Senior Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About Sterling

Sterling Site Access Solutions is the nation's leader in sustainable site access, supporting energy infrastructure and large-scale construction projects across the United States. Guided by our vision of Building a Better Tomorrow, we help customers address complex access challenges, manage risk, control costs, and maintain project schedules.

Through our mission to move people, projects, and communities forward, Sterling provides innovative materials, engineered solutions, and access services that support safer and more sustainable project execution. As America's largest manufacturer of TerraLam® cross-laminated timber mats, we combine advanced U.S.-based manufacturing with a broad portfolio of site access products and services.

At Sterling, talented people have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping customers deliver critical infrastructure and construction projects. Our culture is grounded in safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and we value individuals who are committed to solving challenges and driving better outcomes. If you love owning what's next for your career and a growing organization, Sterling is where you can call home.

Travel: Overnight travel, approximately 40-60%, including site visits, client meetings, and industry events across North America.

About the Role

This is a high-impact, senior-level project management role for a leader who can both execute complex mass timber projects and elevate project management as a function. In addition to owning assigned projects end-to-end, you will establish structure, accountability, and discipline in how projects are planned and managed upstream—ensuring consistent, complete information is delivered to operations and issues are surfaced early, before they impact execution. You’ll serve as the connective tissue between Sterling’s technical experts, clients, architects, contractors, and internal operations—driving predictable delivery, continuous improvement, and world-class customer outcomes.

What You’ll DoProject Leadership & Functional Discipline

Project Leadership & Functional Discipline: Lead multi-disciplinary teams to deliver CLT projects from contract award through final completion, while also driving disciplined, repeatable project management practices across the upstream lifecycle.

Stakeholder Management & Technical Coordination

Stakeholder Management: While the sales representative acts as the main liaison for the client, the project manager plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless communication and coordination among all parties. By providing timely and accurate information to clients, architects, general contractors, and internal teams, the project manager helps build strong relationships, manages expectations, and proactively resolves any issues that arise.

Technical Coordination: Work closely with Sterling’s designers and engineers to ensure that project delivery aligns with the scope and terms outlined in the contract. Sales representatives shape proposals and pricing, while the project manager focuses on translating approved plans into successful execution. This includes verifying technical accuracy, maintaining compliance with industry standards, and actively monitoring project progress to ensure all deliverables meet contractual requirements.

Scheduling, Budgeting & Risk Management

Scheduling & Budgeting: Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, budgets, and forecasts. Track progress, control costs, and drive projects to meet or exceed margin targets.

Proactive Risk, Issue & Quality Management: Identify risks, scope gaps, and coordination issues early; implement mitigation and escalation paths before they impact execution. Uphold Sterling’s quality standards across design, production readiness, and delivery.

Standardization, Governance & Continuous Improvement

Standardization & Continuous Improvement: Establish and reinforce standardized upstream project management rhythms, tools, and deliverables (e.g., kickoff requirements, scope validation, schedule baselines, change control). Capture lessons learned and drive accountability when the same gaps recur—closing the loop across teams and projects.

Governance & Accountability: Run clear project governance (cadence, milestones, decision logs, and escalations) and hold stakeholders accountable to commitments, timelines, and required inputs—improving predictability across projects and reducing downstream firefighting.

Market Presence & Operational Readiness

Market Presence: Represent Sterling at industry events, trade shows, and site walks. Stay ahead of mass timber trends to spot opportunities and enhance Sterling’s reputation as the go-to CLT partner.

Operational Readiness, Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate, complete project records in CRM and project management systems and ensure consistent handoff packages to internal operations (scope, schedule, risks, assumptions, changes, and required decisions). Communicate status, risks, and decisions to leadership and customers with clarity and transparency.

Collaboration & Growth

Collaboration with Experts: Partner daily with experienced technical teams to deliver compelling solutions, budgets, and design guidance—translating complex mass timber benefits into successful project outcomes.

Revenue & Growth Focus: Drive successful project completion that aligns with company growth objectives, contributing directly to Sterling’s market leadership and your personal success.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 5+ years of project management experience in commercial construction, structural engineering, or mass timber projects.
• Strong technical background and understanding of structural systems, building codes, and sustainable construction practices.
• Proven leadership in managing complex projects, teams, and client relationships.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills—able to build rapport quickly in face-to-face and virtual settings.
• Advanced proficiency in project management tools (MS Project, Primavera, or similar) and CRM systems.
• Willingness to travel extensively (40-60%) and be based at our Phoenix, IL plant or regional locations as needed.
• Entrepreneurial spirit: Self-starter who owns outcomes, learns fast, and thrives in a results-driven culture.

Preferred Experience

• PMP or equivalent project management certification preferred.
• Prior experience with CLT, mass timber, or sustainable construction projects; familiarity with AEC networking and technical sales.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive health coverage, including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options to support your healthcare and dependent care needs
• Company-paid Life Insurance benefit of $25,000
• Optional voluntary benefits, including supplemental Life Insurance, Disability coverage, and Pet Insurance
• Generous paid time off, including Company Holidays, Vacation, Personal Time, and Parental Leave
• Safe Harbor 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% employer contribution
• A culture that values employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance