Construction Assistant Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Assistant Project Manager supports the Project Manager in planning, coordinating, documenting, and administering commercial construction projects from startup through final closeout. The role is designed to build the technical, financial, contractual, and leadership skills necessary to progress into a Project Manager position while providing meaningful day-to-day support to the project team.

The Assistant Project Manager helps manage RFIs, submittals, procurement, meeting minutes, subcontractor documentation, change events, cost tracking, schedule updates, owner and subcontractor communication, and closeout requirements. This position works closely with the Project Manager and Superintendent to keep information moving, identify issues early, and ensure commitments are tracked through completion. The APM is expected to understand the drawings and specifications, maintain organized and accurate Procore records, follow up proactively with project stakeholders, and increasingly take ownership of defined scopes and project processes. Success is measured by timely documentation, reliable follow-through, effective coordination, growing financial and scheduling knowledge, and demonstrated readiness for increased project-management responsibility.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Manager with project startup, execution, financial controls, and closeout activities.

• Create, distribute, track, and close RFIs in coordination with the project team and design professionals.

• Manage submittal logs, review workflows, required dates, and subcontractor follow-up to support procurement and schedule needs.

• Maintain procurement logs and track long-lead materials, equipment, fabrication, approvals, and delivery commitments.

• Assist with subcontract and purchase order preparation, scope exhibits, insurance requirements, and executed contract documentation.

• Maintain current project drawings, specifications, addenda, bulletins, ASIs, and other contract documents in Procore.

• Prepare meeting agendas and minutes and track assigned action items through completion.

• Assist with change event documentation, subcontractor pricing, proposal requests, change order logs, and supporting documentation.

• Support project cost tracking, committed cost reviews, budget updates, and monthly forecasting.

• Assist with owner billings, subcontractor pay applications, lien documentation, and payment-related project records.

• Coordinate with the Superintendent on field questions, procurement needs, schedule impacts, inspections, and documentation.

• Review subcontractor submittals and project documents for completeness before routing for formal review.

• Track owner, architect, engineer, subcontractor, and vendor commitments and follow up proactively.

• Participate in OAC, subcontractor, coordination, and internal project meetings.

• Assist with project schedule updates in Microsoft Project and maintain awareness of critical milestones.

• Maintain punch list, closeout, O&M manual, warranty, attic stock, training, and as-built documentation.

• Support commissioning and turnover activities as required by the project.

• Develop increasing ownership of assigned trades, scopes, or project processes under the direction of the Project Manager.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.

• Proficient or developing proficiency in Procore for RFIs, submittals, drawings, meeting minutes, commitments, change events, punch lists, and closeout.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Project for reviewing schedules, updating progress, and understanding project milestones.

• Proficient with Bluebeam for drawing review, markups, document comparison, and coordination.

• Strong digital organization and document-control skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.

• 2–5 years of commercial construction experience preferred.

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organization, follow-through, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Desire and demonstrated ability to develop into a Project Manager role.

• OSHA 30 or equivalent preferred.

Performance Expectations

• RFIs, submittals, procurement items, and action items are processed and followed up on within required timeframes.

• Project records in Procore are current, accurate, organized, and complete.

• Long-lead items and potential schedule impacts are identified and communicated early.

• Change documentation is complete and supports timely pricing and resolution.

• Closeout documentation is actively managed throughout the project rather than deferred until the end.

• Assigned scopes and responsibilities are completed with increasing independence.

• Communication with field teams, subcontractors, design professionals, and clients is timely and professional.

• Demonstrates measurable growth in financial management, scheduling, contracts, and project leadership.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and active construction-site environments.

• Ability to walk jobsites, climb stairs and ladders, and navigate uneven terrain while wearing PPE.

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.

• Ability to travel to assigned project sites and meetings.

Work Environment

• Combination of project office, corporate office, and active construction-site environments.

• Regular interaction with project teams, subcontractors, clients, and design professionals.

• Schedule may require occasional early mornings, extended hours, or project-specific meetings.

• PPE is required while working in active construction areas.

Core Values & Competencies

• Act with integrity and professionalism in every decision and interaction.

• Put safety first and actively support a culture in which everyone is responsible for safe execution.

• Take ownership of commitments and remain accountable for results.

• Communicate openly, directly, respectfully, and in a timely manner.

• Build trust with clients, teammates, design partners, subcontractors, and the communities in which Merit works.

• Seek better ways to plan, communicate, build, and serve through continuous improvement.

• Support team development and share knowledge that strengthens the organization.

• Represent Merit with pride and protect the company’s reputation.

• Demonstrate humility by remaining open to feedback, recognizing the contributions of others, and putting the success of the team and project ahead of individual recognition.

• Promote collaboration by working across teams, disciplines, and project partners to solve problems, share information, and achieve the best overall outcome.

• Bring and continuously develop expertise by applying strong technical knowledge, sound judgment, lessons learned, and industry best practices to improve project and company performance.