Automation Project Manager Jobs in Port Richey, FL

General Responsibilities

CEC Controls is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the successful execution of industrial automation and control system integration projects for municipal water and wastewater clients throughout Florida and the Southeast. The Project Manager is responsible for delivering projects safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards while serving as the primary point contact for customers throughout the project lifecycle.

This position provides leadership for multidisciplinary project teams including controls engineers, software developers, panel designers, field technicians, subcontractors, and suppliers. The Project Manager is accountable for planning, financial performance, customer satisfaction, risk management, and overall project success from project kickoff through commissioning and warranty support.

This position is based in our Tampa, Florida office. Hybrid scheduling may be available following successful onboarding. This is an hourly position, and employees are compensated for all hours worked.

Skills and Qualifications

• Relevant bachelor's or associate degree in related engineering or technology field, or equivalent relevant work experience with a technical degree
• 5+ years of Project Management experience in industrial automation, systems integration, electrical engineering, or related industries
• Experience managing projects ranging from $250,000 to $5M+
• Experience managing multiple concurrent automation projects
• Working knowledge of PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial networking, instrumentation, motor controls, and process automation systems preferred
• Experience with municipal water/wastewater treatment facilities preferred
• Strong commercial understanding including:
  • Project budgeting
  • Cost forecasting
  • Earned value
  • Change order management
  • Risk management
  • Contract administration
• Ability to read and interpret:
  • Customer specifications
  • P&IDs
  • Electrical drawings
  • Control narratives
  • Network architectures
• Proficiency using Microsoft Project, Excel, Teams, and Project Management Software
• PMP certification preferred but not required
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work with clients and staff in a team environment
• Good organizational skills, writing skills, presentation and communication skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously
• Have a working knowledge of industry standards and regulations (ISA, NEC, IEEE, NFPA, & OSHA, etc)
• Ability to travel as needed, up to 25% yearly average, primarily within Florida and surrounding states.
• Authorization to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship from CEC is required

Responsibilities

Project Leadership:

• Assume full responsibility for execution of multiple automation projects from award through final acceptance
• Develop comprehensive project execution plans including scope, schedule, procurement strategy, staffing plans, and commissioning activities
• Lead internal kickoff meetings and establish project objectives with engineering and field teams
• Monitor project performance against schedule, budget, quality, and contractual milestones
• Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies
• conduct routine project reviews with management
• Drive projects to successful completion while maintaining high customer satisfaction
• Coordinate with customers, subcontractors, vendors, panel shops, and field personnel

Financial Management:

• Develop and maintain project budgets
• Forecast labor and material costs throughout project execution
• Monitor project profitability and recommend corrective actions when necessary
• Manage project invoicing milestones
• Prepare and negotiate change orders
• Review subcontractor and vendor invoices
• Support monthly financial reporting and project reviews

Customer Management:

• Serve as the primary customer representative throughout the project lifecycle
• build trusted relationships with owners, consulting engineers, contractors, and operators
• Lead project kickoff meetings
• Lead progress meetings
• Coordinate design reviews
• Present project status, schedules, technical solutions, and financial updates
• Manage customer expectations and resolve project issues in a timely manner

Engineering Coordinator:

• Coordinate engineering activities among controls engineers, software engineers, electrical designers, and field personnel
• Ensure engineering deliverables are completed according to project schedules
• Support technical reviews and design decisions
• Coordinate Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), startup, commissioning, and operator training

Procurement and Vendor Management:

• Coordinate procurement activities with purchasing
• Track long-lead equipment
• Review vendor submittals
• Coordinate panel fabrication
• Manage subcontractors throughout project execution
• Resolve supplier issues affecting project schedules

Construction and Start-Up:

• Coordinate field installation activities
• Support field service personnel during installation
• Coordinate startup schedules with customers
• Manage punch list activities
• Support commissioning through final customer acceptance
• Coordinate warranty activities following project completion

Business Development:

• Support proposal development and estimating
• Participate in customer presentations and site visits
• Identify opportunities for additional services
• Develop repeat business through exceptional project execution
• Assist Branch Manager with strategic customer development

Leadership:

• Promote continuous improvement across project execution
• Foster collaboration across engineering, field services, purchasing, and management teams
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and customer satisfaction

Physical Requirements:

• Able to climb a 2-story ladder
• Can walk a mile in 20 minutes
• Be able to cover, on foot, a reasonable distance on a job site
• Able to lift 30 lbs. without difficulty

Success Factors

Successful candidates will consistently demonstrate:

• Safe project execution
• On-time delivery
• Strong project profitability
• Excellent customer satisfaction
• Effective communication
• High-quality documentation
• Successful management of scope changes
• Strong leadership of multidisciplinary teams
• Positive contribution to business growth