Project Manager

Job Overview

Industrial Fence Inc. is seeking a highly organized, financially disciplined, and proactive Project Manager to oversee multiple barrier installation projects from award through final closeout. As a key subcontractor partner, this role is responsible for driving successful execution while maintaining strict budget control, clear client communication, workforce coordination, and jobsite safety compliance.

The Project Manager serves as the operational leader of each assigned project — ensuring alignment between internal organization, general contractors, engineers, union personnel, and field leadership. The Project Manager is responsible for managing multiple concurrent projects and ensuring each is delivered: On schedule, within budget, in compliance with contract documents, safely and without incident, and in alignment with client expectations This role requires strong financial oversight, structured communication, and the ability to anticipate and mitigate risks before they impact the project trajectory.

Company Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

Project Ownership & Financial Management

• Manage full project lifecycle from handoff to final turnover
• Develop, monitor, and maintain project budgets and cost-to-complete forecasts
• Track buyout percentages and identify potential cost exposures
• Review and approve vendor pay applications, progress billings
• Lead and manage change order pricing, negotiation, and execution
• Ensure accurate and timely monthly cost reporting

Schedule & Logistics Management

• Develop detailed project schedules and phasing plans
• Coordinate material procurement and delivery timelines
• Locate and coordinate project utilities prior to installation
• Identify schedule constraints and adjust proactively
• Communicate schedule updates and impacts to all stakeholders

Client Communication

• Serve as primary point-of-contact for general contractors
• Maintain proactive communication regarding schedule, scope changes, risks, and delays
• Represent the company professionally in all meetings and correspondence
• Attend and lead preconstruction, scheduling, safety, and progress meetings
• Resolve scope clarifications, design issues, and field conflicts efficiently

Field Coordination & Safety Leadership

• Coordinate and support Foremen, union labor, engineers, and general contractors and provide clear expectations and accountability for field performance
• Ensure proper manpower allocation and resource planning
• Support field leadership in enforcing jobsite standards and procedures
• Champion a safety-first culture across all assigned projects
• Initiate and participate in jobsite safety meetings and walkthroughs and ensure compliance with all safety policies and union regulations
• Identify potential risks or turbulence that could derail project progress

Quality Control & Project Closeout

• Monitor jobsite quality and adherence to specifications
• Review scopes, plans, and meeting minutes to ensure alignment
• Enforce quality control standards and corrective actions
• Execute complete project turnover within 30 days of completion
• Ensure all closeout documentation is accurate and submitted on time

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong financial and cost management experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Minimum of 3 years of project management
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with project management software
• Experience working with union labor and general contractors preferred, but not required
• Knowledge of construction processes, codes, and safety standards preferred, but not required
• Ability to visit and operate on active construction jobsites
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Solutions-oriented mindset with proactive decision-making ability

Pay: $60,000 - $80,000/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.