What We're Looking For:

• 5+ years of project management experience in custom fabrication, experiential production, retail fabrication, architectural millwork, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage large, complex projects from initial scope through fabrication, installation, and closeout.
• Strong understanding of fabrication and construction methods, materials, finishes, and hardware.
• Ability to read, interpret, and redline technical drawings.
• Experience developing project scopes, estimates, budgets, and change orders.
• Strong financial understanding and experience managing projects against established budgets and margin expectations.
• Excellent client-facing communication and relationship-management skills.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to identify problems early, make sound decisions, and drive solutions.
• Experience working directly with fabrication and production teams in a shop environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Leadership Expectations:

As a Senior Project Manager, you will be expected to:

• Independently manage complex projects with limited oversight.
• Lead cross-functional teams and maintain alignment across multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Create accountability, clarity, and momentum throughout the project lifecycle.
• Make informed decisions and take ownership of project outcomes.
• Mentor and support junior team members when applicable.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and introduce more effective ways of working.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $120,000-$135,000, based on experience and demonstrated capability.

Candidates with exceptional, directly relevant experience may be considered up to $145,000.