Project Manager, Operations Manager

The Project Manager is responsible for leading high-level structural steel construction projects from planning to completion, ensuring the project meets scope, budget, and timeline goals. This position requires a high level of coordination across departments—including engineering, detailing, procurement, production, field operations, and executive management—to deliver projects that meet or exceed client expectations., with a focus on monitoring progress and identifying and addressing risks.

SME Steel Contractors has provided comprehensive structural steel fabrication and erection since 1992 and is one of the largest fabricators/erectors of structural steel in the United States. Driven to be different from all others, SME is a division 5 company with a commitment to safety, value, and innovation. Visit  to learn more. SME Steel Contractors is a division of SME Industries, Inc.

• Health and Wellness Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Financial Benefits including competitive compensation and 401(k) plan.
• Additional Benefits including Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off, Employee Assistance Program, and more.

• Lead and oversee structural steel construction projects from award through completion, ensuring projects meet scope, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Plan, implement, and control all phases of assigned projects—including procurement, detailing, engineering, production, shipping, and field installation.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor project budgets, forecasts, and cost-to-complete reports.
• Prepare and negotiate change orders beyond original contract scope.
• Coordinate across departments to ensure accuracy in drawings, material procurement, and fabrication.
• Conduct regular meetings with internal stakeholders, clients, contractors, and field teams to communicate progress, issues, and resolutions.
• Maintain compliance with SME policies, safety standards, and contract requirements.
• Transparent reporting to executive management, client and other authorities of jurisdiction.
• Represent SME professionally in all client and subcontractor communications.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Project Management or department leadership.

Must be able to perform each essential duty daily.

• Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading large-scale structural steel construction projects.
• Leadership:
  Strong leadership and team management skills with ability to delegate and motivate.
• Problem Solving:
  Strategic thinker with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Communication:
  Effective communicator across all levels—verbal, written, and interpersonal.
• Problem Solving:
  Proactive and solutions-oriented approach to addressing challenges and improving workflows.
• Project Coordination:
  Skilled in planning, organizing, and executing project support functions in collaboration with other project managers and executive leadership.
• Technical Proficiency:
  Advanced knowledge of construction documents, specifications (AISC, AWS), and submittal processes. High proficiency in digital project management tools and document control systems.
• Discretion and Confidentiality:
  Maintains a high level of professionalism and discretion when dealing with sensitive project information.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time while working at a desk or computer, with regular use of hands and fingers for typing, using a computer mouse, and handling documents.
• Occasional lifting and moving files, supplies, or materials typically up to 40 pounds.

• Primarily works in a standard office environment with minimal exposure to temperature changes.
• Job site visits as needed will include outdoor environments and/or work from site trailers. Outdoor temperatures are unregulated, meaning depending on the season and location temperatures could be hot or cold in the immediate areas where work assignments must occur.
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