Senior Project Manager

Chicago, ILDescriptionJ. A. Watts, LLC (JWI) is a woman-founded professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we’re known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That’s how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, which makes us stronger together.This role is responsible for understanding the overall project/program scope and managing all aspects of the assigned project or group of projects, including but not limited to the design, planning, implementation, construction, closeout, stakeholder coordination, cost control, client satisfaction, team performance, and quality functions. The Senior Project Manager shall lead by example and personify the Company’s Mission, Vision, and Values; taking ownership of their assigned project(s) or program. The Senior Project Manager will work on a large-scale project within an active airport environment, requiring careful coordination to ensure seamless operations while the new facility is constructed in a phased approach. The Senior Project Manager will have the opportunity to play a key role in the development of a major airport, contributing to its growth and efficiency. The Senior Project Manager will be required to work on-site at ORD 5 days per week and obtain an airport security badge.Duties and ResponsibilitiesAct as the primary interface with the client and lead the project team through the entire project processResponsible for high-level planning and programming analysis work including preparation of technical documents, testing plans, and proposalsEstablish and implement project objectives, policies, procedures, roles and reporting structure, and performance standards within boundaries of company policy and contract specificationsCollaborate with clients, sub-consultants, and contractors to define work procedures and resolve complaints and construction problemsStrategize with Client Lead, Director, or Executive on opportunities for business development with existing and new clientsRepresent company in project meetings and attend strategy meetingsSchedule and lead job meetingsAssemble and distribute meeting minutesExecute the implementation of the JWI Playbook and ensure adherence to the practices outlined for JWI project managementEnsure effective communication is always maintained within the team structure and Senior ManagementComplete weekly and monthly reports concerning work progress, costs, and schedulingProduce project schedule; coordinate schedule updates and distribute internally and externallyManage all financial aspects of project contract(s), including labor, expenses, and staffing projections, to protect company’s interestMaintain a positive relationship with the client at all timesOversee project budgets, create, and manage project forecasts, schedules and expenses; anticipate potential changes to budget, schedule, and expenses and provide guidance and analysis of changesResponsible for interviewing, recommending, and negotiating contractual service agreements. Prepare, negotiate, and authorize revisions, changes, and additions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, and subcontractorsManage project staff and jobsite construction activitiesInvestigate potential situations and implement corrective measures as necessary; develop contingency plans to mitigate potential riskProvide guidance, oversight, coaching, and mentoring to other project staffResponsible for ensuring that project deliverables are on time, within budget, and at the required level of qualityPrepare and monitor punch list items; manage the close out process to completionProduce and review design plans, specifications, and cost estimatesPerform other duties as may be required/directedRequirementsA bachelor's degree in construction management, architecture or engineering, or equivalent work experience; Project Management certification (PMP, PMI), EIT or Professional Engineer preferred5-10 years of experience managing projects at an airport; 5-10 years experience working directly with stakeholders (airlines/aiports)Experience in all levels of construction project processes from start to closeout at an airportStrong ability to read, understand/interpret construction drawings/detailsStrong knowledge of airport operations Valid Drivers License requiredAble to pass a background check to obtain badging at airportsExperience as a leader managing a team of direct reports, mentor, and problem solver with a commitment to excellenceExtensive knowledge and understanding of contract management and budgeting/estimatingAdvanced interpersonal, administrative, and organizational skills; including the ability to work with diverse personalities to negotiate and resolve conflictExcellent communication and influencing skillsDemonstrated ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with managers, peers, and subordinatesActive participation in industry organizations a plus. Experience using MS Office suite and industry related project management scheduling softwareCompany BenefitsMedical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employee and familyHealth Savings and Flexible Spending Account options availableCompany-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life optionsMatching 401(k) retirement planPaid time off and holidaysStudent debt repayment resources available ID Theft protectionProfessional development and tuition assistanceCompany-sponsored social eventsEqual Opportunity Employer Veterans/DisabledAn Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. PM18Salary Description$120,000 - $130,000