Associate Project Manager Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

Description

Summary

The Associate Project Manager is a developmental role designed to prepare high-potential employees to become full Project Managers within ERX. Working directly alongside an assigned Project Manager, the Associate Project Manager learns and supports all phases of residential and commercial restoration and repair projects from budgeting and work order management to material procurement, trade coordination, job tracking, and customer communication. This role combines structured training, hands-on field experience, and progressive responsibility to build the full skill set required to manage projects independently.

FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Scope, Budgeting & Cost Control 

• Job Scope Comprehension - Learn to review job files, scopes of work, estimates, and job diaries to understand the full objectives and requirements of each assigned project.
• Pre-Visit Preparation - Learn and assist with the steps a Project Manager completes prior to the initial customer visit, including review of loss details, insurance information, and job documentation.
• Budget Development - Learn how Project Managers build project budgets, including labor, material, and subcontractor cost components.
• Budget Maintenance - Assist in monitoring ongoing project costs against approved budgets to identify variances early and support corrective action.
• Work Order Creation - Learn to create, review, and manage work orders in a manner that maintains budget accuracy and supports construction requirements.
• Purchase Order Management - Learn to generate and track purchase orders and understand their role in maintaining overall budget control.

Material & Trade Coordination

• Vendor Selection - Learn ERX's preferred material vendors and the business rationale behind vendor selection decisions.
• Material Ordering & Payment - Assist with ordering materials and learn ERX's approved processes for paying for material purchases.
• Delivery Scheduling - Learn to track and manage scheduled material deliveries to prevent avoidable project delays.
• Trade Scheduling - Assist in coordinating subcontractor and trade scheduling in alignment with material delivery timelines and project sequencing.

Job Tracking & Communication

• DASH Proficiency - Learn to use DASH, ERX's system of record, to manage all homeowner and internal communication and documentation.
• Multi-Channel Communication - Support Project Manager communication with homeowners, adjusters, and internal teams via phone, text, and email as appropriate to the situation.
• Job Progress Tracking - Learn methods for tracking jobs from initiation through completion, including the documentation practices used by the Project Manager.
• Completion Verification - Learn how Project Managers confirm a job has been completed successfully, including required documentation and customer sign-off.

Construction & Field Knowledge

• Code Compliance - Learn and maintain working knowledge of applicable local and state building code ordinances.
• Building Practices - Develop an understanding of construction practices and standards specific to each project type; requires regular on-site presence.
• Site Cleanliness - Assist in maintaining job site cleanliness throughout the project, including performing physical labor as needed.
• Dump Schedule Coordination - Learn and coordinate dump/debris removal schedules in alignment with on-site construction activity.
• Punch List Completion - Perform general contractor punch work as needed to complete projects, including but not limited to carpentry, drywall, flooring, and insulation.

ERX Systems, Training & Customer Service

• ERX Process Training - Complete ERX-provided training and follow established guidelines on Project Manager processes and performance expectations.
• Customer Service Standards - Learn ERX's customer communication standards, including how to speak with and listen to customers, to ensure each homeowner feels prioritized throughout their project.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

• Education and/or Experience - High School Diploma or GED required. Prior experience in construction, restoration, or a related trade is preferred but not required; a strong willingness to learn is essential.
• Industry Knowledge - Working knowledge of, or strong willingness to learn, the restoration and construction industries, including budgeting, material procurement, and subcontractor management.
• Language Skills - Ability to read and comprehend job scopes, estimates, work orders, and related job documentation. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally.
• Mathematical Skills - Ability to understand and assist with budget calculations, cost tracking, and material quantities.
• Reasoning Ability - Ability to learn construction processes and codes, identify budget or schedule variances, and apply sound judgment under the guidance of a Project Manager.
• Computer Skills - Must be able to learn and effectively operate DASH; all notes, documents, and job interactions will be tracked through DASH. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
• Physical Requirements - Must be able to perform physical labor on job sites, including punch list work and site cleanliness tasks.
• Communication Skills - Ability to communicate effectively with homeowners, subcontractors, adjusters, and internal ERX teams; able to represent ERX professionally in all settings.
• Vision - Ability to view documents, multiple screens, and read printed and digital materials.
• Must have reliable transportation with a valid and unrestricted driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Must be willing and able to work on-site as needed to support project oversight and hands-on learning.

Employment At-Will

Employment is voluntary, and employees may resign at will at any time, with or without cause. Similarly, the company may terminate the employment relationship at will at any time, with or without notice or cause, provided that no applicable federal or state law is violated.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.
• Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration.
• Exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Exposure to heat and humidity; noise level in the work environment can range from moderate to loud.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This role requires regular time on active job sites in addition to office-based work supporting job documentation, budgeting, and communication. The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet; noise levels at job sites can range from moderate to loud. Travel between job sites and office locations should be expected as a routine part of this role.