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Project Management Contractor Jobs in Naperville, IL

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College degree with project management experience * Experience hiring, negotiating with, and managing contractors and vendors * Strong computer proficiency, including Google Docs and Google Sheets

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Project Management Contractor information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$38.4K

$102.5K

$161.8K

How much do project management contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for project management contractor in Naperville, IL is $102,529.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $122,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project management contractor?

Project Management Contractors are professionals hired on a temporary basis to oversee and manage specific projects within an organization. They are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects, ensuring that goals are met on time and within budget. Unlike full-time employees, they typically work on contract for the duration of a project and may manage multiple projects for different clients. Their expertise helps organizations complete projects efficiently without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project management contractor?

To thrive as a Project Management Contractor, you need strong project planning, organizational, and leadership skills, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant project management experience. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Jira, and certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 are highly valued. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities help you build client trust and guide teams through complex projects. These skills ensure efficient project delivery, client satisfaction, and effective team coordination in dynamic contract environments.

What are some common challenges faced by project management contractors and how can they be effectively addressed?

Project Management Contractors often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new organizational cultures and project teams, as they typically work on a contract basis for diverse clients. Building trust and clear communication with stakeholders in a short time frame is crucial. To address these challenges, it's important to establish clear expectations early, maintain transparent documentation, and leverage strong interpersonal skills to integrate smoothly with existing teams. Additionally, staying organized and adaptable helps contractors manage shifting project scopes and timelines effectively.

What is the difference between Project Management Contractor vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProject Management ContractorProject Coordinator
CredentialsPM certifications (PMP, CAPM), relevant experienceTypically a bachelor's degree, some certifications (CAPM)
Work EnvironmentContract basis, often freelance or temporary projectsFull-time or part-time in organizations, supporting project teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for specific projectsCommonly employed within organizations to assist project managers

While both roles support project execution, a Project Management Contractor is hired temporarily to lead or manage projects independently, often with specialized certifications. A Project Coordinator typically assists project managers by handling administrative tasks and coordinating activities within ongoing projects. The contractor role is more autonomous and results-driven, whereas the coordinator provides essential support within a team environment.

What are popular job titles related to Project Management Contractor jobs in Naperville, IL?

For Project Management Contractor jobs in Naperville, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Naperville, IL are hiring for Project Management Contractor jobs?

Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Project Management Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Project Management Contractor job openings in Naperville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,529 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Director, Thermal Project Management

Invenergy, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$191 - $221/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Invenergy rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Overview

A Director of Thermal Project Management will oversee thermal power plants, coordinating efforts from development to commercial operation dates. The role leads teams to develop, design, and build combustion projects using gas turbines, combined cycles, cogeneration, and natural gas engines. The director manages multiple projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope and budget.

General Responsibilities
  • Lead all efforts across project lifecycle to deliver scope, budget, and schedule.
  • Manage workload and resources across multiple teams.
  • Represent the company with stakeholders, regulators, permitting agencies, and customers.
  • Coordinate contractor interfaces and ensure coordination across work packages.
  • Manage and coordinate other project managers and functions as necessary.
Specific Responsibilities

Project management

  • Coordinate project meetings and communications to ensure goals.
  • Participate and coordinate proposal evaluations.
  • Collaborate with commercial and finance teams for cost modeling.
  • Identify and evaluate risks.
  • Provide periodic reports to management and client.
  • Maintain lessons learned and record keeping.

Engineering

  • Guide engineering team during design to meet goals.
  • Collaborate with engineering areas to optimize design, layout, CAPEX, and OPEX.
  • Supervise technical documentation for requisitions and solicitations.

Procurement

  • Liaise with procurement to prepare SOIs, RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs.
  • Evaluate suppliers’ proposals.
  • Participate in discussions with manufacturers and vendors.
  • Prepare contracts with OEMs, suppliers, and contractors.

Permitting, interconnection, and real estate

  • Coordinate with real estate team for rights‑of‑way and easements.
  • Work with development team to prepare permit documentation package.
  • Oversee permitting and approval process; work with regulatory and engineering teams.
  • Coordinate with interconnecting utilities.

Construction and commissioning

  • Lead negotiations with EPC contractors and prepare agreements.
  • Manage periodic calls and meetings with contractors.
  • Analyze risks proactively and provide solutions.
  • Monitor activities and progress from office and site.
  • Assist and participate in commissioning phase.
  • Manage interfaces with contractors and stakeholders to adhere to scope, quality, safety, and environmental requirements.

Legal and contract management

  • Lead negotiations during construction agreements.
  • Manage internal interfaces with legal and contract management groups.
  • Manage variations of scope and change orders.
  • Identify and manage risks during contract negotiations and project execution.

Finance, insurance, legal and other corporate areas

  • Provide inputs to define CAPEX, OPEX and project contingency.
  • Identify financial impacts of risks.
  • Liaise with other internal departments.
  • Interface with lenders and independent engineers.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, civil, electrical or structural engineering with relevant power generation industry experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in combustion power plants, including gas turbines, steam turbines and reciprocating engines.
  • Proven track record of managing and delivering large-scale power plants from development to operation.
  • Site experience on projects under construction.
  • Ability to travel up to 25%; travel frequency adjusted during execution.
  • Eligibility to work in the United States without employer visa sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in mechanical, civil, electrical or structural engineering with relevant power generation experience.
  • Experience managing contractor interfaces and contract negotiation.
  • Ability to multi-task and manage deliverables for multiple packages concurrently.
  • Desire to work in a dynamic environment with diverse backgrounds.
  • Excellent organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong verbal communication and leadership skills.
  • High degree of integrity and ethical industry standards.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Compensation

Base Pay 191,000.00 - 221,000.00 USD per year.

Annual Bonus 30% - 40% of base.

The base pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target salary for the position. Additional components may include eligibility for the company’s bonus program.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision insurance; 401(k); paid time off; and other benefits.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

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