Installation Project Manager Jobs in Arlington, WA

Overview

CORT Party Rental is hiring a Senior Project Manager to lead complex tenting and temporary‑structure events from site survey to install and strike. This is a technical, operations‑forward role supporting repeat annual events and high‑production builds—plus the opportunity to grow scope through smart upsells and competitive wins. You will be the technical authority in meetings, confident in your recommendations, and able to balance what the customer wants with what’s safe, buildable, and best for the CORT team and business.

Unlike traditional event management roles, this position is highly techincal in nature and focused on structural execution. Candidates must be proficient in measurements, calculations and have the ability to execute complex build plans. 

Pay:

Base salary: $65,000–$85,000 DOE

Total compensation (typical): $100,000–$140,000 (base + commission/incentives)

Breakout year: $150,000+ total compensation

Commission/incentives: sliding scale with accelerators — the more you book and deliver, the higher the commission rate at higher performance tiers

Book of business: you will inherit a multi‑million annual revenue portfolio of repeat events, with room to expand through improvements and new wins

Schedule: This role is seasonal and field‑connected. Peak season can include heavier hours, travel, and some early mornings/evenings/weekends to support installs, strikes, and last‑minute changes. The off‑season typically allows planned time away to maintain sustainable work/life balance. On‑call awareness is expected for urgent safety/schedule/customer escalations (not 24/7 on‑site).

Responsibilities

• Lead client discovery meetings and detailed site surveys (access/egress, grade, ground conditions, utilities, equipment routes, venue rules).
• Recommend solutions: tent type/size (frame/clearspan/structure), raised/leveled flooring, anchoring/ballast concepts, and guest flow/experience upgrades.
• Produce or coordinate layouts/drawings (CAD/Vectorworks/AutoCAD or equivalent) and coordinate engineering when required.
• Manage permitting/compliance documentation as required by venues/AHJ (egress, occupant load, flame certs, clearances, etc.).
• Partner with Operations/Warehouse leadership for pre‑planning: labor, equipment, trucking/staging, sequencing, and production timelines.
• Coordinate on‑site with venues and vendors (AV, staging, flooring, HVAC/temp power, fencing/barricades, utilities) to keep schedules and access aligned.
• Provide on‑site leadership during installs/strikes—sequencing, safety, quality, and real‑time problem solving (no direct reports, but leads crews on site).
• Coordinate security badging/clearances when required for restricted‑access sites.
• Identify repeat‑event improvements and upsell/cross‑sell opportunities that enhance guest experience while staying buildable and protecting margin.
• Maintain accurate job files, change documentation, and job costing; lead post‑op debriefs to improve repeat‑event playbooks.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• 5+ years in tenting/temporary structures, event production installs, or related fields (construction PM, staging/rigging, scaffolding/access, modular installs, exhibit/trade show operations).
• Strong operational planning skills: sequencing, logistics, crew coordination, and vendor management under deadline pressure.
• Ability to produce/coordinate layouts (CAD/Vectorworks/AutoCAD or strong scaled sketching) and manage technical details.
• Calm, decisive communicator who thrives in high‑visibility client environments and on busy jobsites.
• Able to self‑direct and work independently while partnering effectively across teams.
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and reliable transportation for travel between job sites/appointments.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 60 lbs occasionally; ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Experience with permitting/compliance packets and coordinating engineering drawings.
• Experience with restricted-access-security badging environments.
• OSHA training (10/30) and familiarity with forklifts/MEWPs/lifts.