Project Associate Jobs in Clayton, NC (NOW HIRING)

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We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Project Manager to support our Fire Sprinkler Project Management team. This role is ideal for an individual looking to develop their project management career within the fire protection industry while gaining hands on experience managing schedules, customer communications, financial tracking, and project execution. The Associate Project Manager will work closely with Project Managers, field teams, customers, and vendors to help ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Industry-leading training and mentorship
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Commitment to workplace safety and professional growth

What You Will Do

As an Associate Project Manager, you will assist Project Managers with the planning, execution, and closeout of fire sprinkler projects. You will help coordinate project activities, maintain records, monitor schedules and budgets, and support customer relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, customer-focused, and eager to learn all aspects of project management within the fire protection industry.

How You Will Do It

Project Coordination

• Support Project Managers in the execution of multiple fire protection projects.
• Assist with project planning, scheduling, procurement, and resource coordination.
• Track project milestones, deliverables, and critical deadlines.
• Coordinate project documentation, submittals, RFIs, change orders, permits, and closeout packages.
• Attend project meetings and distribute meeting notes and action items.

Customer & Team Communication

• Serve as a point of contact for customers, field personnel, subcontractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Provide timely follow-up on customer inquiries and project related issues.
• Maintain accurate project records and status reports.
• Support Project Managers with project updates and customer communications.

Financial Support

• Assist with project cost tracking, job forecasting, billing preparation, and purchase order management.
• Monitor project expenditures and help identify potential cost variances.
• Support change order pricing, documentation, and approval processes.
• Maintain accurate project financial records and reporting.

Scheduling & Execution

• Coordinate labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor activities.
• Monitor project schedules and assist in resolving scheduling conflicts.
• Help ensure projects remain on schedule and aligned with customer expectations.
• Support project closeout activities, including punch lists and final documentation.

Quality & Safety

• Promote and support all company safety initiatives and policies.
• Assist with job site inspections and quality assurance efforts.
• Help ensure installations meet applicable codes, standards, contract requirements, and company quality expectations.
• Support compliance with AHJ requirements and industry regulations.

What We Look For

Required Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience in the fire sprinkler industry.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, Word, and Teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to travel to project sites as needed.
• Ability to work collaboratively with customers, field personnel, and management teams.
• Ability to travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of project management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Familiarity with NFPA standards, permitting processes, and AHJ requirements.
• Experience with ERP, project management, or scheduling software.
• NICET Certification (Level I or higher) preferred.

Why Join Our Team?

This position offers an excellent opportunity for career growth into a Project Manager role within the fire protection industry. You will gain direct exposure to project execution, customer management, financial administration, field operations, and leadership while working alongside experienced Project Managers and Operations professionals.

If you are looking to build a long-term career in project management and want to be part of a team committed to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction, we encourage you to apply today.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $68,000 - $90,000 Salary to be determined by the education, experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with marketdata.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group,and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. Theposted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognizethat exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typicalprofile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, weencourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may usetechnology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluatecandidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, pleasevisit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at About us - Johnson Controls Careers

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.