Fire Protection Designer / Project Manager
Location: Minnesota (Onsite)
Compensation: $130,000 – $150,000 + potential per diem/relocation
Schedule: Full-time
Overview
We are seeking a Fire Protection Designer / Project Manager to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of large-scale fire protection projects. This role is responsible for managing projects from design through installation and final commissioning, with full ownership over schedule, cost, quality, and client communication.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong technical expertise in fire protection systems and the ability to manage complex, cost-plus project environments.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership
- Lead all phases of fire protection projects from kickoff through closeout
- Coordinate engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and subcontractors
- Develop and manage project schedules, deliverables, and execution plans
- Ensure compliance with NFPA codes and industry standards
Financial & Contract Management
- Manage cost-plus project structure including tracking labor, materials, and subcontractor costs
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and cost-to-complete analysis
- Review job cost reports and identify potential risks or overruns early
- Partner with accounting to ensure accurate billing and documentation
Schedule & Execution
- Build and maintain project schedules across all phases
- Coordinate sequencing and critical path activities with field teams
- Identify and mitigate schedule risks
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Serve as a primary point of contact for the client
- Lead project meetings, updates, and reporting
- Communicate proactively around scope, schedule, and cost impacts
Procurement & Subcontractor Oversight
- Review and approve purchase orders, subcontracts, and requisitions
- Manage subcontractor performance and change orders
- Ensure alignment with project scope, schedule, and budget
Change Management
- Identify and manage project scope changes
- Lead internal and client approval processes
- Ensure all changes are documented and reflected in cost and schedule
Quality & Safety
- Enforce safety standards and ensure compliance across all teams
- Oversee system testing, inspections, and commissioning
- Ensure all deliverables meet regulatory and client requirements
Documentation & Closeout
- Maintain project documentation (RFIs, submittals, reports)
- Ensure projects are audit-ready
- Oversee as-builts, O&M manuals, and turnover documentation
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred
- 5–10+ years of experience in fire protection, mechanical systems, or related project management
- Experience managing cost-plus or reimbursable contracts
- Strong knowledge of NFPA standards and fire protection systems
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects
- Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
Preferred
- NICET, PMP, or PE certification (Fire Protection)
- Experience with large-scale industrial or infrastructure projects
Why This Role
This is an opportunity to take full ownership of complex fire protection projects in a growing environment where your leadership, technical expertise, and ability to manage both people and projects will have a direct impact on success.