Project Manager I
Company : Gilbane
Location : Chicago, IL, 60606
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 31 December 2025
Overview
Are you looking for a highly rewarding opportunity that provides extensive career growth opportunity? Gilbane is seeking a Project Manager I to be responsible for supporting the Senior Project Manager and/or Project Manager II in the overall direction, completion, and financial outcome of a construction project, or serving in the lead role over a small project. This position will be on the job site every day and will fill a key role on the project team.
Who are we?
As a Top-10 ENR Contractor, Gilbane is a family-owned business with 45 offices that has been shaping communities since 1870. Consistently recognized as one of the most reputable construction management firms in the country, Gilbane is committed to delivering projects safely and on-time. You will have the opportunity to build schools, labs, hospitals, corporate offices, sports arenas and more!
We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Who are you?
You are a coach/leader who leads with an inclusive and empathetic mindset. You provide feedback and guidance to help others excel in their current or future roles. You determine priorities, delegate work, and effectively communicate progress. You establish measures to assess the impact, quality, and timeliness of results while praising successes and sharing lessons learned. You build high performing teams by attracting, engaging, developing, and retaining talented individuals through motivation and discipline to maximize impact on the organization and the individual.
You leverage business insights by understanding industry trends, local market/economic conditions, and Gilbane’s business model to make critical decisions and create competitive advantage. You deploy a strategic mindset when considering solutions to long-term opportunities and risks that may develop in the future.
Your core values match Gilbane’s: Integrity, Caring, Teamwork, Toughmindedness, Dedication to Excellence, Discipline, Loyalty, and Entrepreneurship.
What’s in it for you?
Gilbane offers employees multi-dimensional training opportunities through a number of resources. While managing your responsibilities to the project, you will be able to enroll in trainings through our award-winning Gilbane University to build leadership and technical skills. In addition, you will work with experienced Sr. Project Managers and Project Executives on each job site which provides you with opportunity to learn new industry skills every day. You will protect and promote the interests of both Gilbane and the client in all matters as well as demonstrating the personal characteristics of a developing leader.
Responsibilities
- Assists in preparation and administration of the project safety plan
- Assists in project controls and procedures, and manages established risk mitigation processes
- Creates and follows through on potential change items and participates in verification of project financial forecast
- Creates and manages a project-specific quality plan aligned with the owner contract and contract documents and assists with execution
- Creates and manages a closeout plan in alignment with the contract documents and assist with execution
- Directs and supervises work of project administration, project superintendents, and engineers to establish operational priorities
- Assists in subcontracting strategy, supports scope writing and deliverables to ensure the integrity of the buyout process
- Implements and enforces all aspects of contracts; participates in developing risk mitigation plan; prepares draft contracts, agreements, and purchase orders
- Participates in enrollment for insurance and bonds; tracks and obtains trade contractors’ compliance
- Provides support as needed to develop project estimate, design coordination efforts, and preparation of GMP
- Prepares monthly schedule updates, including schedule analysis, and narratives for select packages
- Assists constructability and coordination reviews
- Develops a basic understanding of the local market areas and profiles to assist in creation of networking strategy
- Trains direct reports on processes, procedures, and completion of daily tasks
- Manages workload and performance of direct reports, ensuring alignment with overall company standards
- Fosters a positive and inclusive work environment to motivate and engage team members
- Aids in communicating company and department strategy to direct reports
Qualifications
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management
- 4-7 years of experience
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Strong technical and communication skills are critical
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Knowledge of industry standard software, Microsoft Office (preferred)
Salary to be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience of the applicant, as well as the internal equity and alignment with the team.
For Chicago, IL this ranges from $103,000 - $128,700 plus benefits and retirement program.
Gilbane offers an excellent total compensation package which includes competitive health and welfare benefits and a generous profit-sharing/401k plan. We invest in our employees’ education and have built Gilbane University into a top training organization in the construction industry. Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.
Gilbane is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Note to Recruiters, Placement Agencies, and Similar Organizations: Gilbane does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Please do not forward unsolicited agency resumes to our jobs alias, website, or to any Gilbane employee. Gilbane will not pay fees to any third party agency or firm and will not be responsible for any agency fees associated with unsolicited resumes. Unsolicited resumes received will be considered property of Gilbane and will be processed accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago's construction sector is robust, with steady demand for entry-level project managers. However, competition can be significant due to the city's strong industry presence. Candidates with solid construction management experience and local market knowledge tend to have a competitive edge.
Operating as a Project I in Chicago means navigating dynamic urban construction environments and coordinating teams amidst diverse stakeholder expectations. The city's regulatory landscape and weather conditions add complexity, requiring adaptable leadership and proactive communication skills.
Project Manager I roles emphasize foundational project oversight, supporting senior managers, and hands-on site involvement. Essential skills include risk mitigation, subcontractor coordination, and quality plan management, setting the stage for advancement into strategic decision-making positions.
Starting as a Project I often leads to roles with increased responsibility such as Project Manager II and Senior Project Manager. Progression involves mastering project controls, financial forecasting, and team leadership, supported by continuous learning opportunities like Gilbane University.
Gilbane integrates leadership development and inclusivity within the Project Manager I role by fostering empathetic team management and promoting diverse talent retention. Employees receive targeted training to build leadership skills while contributing to a supportive workplace culture.
Gilbane's longstanding reputation and family-owned ethos provide a stable yet innovative environment. Project Manager I candidates benefit from exposure to large-scale projects and a commitment to safety, diversity, and professional development unmatched in many construction firms.
For Project Manager I positions in Chicago, salaries typically range between $103,000 and $128,700 annually, reflecting factors like experience, education, and market conditions. This compensation is complemented by benefits including profit-sharing and retirement plans.
Certifications such as OSHA safety training and familiarity with construction management software boost employability in Chicago's market. Local expertise in regulatory compliance and subcontractor coordination also improves a candidate’s ability to succeed.
Daily responsibilities include supervising project administration, coordinating subcontractor activities, enforcing safety plans, and updating schedules. Maintaining quality standards and assisting in closeout planning are also critical components of effective on-site leadership.