Project Manager Assistant

Industrial Fence Inc. (IFI Chicago) is a veteran owned manufacturer and installer of guardrail systems, crash attenuators, perimeter security fencing, bridge rails, and access control solutions, proudly made in the Chicago. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Chicago's industrial corridor, IFI has grown over 25 years into one of Chicagoland's most trusted highway safety and security subcontractors. Our clients include IDOT, ISTHA, CDOT, the Chicago Department of Aviation, CTA, ComEd, Union Pacific Railroad, and leading general contractors across the region. As we continue to expand, we are seeking a driven and detail-oriented Project Manager Assistant to support our PM team from pre-construction through project closeout.

This is an entry-level opportunity for someone looking to launch a career in construction project management. The Project Manager Assistant at IFI supports our experienced PM team across active projects throughout Chicagoland. You will learn the business from the ground up, helping coordinate schedules, manage communications, track materials, and conduct site visits alongside seasoned professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Communication Support

• Help manage day-to-day project communications between the PM, field foremen, general contractors, and agency contacts.
• Draft and send routine emails, meeting notes, and follow-ups on behalf of the PM.
• Assist in preparing project status updates and progress summaries for the PM to review and distribute.
• Relay information between the office and field crews clearly and in a timely manner.

Utility Locates & Site Coordination

• Coordinate JULIE (811) utility locate requests for upcoming job sites; track ticket status and confirm clearances before work begins.
• Assist the PM in scheduling and conducting pre-construction site visits to document existing conditions.
• Take site photos, field notes, and measurements as directed during site walks.
• Help identify and flag potential site issues (access, conflicts, utility concerns) to the PM.

Project Scheduling & Coordination

• Support the PM in tracking project schedules and milestones across active guardrail, attenuator, and fence jobs.
• Help maintain the project calendar and assist with crew scheduling logistics under PM direction.
• Follow up with GCs, inspectors, and internal teams on open items, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Organize and maintain project files including daily logs, submittals, RFIs, and inspection records.

Procurement & Material Management

• Assist the PM in preparing and tracking material purchase orders for guardrail, fencing, and attenuator components.
• Help coordinate material deliveries with suppliers and confirm quantities against project requirements.
• Maintain a running materials log for each job; track what has been delivered, installed, and what remains on order.
• Support yard inventory checks and flag shortages or overages to the PM.

Cost Tracking Support

• Help the PM monitor project costs by entering and organizing data in spreadsheets or PM software.
• Collect and organize vendor invoices, delivery tickets, and purchase orders for PM review.
• Assist with tracking material quantities installed vs. ordered to support monthly pay applications.
• Flag any potential budget concerns or discrepancies to the PM for resolution.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required; no prior construction experience necessary, we will train the right candidate.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple tasks.
• Comfortable communicating clearly in writing and over the phone with contractors, vendors, and internal teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook); ability to learn new software quickly.
• Valid Illinois driver's license and reliable transportation; ability to travel to job sites across Chicagoland.
• Willingness to obtain OSHA 10-Hour Construction certification within 60 days of hire
• Positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and a team-first work ethic.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Any prior experience in construction, field admin, logistics, or customer coordination is a plus.
• Familiarity with the Chicago construction landscape (IDOT, CDOT, Cook County projects) is helpful but not required.
• Experience with project management tools is a bonus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hybrid role: primarily office-based with regular field visits to active job sites.
• Exposure to outdoor conditions, active roadway environments, and construction sites, PPE required in the field.
• Occasional early morning starts or evening availability required to coordinate with overnight/early-morning crews.
• Travel primarily within Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, and Lake counties.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 3% Match
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Pay: $45,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Note to Recruiters, Placement Agencies, and Similar Organizations: Industrial Fence, Inc (IFI Chicago) does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Please do not forward unsolicited agency resumes to our jobs alias, website, or to any IFI Chicago employee. IFI Chicago will not pay fees to any third party agency or firm and will not be responsible for any agency fees associated with unsolicited resumes. Unsolicited resumes received will be considered property of IFI Chicago and will be processed accordingly.