Assistant Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Wolverine Construction, formerly Wolverine Building Group is recognized nationally as a leader in the construction industry. We specialize in industrial, multi-unit residential, healthcare, office, retail, and restaurant construction. We provide quality building solutions through integrity, value and craftsmanship and are a growth company of nearly 200 employees headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan with locations in Brighton and Lansing, Michigan. 

As an organization, we exist to positively impact people and communities.

We’re proud to be consistently recognized as one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For,” a testament to our commitment not only to excellence in construction, but to fostering a workplace where our people can succeed and grow.

The Assistant Project Manager helps keep commercial construction projects within established goals for safety, quality, timeliness, budget, and profitability. Ensures exceptional client experience according to the Wolverine Way, aligned with our core values. Organizes highly complex activities for the successful design, development, implementation, and completion of commercial construction projects.

• Develops project leadership and management skills for limited volumes of commercial construction projects (in complexity, number, or overall dollar amount) from design through closeout, implementing best practices in collaboration with experienced team members.
• Supports complex relationships (owner/client, architect, subcontractors, consultants, superintendents, etc.) with the guidance of more experienced project managers.
• Gains experience in construction processes (conceptual to final estimating, development of design and construction documents, site safety preparation, buy-out, schedule management, contract/budget management, closeout, etc.).
• During the preconstruction phase of construction, assists with permitting, value engineering, pre-bid coordination, bidding process, post bid coordination and meetings, design team meetings, project team selection and subcontract issuance.  Coordinates new trades with site personnel.
• Develops work scopes, bid scopes, front end packages, bids, and buyouts.
• Supports project processes and meetings from project conception to completion, including the project kick-off, site-specific safety plan implementation/enforcement, progress meetings, owner/architect/contractor meetings, subcontractor coordination meetings, mobilization, exit strategy, punch-list, closeout, etc. Attends weekly owner and subcontractor meetings, taking minutes during those meetings. Completes owner reports and update schedules/completion matrices. Issues all addenda/bulletin changes to project team. 
• During the construction phase, coordinates subcontract management/maintenance, owner contract maintenance, project management software maintenance, construction plan and specification maintenance, Requests for Information (RFI) and submittal coordination and maintenance.
• Cross-references a 3-week look-ahead with master schedule for each project, identifies and rectifies project impacts, using lessons learned to be proactive in construction delivery and add value to the construction team and our projects. 
• Builds a foundation for project management in the built environment, including an understanding of Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing (MEP) system options and recommendations, client business operations, code and energy requirements, and conceptual estimating and pricing impacts. 
• Assists with budget maintenance. Acquires and reviews cost estimates, ensures estimates are accurate. Reviews and approves project invoices, works with accounts receivable and experienced project managers to learn how to monitor overall project health.
• During the Closeout phase, assists with the coordination of job site de-mobilization and close out documents; ensures that “green” communities close out requirements are in order so they can obtain government credits or LEED certification. 
• Builds understanding of hazardous conditions/brownfield/site issues and develops initial site-specific safety plans for review by Superintendents and Project Managers. Implements safety on site.
• With experienced Project Manager or Director of Construction, supports the overall project and client relationship.
• Maintains an accurate and up-to-date budget for each assigned project.
• Completes project financial tasks in a timely fashion, such as owner/client and trade partner change orders, budget updates, project dashboards, owner/client/bank draw requests, invoice approvals and others as may be required on a project-by-project basis.
• Supplies information for project health dashboard (including schedule control, contract details, subcontractor status, and cost summary) on each project and reviews with supervisor at least monthly.
• Submits change orders with cost breakdown and appropriate backup information to Owners/Architects for authorized signatures before proceeding with implementation of the change in work.
• Coordinates with jobsite Superintendent any changes to the scope of work.
• Conducts site walk-through and schedules future work to avoid project delays. Identifies and resolves design and construction issues as they arise or as are provided by jobsite superintendent, architect, or client.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• Two (2) years of experience in Construction Management, Engineering, or Project Management.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Joining our collaborative work environment provides opportunities for advancement, competitive wages, and great benefits including:

• Low-cost medical insurance options, including a HDHP with HSA match

• Dental, vision, basic life, voluntary life, short- and long-term disability insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan with generous employer match

• Company holidays, parental leave, and paid time off

• Profit-sharing / performance-based bonus

• Personal growth opportunities through training and education; tuition reimbursement

• Opportunities to engage in community involvement and paid volunteer time

Wolverine Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment, or in terms or conditions of employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.