Operations Strategy Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

THE COMPANY:

Schnabel is a nationally recognized specialty contractor with over 65 years of experience in geostructural design-build and underground construction. With a portfolio of thousands of successful projects across the country, we are known for delivering smart, safe, and cost-effective solutions to complex engineering challenges. We specialize in advanced earth retention systems and other innovative geostructural techniques that create stable, lasting foundations for buildings, infrastructure, and other critical structures. At Schnabel, we combine technical expertise with a hands-on approach to ensure every project starts on solid ground.

ROLE:

Schnabel is seeking a Project Manager, Operations to join our operations team and manage the construction process of our geostructural projects. The main responsibility for this role is to safely install profitable work while partnering with design, preconstruction, and field teams to successfully bring our design to life.

Our typical scope of work includes installation of piles, lagging, walers, tiebacks, and braces for support of excavation projects. We also take on challenging projects with underpinning, grouting, tunneling, and unique structural support as part of our scope. Candidates who have direct construction experience and familiarity with our company’s traditional scope of work are preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with contract specifications.
• Supervise and support project engineers, superintendents, and field crews.
• Facilitate communication between office and field teams to ensure alignment and smooth operations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all project stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through transparency, responsiveness, and reliability.
• Approve purchases, monitor labor and equipment usage, and implement cost-control measures.
• Anticipate and resolve delays or conflicts to maintain project momentum.
• Maintain compliance with all safety regulations, environmental policies, and company standards.
• Ensure proper closeout procedures are followed, including punch lists, as-builts, pay applications, and final documentation.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 2 years of experience in construction project management, preferably in geotechnical, foundation, or heavy civil construction.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Strong understanding of geotechnical construction methods, including earth retention, deep foundations, drilled shafts, ground improvement, soil stabilization, and underpinning.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction plans, specifications, and technical drawings.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug test.
• Local and regional travel as required for projects.
• Focus, stand, walk, kneel, climb, bend, and work from heights or within confined space during assigned shift.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds of materials over rough terrain.
• Driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a safe driving record.
• Follow all safety procedures, use proper protective equipment, and help maintain a safe job site by identifying and reporting potential hazards.

SAFETY:

Support the company’s safety and risk management objectives by adhering to established procedures, proactively identifying and addressing potential risks, and contributing to the achievement of safety goals through the use of metrics and continuous improvement efforts.

Don’t hurt yourself, don’t hurt anyone else, and don’t let anyone hurt you; a simple philosophy that has been adopted at Schnabel. We live by this belief to provide a safe and healthy workplace for all our employees and subcontractors.

COMPENSATIONS AND BENEFITS:

• Total Compensation between $115,000.00 - $170,000.00/year
• Competitive Base Salary and Bonus Plan
• 401(k) with Company Contributions
• Health Insurance
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Strong PTO Offering
• Vehicle Allowance
• Company Technology or Stipend

**Salary ranges are determined by a variety of conditions, including regional market factors, relevant experience, education, and skill level. Final offers may vary to ensure alignment with both organizational equity and individual qualifications**

Schnabel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws. We are an E-Verify employer.