Internal Project Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Project ManagerBrewster Companies Inc. is a family-owned and operated company that specializes in heavy civil and transportation construction. As a rapidly growing company, we are looking for employees with a strong work ethic and great personality to join our team. Brewster Companies is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer with advancement opportunities and a great work environment. Position Summary:The Project Manager is responsible for leading heavy civil and transportation construction projects from pre-construction through close-out. This role provides direct oversight of project execution, ensuring work is delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with all contract specifications and OSHA safety requirements. The Project Manager serves as the primary liaison between ownership, superintendents, clients, and subcontractors, ensuring seamless communication, accurate financial tracking, and proactive problem-solving.  Benefits:Company Paid Medical Insurance for full-time employees.Dental/Vision/Life Insurance available after one month.401(k) with competitive company match.Paid Holidays available upon hire.Paid Vacation accruals upon hire.Strong Family Culture – Family-Owned Business.Growth Opportunities – Promotions from within. Job Duties:Pre-ConstructionAttend internal project hand-off and external pre-construction meetings.Ensure all project documentation (contracts, files, pay items, cost codes) is accurate and properly set up in project management systems.Submit and track submittals, certifications, and specifications for approval, maintaining detailed logs.Create purchase orders for project materials, coordinate deliveries, and ensure site contacts are informed.Oversee utility locate requests and correspondence with utility providers.Review project scope, coordinate schedules with other contractors, and align production goals with superintendents.Project Execution & OversightManage day-to-day construction activities, budgets, and project finances.Monitor daily production quantities, crew hours, and equipment usage in Heavy Job; adjust plans as needed to achieve production targets.Coordinate with primary contractors on work staging, scope adjustments, and modifications.Support field superintendents by addressing needs, resolving challenges, and ensuring adequate resources.Conduct site visits to confirm quality, safety, and progress are aligned with company standards.Attend weekly progress meetings and communicate project updates to stakeholders and ownership.May be required to be on-call some nights and weekends in coordination with ongoing jobs.Change Orders, T&M, and Force Account WorkIdentify and document additional work or scope changes.Submit RFQs and change order requests; track and process approvals.Oversee Time & Materials (T&M) documentation, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.Manage Force Account work by coordinating with Resident Engineers (REs), reviewing reports, and submitting documentation for billing.Billing & Financial ManagementPrepare and submit pay estimates; track until payment is received.Review and approve vendor invoices in Viewpoint; reconcile cost codes and material tickets.Forecast project financials, including IDOT/MoDOT reporting and pay estimates.Maintain accurate project budgets, forecasts, and progress reports throughout the project lifecycle.Post-ConstructionReview and reconcile final project quantities, ensuring variances are addressed with REs before acceptance.Confirm all change orders, T&M, and extra work have been billed.Coordinate demobilization of company equipment and return of rentals.Participate in or facilitate project close-out meetings.Technology & InnovationUtilize GPS, UTS, and UAV (drone) technology for project layout, monitoring, and reporting.Maintain and troubleshoot GPS systems, including loading and updating design files.Execute drone flights for baseline and progress documentation, process data, and maintain Part 107 UAV certification.Leadership & MentorshipManage and support superintendents and field supervisors to ensure project goals are achieved.Mentor and assist new Project Managers by sharing best practices, forms, and processes.Support the VP of Projects & Field Operations with reporting, communications, and training presentations.Job Qualifications:5+ years of construction experience, preferably in heavy civil or transportation.3+ years of proven project management experience.Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with project management or HCSS software preferred.Knowledge of GPS, UAV (drones), and construction layout technology a plus.Understanding of estimating practices and procedures beneficial.Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and project billing.Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.Personal Attributes:Leadership-Oriented: Confidently guides teams, makes decisions, and ensures accountability.Detail-Focused: Maintains accurate documentation, financials, and compliance records.Collaborative: Builds strong relationships with ownership, clients, superintendents, and partners.Problem Solver: Anticipates and resolves issues quickly to keep projects on track.Adaptable: Adjusts to changing conditions and proactively responds to challenges.Strategic Thinker: Balances big-picture project goals with day-to-day details.Positive & Professional: Maintains a constructive, team-first attitude in a fast-paced environment.