Job Information
Actalent Project Manager in DES PLAINES, Illinois
Job Title: Project Manager
Job Description
This role leads multiple fast-moving Job Order Contracting (JOC) construction projects from initial due diligence through closeout, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to high standards of quality and safety. The Project Manager oversees all phases of the project lifecycle, coordinates closely with field and office teams, and serves as a primary point of contact for owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors.
Responsibilities
Lead and execute core project management activities, including due diligence, design review, value engineering, defining subcontract scopes, negotiating contracts, establishing and controlling schedules, and reviewing and approving scope changes.
Manage multiple concurrent JOC projects and direct a team of construction personnel on jobs of varying size and complexity.
Accurately estimate project costs and develop clear, comprehensive project scopes for potential bidders.
Coordinate field activities between ownership and the office to ensure alignment on project goals, timelines, and budgets.
Maintain and monitor general conditions and job costing to support accurate financial tracking and reporting.
Oversee the entire project lifecycle, including scheduling, purchasing, quality control, and safety compliance.
Participate in pre-construction services, including cost estimating and value engineering, to optimize project scope and budget.
Provide supervisory oversight for Project Engineers, Assistant Project Managers, and Construction Interns assigned to contracts and work orders.
Negotiate financial disputes and change orders with owners, ensuring fair and timely resolution.
Serve as the primary point of contact for project management staff, architects, subcontractors, owners, engineers, and other stakeholders.
Document and negotiate changes that may impact project completion dates or contract costs with subcontractors and owners.
Provide on-site supervision as needed and coordinate work with other subcontractors and parties on the project site.
Plan and manage all site activities performed by sub-trades, ensuring efficient sequencing and execution of work.
Ensure that all projects adhere to high standards of safety and quality throughout construction.
Adhere to company policies and regulations while promoting a culture of accountability and professionalism.
Perform other project-related duties as assigned to support successful delivery and client satisfaction.
Essential Skills
Minimum of 5+ years of construction project management experience, specifically with Job Order Contracting (JOC) projects.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting schedule, budget, and quality targets.
Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to make sound judgments under tight deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and lead project teams, including Project Engineers, Assistant Project Managers, and interns.
Solid understanding of construction processes and construction law as it relates to contracts, disputes, and change orders.
Experience in on-site supervision and coordination of subcontractors and other parties on active construction sites.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams.
Customer service orientation with a focus on building and maintaining positive client relationships.
Proficiency with Microsoft Project for scheduling and project planning.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook for documentation, reporting, and communication.
Commitment to adhering to company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred but not required.
Experience performing due diligence, design review, and value engineering on commercial construction projects.
Experience defining subcontract scopes and negotiating subcontractor contracts.
Experience preparing accurate cost estimates and detailed scopes of work for bidders.
Experience negotiating financial disputes and change orders with owners and subcontractors.
OSHA 30-hour training, demonstrating strong safety awareness and compliance.
Ability to provide strong, supportive leadership that motivates teams and drives accountability.
Strong organizational and time management skills to handle fast-moving, multiple concurrent projects.
Work Environment
This position operates primarily in an office environment (approximately 80% of the time), with regular visits to active project sites (approximately 20% of the time). The role involves frequent coordination between office staff and field personnel, as well as direct interaction with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors. On-site work may require adherence to standard construction site safety practices and personal protective equipment. The work setting is fast paced, with multiple projects moving simultaneously, requiring responsiveness, clear communication, and effective collaboration across teams.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of DES PLAINES, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $39.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in DES PLAINES,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 6, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.