Project Development Manager

Project Development Manager

State Mechanical Services (SMS) | Aurora, Illinois

Build Relationships. Win Projects. Drive Growth.

State Mechanical Services (SMS), a subsidiary of MechanAir Holdings, is seeking an experienced Project Development Manager to support the continued growth of our commercial and industrial mechanical construction business.

This role combines estimating, preconstruction, customer relationship management, and project procurement. You will work closely with owners, general contractors, engineers, and operations teams to develop project opportunities, prepare estimates, support project pursuits, and successfully transition awarded work into execution.

This is an ideal opportunity for a mechanical construction professional with experience in estimating, project management, field leadership, or preconstruction who wants to leverage their operational expertise to help grow a business.

What You'll Do

Project Development & Customer Relationships

• Develop and maintain relationships with customers, owners, general contractors, engineers, and industry partners
• Identify and develop commercial and industrial mechanical construction opportunities
• Support negotiated work, design-build pursuits, and strategic growth initiatives
• Help expand existing customer relationships and repeat business opportunities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Prepare budgets, estimates, and project pricing
• Review plans, specifications, and contract documents
• Perform constructability reviews and scope development
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing
• Identify project risks, assumptions, and value engineering opportunities

Project Procurement & Operations Handoff

• Support project acquisition and contract award activities
• Coordinate project turnover to operations teams
• Ensure accurate transfer of scope, budgets, schedules, and project assumptions
• Support successful project startup and execution planning

What We're Looking For

Required

• Experience in mechanical construction, estimating, project management, preconstruction, or field leadership
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, piping, plumbing, and mechanical construction systems
• Experience managing projects from estimate through closeout
• Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and contract documents
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer and project locations

Preferred

• Local 597 Journeyman background
• Experience as an Estimator, Project Manager, Superintendent, or General Foreman
• Experience with negotiated work and design-build delivery
• Existing relationships within the Chicagoland construction market
• Local 597 Estimating or Project Management coursework

Why Join State Mechanical Services?

• Growing mechanical contractor backed by MechanAir Holdings
• Opportunity to directly influence project procurement and company growth
• Work with experienced operations and construction leaders
• Competitive compensation
• Vehicle allowance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture

Location

Aurora, Illinois

This position requires regular travel to customer locations, project sites, and industry meetings throughout the Chicagoland area.

State Mechanical Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.