Project Manager - Direct Hire (Bellingham, WA; Billings, MT; Bismarck, ND; Minneapolis, MN; Spokane, WA; Vancouver, WA)
Summary The Project Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, monitoring, and managing multi-discipline engineering activities and resources to successfully execute small- to mid-capital retrofit projects from initiation through closeout. This role carries single-point accountability for integrating and leading project teams to achieve scope, schedule, cost, quality, and safety objectives. An engineering background with experience in heavy industrial environments-such as pulp & paper, petroleum refining, hydrocarbons, high-tech manufacturing, or specialty chemicals-is strongly preferred.
Reporting Structure Reports administratively to the Manager of Projects.
Key Responsibilities Client & Stakeholder Management -
Maintain effective and professional interaction with clients and stakeholders, clearly defining and managing expectations.
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Ensure fulfillment of all Company and client contractual obligations.
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Monitor client satisfaction and proactively address concerns, engaging Company leadership when necessary.
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Promote Company capabilities and pursue opportunities to expand scope of services where value is demonstrated.
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Protect the interests, confidentiality, and reputation of both the Company and its clients.
Project Planning & Execution -
Initiate, plan, execute, and close projects in accordance with approved proposals, contracts, and Company procedures.
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Develop Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), project execution plans, and detailed schedules covering scope, cost, schedule, risks, and deliverables.
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Define project organization and coordinate with engineering and design leadership to secure appropriate resources.
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Clearly establish roles, responsibilities, and interfaces among the client, Company, and third parties.
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Manage interdisciplinary engineering activities within a stage-gated project delivery framework (e.g., Front-End Loading).
Schedule, Cost & Risk Management -
Develop and maintain project schedules using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6, managing dependencies and critical path activities.
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Identify, assess, document, and manage project risks and mitigation strategies.
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Implement effective management-of-change processes, including forecasting impacts, preparing change orders, and updating budgets, schedules, and scopes.
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Monitor and report project progress, costs, risks, and quality, providing accurate forecasts and recommending corrective actions as required.
Communication & Documentation -
Communicate project expectations, risks, and priorities clearly and consistently to project teams and internal stakeholders.
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Ensure timely preparation, submission, tracking, and approval of deliverables and work packages.
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Maintain accurate, organized project records and ensure proper documentation control and archiving.
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Lead project closeout activities, including documentation handover, lessons learned, and closeout reporting.
Financial & Contract Administration -
Review and approve client invoices and actively monitor payment status.
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Ensure project execution aligns with contractual scope, client requirements, and Company standards.
Leadership & Team Development -
Provide clear direction, set performance expectations, and foster collaboration across disciplines and offices.
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Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and open communication.
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Address conflicts constructively and drive issues to resolution.
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Support the development of project personnel and recognize individual and team accomplishments.
Education, Skills & Experience -
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred); Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
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Minimum 10+ years of relevant engineering and project experience in heavy industrial environments.
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At least 5 years of experience managing capital projects, preferably small- to mid-cap retrofit projects.
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Prior consulting engineering experience strongly preferred.
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Strong proficiency in critical path scheduling using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6.
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Experience managing distributed teams and work-sharing across multiple locations.
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Willingness to travel routinely to domestic project sites.
Certifications & Credentials General Requirements -
Legal authorization to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship available).
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Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage change, and prioritize multiple responsibilities.
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Strong verbal, written, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills.
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Commitment to ethical conduct, safety, and Company policies.
Workplace & Physical Requirements -
Ability and willingness to work at industrial client sites, comply with safety requirements, and wear required PPE.
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Capable of performing site-related physical activities, including walking, climbing, lifting (up to 50 lbs occasionally), and working in loud or hazardous environments.
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Valid driver's license and insurability required; ability to travel by air without restriction.
Pre-Employment Requirements Benefits Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, 401(k), Company-paid Life & AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, and exempt staff compensation for hours worked beyond 40 per week.