Real Estate Development Project Manager

ABOUT BLUE PEAK

Blue Peak Tents specializes in advanced tenting, structures, and flooring for high-end events across the Chicagoland area. Corporate galas, estate weddings, large-scale festivals. Complex installs at the highest standard. We are a growing company with a tight-knit field operations team and a real commitment to developing our people from within.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We built the Project Manager Apprenticeship Program for experienced tradespeople ready for something different. If you have spent years in the skilled trades, possibly out of a union, and you want a career with real upward mobility in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, this role was built for you.

This is not entry-level. We are hiring people who already know how to work hard, show up consistently, and solve problems in the field. What we will teach you is everything about our products, our standards, our clients, and how to run a premium event site from start to finish.

You will be in the field with experienced PMs and Crew Leaders from day one. That is how you learn at Blue Peak. Watch how they run a site, ask questions in real time, and progressively take on more ownership as your knowledge and confidence grow.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Embedded in our field operations team, learning every aspect of leading a Blue Peak project. Your responsibilities grow over time, but the work involves:

• Install, maintain, and tear down frame tents, pole tents, clearspan structures, flooring systems, and sidewalls alongside experienced PMs and Crew Leaders

• Learn temporary event power: generator placement, cable runs, load balancing, panel setups, and how to coordinate with electricians on site

• Develop working knowledge of HVAC for enclosed structures, including unit sizing, ducting, airflow, and integration with tent layout and sidewall configuration

• Understand the fine details that separate good from great: lighting tie-ins, cable management, safety clearances, and how the systems work together on a live event

• Assess tent top condition, hardware readiness, and inventory quality to determine whether materials meet the standard for the event

• Learn anchoring methods including staking, water barrels, and concrete anchors, with judgment for site-specific conditions

• Drive company vehicles (box trucks, flatbeds) to and from job sites; standard Illinois Class C license required within 30 days, Class B CDL pathway available after 6 months

• Coordinate with warehouse and dispatch on load lists, scheduling, substitutions, and last-minute changes

• Progressively take ownership of full project life cycles, from production plan review through post-teardown clean-up

• Communicate with clients, event planners, and internal teams at high-end venues

• Lead and develop crew members, setting clear expectations and building toward a capable second-in-command

WHERE THIS GOES

A structured three-phase program with a real career path. Progression is based on what you demonstrate, not just time in the seat. Plan on roughly three years from start to full PM. The events tenting industry has a steep learning curve, and we are deliberate about not rushing it. The result is a PM who actually knows the work.

PHASE 1 Apprentice (Months 1 to 18-24)

You shadow and support PMs and Crew Leaders, learn our product lines and installation methods top to bottom, and build your foundation through monthly coaching with the Director of Field Operations. This phase is about learning the work cold before you lead it. Strong candidates with prior tent or rigging experience can move to Phase 2 closer to month 18; others take the full 24 months.

Promotion is based on demonstrated competency, not time served.

PHASE 2 Associate Project Manager (Months 18-24 to 36)

Start independently leading smaller installations, take ownership of production plan review and site logistics, develop client-facing communication, and begin mentoring crew. Continued mentorship on the complex work. Quarterly assessments cover technical skill, leadership presence, and feedback from clients and peers.

PHASE 3 Project Manager (Month 36+) Starting at $100k annual salary

Full project ownership on complex, multi-day…