Project Manager, Operations Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager

Project Manager – Industrial Water Treatment

Location: St. Michael, MN – candidates must reside within commuting distance of the office.

Apex Water and Process is a trusted leader in water and process management. We simplify complex water and process challenges for industrial customers and are seeking a local Project Manager to lead large‑scale, custom capital equipment projects from kick‑off through completion.

• Lead the planning and execution of large‑scale custom capital equipment projects, serving as the primary point of contact for external customers and EPC partners.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships, proactively managing expectations, resolving issues, and driving project alignment from proposal through delivery.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, including scope, schedule, milestones, budgets, and resource allocation, while holding internal and external stakeholders accountable.
• Prepare, review, and present financial and performance reports at key project milestones to both customers and company leadership.
• Facilitate effective cross‑departmental collaboration to ensure engineering, procurement, fabrication, and field service teams remain aligned with customer requirements.
• Manage and negotiate change orders, ensuring commercial implications are communicated clearly and approved appropriately.
• Monitor and drive project progression, with a particular focus on identifying risks, mitigating delays, and escalating issues as needed.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership throughout all phases of project execution.
• Evaluate completed projects for efficiency and customer satisfaction, incorporating lessons learned into future process improvements.
• Report regularly to company leadership regarding project status, risks, and performance metrics.
• Adhere to and enforce all safety policies and guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline, PMP certification, or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of proven experience managing large, complex, custom capital equipment projects.
• Demonstrated success in direct, external customer‑facing project management with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
• A passion for customer relations and delivering an exceptional client experience.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical and commercial concepts clearly.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple departments and raise task tension when needed to drive project milestones.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to multi‑task, prioritize, and plan effectively.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
• Willingness to travel (~10% of the time).

• Experience interpreting and applying contract terms & conditions, specification language, Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), General Arrangement (GA) Drawings, and Electrical Schematics.
• Prior experience in industrial water treatment, process systems, or another highly technical industry.
• Proficiency with project management software and tools.
• Hands‑on experience working with EPC firms and managing projects in partnership with them.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Project Management and Information Technology

Industry: Chemical Manufacturing

Apex is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We offer equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

EOE Statement – We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.