Project Manager

Job Description

ue to continued business growth, our client is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join their established, family-owned architectural millwork company serving the commercial interiors market.

\n

This is an outstanding opportunity for someone who thrives on taking ownership of projects from preconstruction through installation while collaborating with engineering, production, purchasing, field installation, and general contractors to deliver exceptional results.

\n

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in architectural millwork project management , with experience in estimating considered a significant advantage. They are an excellent communicator, highly organized, detail-oriented, and possess the technical mindset needed to anticipate challenges, identify value engineering opportunities, and successfully manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

\n

Position Summary

\n

As Project Manager, you will own every aspect of your projects following the estimating handoff—or in some cases, from estimate through project completion. You will be responsible for maintaining schedules, managing budgets, coordinating internal departments and subcontractors, and serving as the primary liaison between clients, field personnel, and manufacturing.

\n

Success in this role requires someone who is proactive, collaborative, ethical, personable, and capable of balancing technical details with outstanding customer service.

\n

Key Responsibilities

\n

Project Management

\n

\n
• Manage commercial architectural millwork projects from estimating handoff through final installation and closeout
\n
• Review architectural drawings, specifications, contracts, and project scope to ensure complete understanding of project requirements
\n
• Assume full ownership of project schedules and proactively drive projects to successful completion
\n
• Review engineering submittals and shop drawings for accuracy and coordination
\n
• Prepare, review, and submit Requests for Information (RFIs)
\n
• Monitor production schedules and review production reports to ensure manufacturing stays aligned with project milestones
\n
• Participate in weekly production meetings to review project status, priorities, and scheduling
\n

\n

Financial & Contract Administration

\n

\n
• Manage project budgets and cost tracking throughout the project lifecycle
\n
• Maintain Schedule of Values (SOV) and monitor project financial performance
\n
• Prepare and submit monthly billings and payment applications
\n
• Review and process change orders
\n
• Coordinate with accounting to obtain Certificates of Insurance and other required project documentation
\n

\n

Purchasing & Subcontractor Coordination

\n

\n
• Complete hardware and finish material takeoffs for purchasing
\n
• Coordinate procurement of specialty materials and long-lead items
\n
• Manage subcontractors performing solid surface, metal fabrication, and other specialty scopes
\n
• Ensure subcontractors remain aligned with project schedules, quality standards, and installation requirements
\n

\n

Field & Production Coordination

\n

\n
• Work closely with engineering, purchasing, production, and field installation teams
\n
• Coordinate manpower requirements with field foremen and installation supervisors
\n
• Ensure production, deliveries, and installation activities remain synchronized
\n
• Identify project risks early and implement practical solutions to minimize schedule or budget impacts
\n

\n

Client Communication

\n

\n
• Serve as the primary point of contact for general contractors, architects, owners, vendors, and internal departments
\n
• Build strong relationships through consistent, proactive communication
\n
• Provide project updates while maintaining a high level of professionalism and customer service
\n
• Identify opportunities for value engineering that improve efficiency without compromising quality or design intent
\n

\n

Qualifications

\n

Required

\n

\n
• 5+ years of Project Management experience within the architectural millwork, commercial casework, or custom woodworking industry
\n
• Strong understanding of millwork construction methods, manufacturing processes, materials, hardware, finishes, and installation sequencing
\n
• Experience managing multiple commercial projects simultaneously
\n
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
\n
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage project documentation
\n
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
\n

\n

Preferred

\n

\n
• Experience estimating architectural millwork projects
\n
• Ability to transition projects seamlessly from estimating into execution
\n
• Knowledge of submittals, fabrication processes, purchasing, and production workflows
\n
• Experience reviewing shop drawings and engineering documentation
\n
• Value engineering experience that improves project outcomes while controlling costs
\n

\n

The Ideal Candidate

\n

We're looking for someone who is:

\n

\n
• A confident and consistent communicator
\n
• Honest, ethical, and highly dependable
\n
• Personable with strong relationship-building skills
\n
• Collaborative and team-oriented
\n
• Detail-oriented with an engineering mindset
\n
• Customer-focused with strong salesmanship and negotiation skills
\n
• Able to see both the big picture and the smallest details
\n
• Passionate about delivering exceptional projects on time and within budget
\n

\n

Location: Chicago, Illinois

\n

This is an in-office position. Relocation assistance will be considered for an exceptional architectural millwork professional.

\n

Why Consider This Opportunity?

\n

\n
• Join a financially stable, family-owned company experiencing continued growth.
\n
• Work alongside an experienced leadership team in a collaborative, team-first environment.
\n
• Manage high-profile commercial interior millwork projects from concept through completion.
\n
• Enjoy significant autonomy while making a direct impact on project success and customer satisfaction.
\n
• Build a long-term career with an organization that values integrity, craftsmanship, communication, and continuous improvement.
\n

\n