Senior Project Manager
Job Description
Title: Senior Project Manager
Location: DeForest, WI
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000
Must have Skill Set: 5–10 years of PM experience in Electric Power Distribution/Transmission and Substation projects, union labor relations experience, and a strong background in budgeting and business development.
Overview: The Senior Project Manager plays a pivotal role in driving organizational growth by actively pursuing and acquiring new business opportunities through exceptional client relationship management. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of high-voltage electric power transmission, distribution, and substation projects. The ideal candidate will successfully coordinate project preparation and execution, managing budgets, personnel, and equipment while maintaining an unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and strong union relations. Balancing time between a professional office setting and active construction sites, this individual acts as the primary bridge between engineering designs, field operations, and client satisfaction.
Job Duties
Business Development & Client Management: Actively pursue and secure new business by developing strong client relationships, delivering presentations, and maintaining a deep understanding of project plans, specifications, and contracts. Keep customers fully informed of progress, negotiate fee changes, and ensure complete client satisfaction upon project release.
Project Estimation & Financials: Prepare project estimates, budgets, and schedules. Manage all contract administrative aspects, including change orders, rental equipment, timesheet coding, billing, expenses, and collections.
Execution & Quality Control: Monitor project adherence to schedules, safety standards, and budgets through on-site job meetings, progress reports, performance evaluations, and safety meetings.
Design & Trade Coordination: Work closely with architects and engineers to resolve design issues and ensure the timely processing and approval of shop drawings. Resolve coordination issues with trades on-site.
Resource Management: Plan, direct, and coordinate manpower, equipment, tools, and supply needs. Purchase standardized materials, monitor equipment maintenance, and ensure proper repairs are completed post-job.
Labor Relations: Supervise field crews through foremen. Maintain collaborative union relationships with field employees and local business managers, participating in joint labor-management and apprenticeship subcommittees.
Project Closeout: Direct the complete job closeout process, including punch list resolution, recording "as-built" drawings, and distributing operating and maintenance manuals to the client.
Corporate Participation: Strengthen client relationships by hosting or participating in company-supported events, attending annual divisional meetings, and serving on corporate committees as required.
Qualifications
Experience: 5 to 10 years of direct experience managing construction industry projects specifically focused on Electric Power Distribution, Transmission, and Substation work.
Education: Minimum of four years of technical education in an engineering field, construction management coursework, or the completion of an apprenticeship in a respective discipline.
Leadership & Supervision: Proven track record of supervising field crews through foremen and navigating complex labor agreements.
Financial Acumen: Strong proficiency in tracking, managing, and maintaining a wide range of complex project budgets.
Skills: Excellent analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal, and verbal/written communication skills.
Physical & Environmental Requirements:
Ability to work in a standard office environment with regular sitting, standing, and computer use.
Ability to work on active field construction sites in all weather conditions to survey sites and coordinate trades.
Ability to climb up and down ladders and steps on site, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Meet Your Recruiter
Mason Curtis
Senior Recruiter
Mason Curtis is an Energy, Infrastructure & Construction Specialist at Sterling Engineering with more than seven years of recruiting experience, including one year with Sterling. He focuses on connecting skilled candidates with opportunities across energy, infrastructure, and construction, helping clients build strong teams while supporting candidates through meaningful career moves.
Mason is committed to understanding each candidate’s experience, goals, and potential, then advocating for opportunities where they can succeed long-term. His approach is rooted in persistence, communication, and a genuine desire to help people move forward in their careers.
That commitment is reflected in the feedback he receives from candidates. One candidate shared that Mason went above and beyond to help them earn an interview opportunity, even when they were up against individuals with more experience. Mason’s advocacy helped open the door to a role where the candidate now feels valued, supported, and grateful to be part of a company they respect.
For Mason, recruiting is about more than filling positions. It is about creating opportunities that can have a lasting impact on people’s lives, careers, and futures.