ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Project Development Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

MechanAir

Project Development Manager

Aurora, IL · On-site

Project Development Manager State Mechanical Services (SMS) | Aurora, Illinois Build Relationships. Win Projects. Drive Growth. State Mechanical Services (SMS), a subsidiary of MechanAir Holdings, is ...

New

RTC

Development Project Manager

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

Development Project Manager is all about the details: tasks, resources, deadlines, accuracy, and coordination between different process participants. Responsibilities: * Interact with account ...

WFMT

Development Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$52K - $61K/yr

The Development Project Manager will support the Corporate, Foundation, and Government Relations (CFG) Team by driving activities that help achieve the team's fundraising goals, in support of Window ...

WTTW

Development Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$52K - $61K/yr

The Development Project Manager will support the Corporate, Foundation, and Government Relations (CFG) Team by driving activities that help achieve the team's fundraising goals, in support of Window ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProject Development JobsProject Development Manager JobsProject Development Manager Jobs in Illinois

Project Development Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$41.7K

$91.6K

$137.6K

How much do project development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for project development manager in Illinois is $91,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,100.00 and $105,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the 5 C's of project management?

The 5 C's of project management are commonly considered to be Clarity, Communication, Coordination, Control, and Completion. These principles help project managers, including those in roles like Project Development Manager, ensure effective planning, execution, and delivery of projects by emphasizing clear goals, stakeholder communication, team coordination, monitoring progress, and closing projects successfully.

What do project development managers do?

Project development managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects, ensuring they meet goals, budgets, and deadlines. They coordinate teams, manage resources, and communicate with stakeholders, often using project management tools like MS Project or Primavera. Strong leadership, organizational skills, and industry knowledge are essential for success in this role.

What is a Project Development Manager?

A Project Development Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating the planning, execution, and completion of projects within an organization. They manage project teams, set timelines, allocate resources, and ensure that project objectives are met on time and within budget. Project Development Managers often serve as the main point of contact between stakeholders, clients, and team members, ensuring clear communication and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

How does a Project Development Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project's lifecycle?

A Project Development Manager regularly works with cross-functional teams, including engineering, finance, marketing, and operations, to ensure project objectives are met. They facilitate communication between departments, align goals, and address any conflicts or dependencies that arise. Effective collaboration often involves leading meetings, tracking progress, and ensuring all stakeholders are informed of updates or changes. This collaborative approach is essential for maintaining project momentum and achieving successful outcomes.

Is being a TPM stressful?

A Project Development Manager role can be stressful due to managing multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations. Success often depends on strong organizational skills, communication, and the ability to handle pressure in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Project Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Development Manager, you need expertise in project planning, budgeting, and risk management, often supported by a degree in business, engineering, or construction management. Familiarity with project management software such as MS Project, Primavera, or Asana, and certifications like PMP or PRINCE2, are highly beneficial. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help foster effective teamwork and client relationships. These skills and qualifications are essential to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Project Development Managers can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, certifications like PMP, and in high-demand industries or regions. Salary varies based on location, company size, and project scope, with senior roles and those managing large teams typically earning higher compensation.

What is the difference between Project Development Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProject Development ManagerProject Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees project planning, execution, and delivery; manages teams and budgetsSupports project tasks, schedules meetings, and tracks progress
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in relevant field; PMP or similar certifications often preferredTypically requires a bachelor's degree; certifications are optional
Work EnvironmentLeads teams in office or on-site; interacts with clients and stakeholdersWorks closely with project teams; often in an office setting
Industry UsageCommonly used in construction, engineering, and IT projectsUsed across various industries for project support roles

The Project Development Manager focuses on leading and managing entire projects, ensuring successful completion, while the Project Coordinator provides support and assists with day-to-day project tasks. Both roles are essential but differ in scope, responsibility, and level of leadership.

What are popular job titles related to Project Development Manager jobs in Illinois? For Project Development Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Development Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Project Development Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Project Development Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Project Development Manager job openings:
Project Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Development Manager job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,612 per year, or $44 per hour.

Project Development Manager

MechanAir

Aurora, IL • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Project Development Manager
State Mechanical Services (SMS) | Aurora, Illinois
Build Relationships. Win Projects. Drive Growth.
State Mechanical Services (SMS), a subsidiary of MechanAir Holdings, is seeking an experienced Project Development Manager to support the continued growth of our commercial and industrial mechanical construction business.
This role combines estimating, preconstruction, customer relationship management, and project procurement. You will work closely with owners, general contractors, engineers, and operations teams to develop project opportunities, prepare estimates, support project pursuits, and successfully transition awarded work into execution.
This is an ideal opportunity for a mechanical construction professional with experience in estimating, project management, field leadership, or preconstruction who wants to leverage their operational expertise to help grow a business.
What You'll Do
Project Development & Customer Relationships
  • Develop and maintain relationships with customers, owners, general contractors, engineers, and industry partners
  • Identify and develop commercial and industrial mechanical construction opportunities
  • Support negotiated work, design-build pursuits, and strategic growth initiatives
  • Help expand existing customer relationships and repeat business opportunities

Estimating & Preconstruction
  • Prepare budgets, estimates, and project pricing
  • Review plans, specifications, and contract documents
  • Perform constructability reviews and scope development
  • Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing
  • Identify project risks, assumptions, and value engineering opportunities

Project Procurement & Operations Handoff
  • Support project acquisition and contract award activities
  • Coordinate project turnover to operations teams
  • Ensure accurate transfer of scope, budgets, schedules, and project assumptions
  • Support successful project startup and execution planning

What We're Looking For
Required
  • Experience in mechanical construction, estimating, project management, preconstruction, or field leadership
  • Strong knowledge of HVAC, piping, plumbing, and mechanical construction systems
  • Experience managing projects from estimate through closeout
  • Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and contract documents
  • Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer and project locations

Preferred
  • Local 597 Journeyman background
  • Experience as an Estimator, Project Manager, Superintendent, or General Foreman
  • Experience with negotiated work and design-build delivery
  • Existing relationships within the Chicagoland construction market
  • Local 597 Estimating or Project Management coursework

Why Join State Mechanical Services?
  • Growing mechanical contractor backed by MechanAir Holdings
  • Opportunity to directly influence project procurement and company growth
  • Work with experienced operations and construction leaders
  • Competitive compensation
  • Vehicle allowance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Collaborative, team-oriented culture

Location
Aurora, Illinois
This position requires regular travel to customer locations, project sites, and industry meetings throughout the Chicagoland area.
State Mechanical Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply