Project Manager/Estimator - Marquette, MI

Lakehead Constructors, Inc. is seeking an experienced Project Manager/Estimator ready to lead diverse industrial construction and maintenance projects across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This opportunity offers full project ownership from estimating through closeout, direct client engagement, a key role in regional growth, and advancement potential as the Marquette branch expands. Successful candidates bring at least five years of relevant experience, knowledge of union agreements and jurisdictional requirements, initiative, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. This position is based in Marquette, Michigan, reports to the Senior Construction Manager, and requires regular regional site travel.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

- Project Execution

o Coordinate workflow and effectively communicate project details and status updates to all stakeholders.

o Develop and maintain productive relationships with project engineers and architects.

o Establish and manage the timely exchange, review, and documentation of purchase orders, requests for information, change orders, submittals, and project meeting minutes.

o Review construction means and methods with Superintendent.

o Communicate effectively with Field Supervision to ensure the use of current plans and specifications, confirm that required materials and equipment are on-site, and ensure compliance with client and company requirements.

o Manage subcontractors and monitor performance.

o Complete required reports and paperwork in a timely manner utilizing construction ERP software.

o Develop and maintain the project or outage Critical Path Method (CPM) schedule, monitor progress against key milestones, identify schedule risks, and communicate updates and recovery plans to appropriate stakeholders.

o Oversee the preparation and execution of final project punch list for owner’s review.

o Organize internal and external project closeout meetings, document lessons learned and communicate actionable improvements to appropriate teams.

- Safety & Quality Compliance

o Actively uphold and promote Lakehead Constructors’ Zero Injury Safety Program , ensuring that all safety protocols and practices are followed at every stage of the project.

o Partner with site leadership and safety personnel to develop and implement site-specific safety plans, monitor compliance with regulatory and company requirements, and address identified deficiencies promptly.

o Conduct regular safety audits, toolbox talks, and job hazard analyses (JHAs) to identify potential risks and mitigate them proactively.

o Ensure that all employees, subcontractors, and site visitors are trained in safety protocols and understand their role in maintaining a zero-injury work environment.

o Lead by example, fostering a culture of safety awareness, accountability, and continuous improvement to achieve our goal of zero workplace injuries.

o Implement applicable quality assurance and quality control requirements and ensure that project activities comply with Lakehead’s ISO 9001 procedures.

- Financial Oversight

o Work with the Estimating department to develop estimates (WinEst / Excel) and bid projects.

o Develop project budget from approved estimate and input to ERP software (Vista Viewpoint)

o Complete risk assessment and analysis of deviations throughout duration of project.

o Review and approve all project subcontracts, purchases, timesheets and expense reports, and ensure timely completion of A/P unapproved invoices.

o Ensure timely billing of customer invoices and follow up on collections when required

o Monitor project costs, forecasts, commitments, and profitability, and provide timely status reports to the Senior Construction Manager.

o Assemble and review final project unit costs to be used for reference for future bids.

- Customer Relations

o Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring expectations are met and satisfaction is achieved.

o Establishes a clear understanding of the reports and information expected by the customer and ensures timely compliance with those expectations is achieved.

o Communicates customer expectations to project team and provides updates to all when conditions change.

o Follows up with customers upon project completion to verify satisfaction

o Provide regular project updates and immediately address any critical issues impacting business relations.

- Business Development

o Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective clients, industry partners, and community stakeholders throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

o Identify and pursue new project opportunities that align with Lakehead’s capabilities, strategic goals, and risk standards.

o Monitor regional market activity, capital plans, and competitor trends, and share actionable intelligence with leadership and estimating teams.

o Support client meetings, site visits, proposal development, presentations, and negotiation activities in coordination with operations and estimating personnel.

o Maintain an accurate pipeline of opportunities and provide regular updates on client activity, pursuits, and anticipated awards.

- Estimating

o Experience in drawing take-offs and scope document analysis

o Prepare estimates for self-performed work using detailed quantity takeoffs, documented production assumptions, labor and equipment rates, and current material and subcontractor pricing.

o Experience in mechanical processes and flows

o Experience in proposal submittal and writing

o Apply applicable union agreements, trade jurisdictions, wage rates, fringes, and work rules when developing estimates and project plans.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this position successfully, an individual must

be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential duties of this job.

Education and/or Experience

An undergraduate degree in Engineering or Construction Management is preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant education and heavy industrial construction experience will be considered.

A minimum of five years of experience estimating and managing heavy industrial construction, repair, or maintenance projects is required. Candidates must also demonstrate experience interpreting union agreements and applying applicable requirements to project planning and execution.

A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel regularly to project sites are required.

Computer Skills

· Computer literate with the ability to become proficient with any software deemed necessary to perform position duties as determined by the company.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint

· Proficient with project controls and scheduling software Primavera and/or MP Project

· ERP experience in Vista ViewPoint and/or ProCore is a plus.

Administrative Skills

· Ability to work well with all levels of employees and management

· Accurate typing skills

· Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.

· Possess great customer service and communication skills.

· Ability to work accurately and efficiently.

· Excellent organizational skills.

· Organized, efficient, and a self-starter.

· Able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

· Able to meet critical deadlines and accommodate extended work hours, as required.

· Able to work with and cultivate the team to improve work processes.

Miscellaneous Duties

· Maintain a clean, neat and safe work area.

· Wear all assigned PPE and always observe Company/client safety requirements. 

· Regular and reliable attendance is required. 

· Always represent the Company professionally and positively.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required sit and stand; to use their hands to feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with arms and hands; and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to walk within plant locations and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.; rarely lift and/or move 50lbs. up to 100 lbs.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely works in both professional office settings and field conditions. 

Noise level in the office work environment is low; field project noise levels can be moderate to loud.

Disclaimer: The duties, responsibilities and activities outlined in this job description are representative of the job but are not all inclusive. Lakehead Constructors, Inc. reserves the right to modify the duties of this position at any time, with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. The essential duties and responsibilities of this job may also be modified to provide suitable, gainful employment to individuals who have been released to return to work with temporary or permanent restrictions.

Lakehead Constructors, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer