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Project Management Contractor Jobs in Portland, ME

Winning, contracting, and successfully delivering 4for4 (on-time, on-budget, quality, client satisfaction) on smaller projects. Identifying and escalating risk and change management issues, with ...

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Project Management Contractor information

See Portland, ME salary details

$38.9K

$103.8K

$163.7K

How much do project management contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for project management contractor in Portland, ME is $103,755.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $124,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 Project Management Contractors?

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 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.

How much does a project manager contractor make?

A project management contractor's earnings vary based on experience, industry, and project scope, but they typically earn between $50 and $150 per hour. Senior or specialized contractors with certifications like PMP can command higher rates, especially for complex projects or in high-demand sectors.

Can a project manager be a contractor?

Yes, a project manager can work as a contractor, often providing project management services on a temporary or freelance basis. Contract project managers typically possess skills in planning, scheduling, and risk management, and may hold certifications like PMP. They usually work independently or through staffing agencies, and their contracts specify project scope and duration.

What is the role of a contractor in project management?

A project management contractor is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects within specified scope, time, and budget constraints. They coordinate teams, manage resources, and use tools like MS Project or Primavera to ensure project goals are met efficiently.

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.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Project management contractors can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with significant experience, certifications like PMP, and managing large or complex projects. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and project scope, with some contractors reaching or exceeding this level through high-demand skills and effective negotiation.
What are popular job titles related to Project Management Contractor jobs in Portland, ME? For Project Management Contractor jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Construction Project Manager

Construction Project Manager

Waterstone Properties Group

Westbrook, ME โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Project Manager โ€“ Rock Row
Location: Westbrook, ME (Rock Row)ย 
Employment Type: Full-Time ย 
Reports To: Development & Construction Manager
ย 

ABOUT THE ROLE

Waterstone Properties is seeking an experienced Project Manager to help lead the next phases of the Rock Row development in Westbrook, Maine. Rock Row is one of New Englandโ€™s most ambitious mixed-use destinations combining retail, entertainment, healthcare, residential, hospitality, and office uses on a transformed 110 acre site and the next phases will bring significant new vertical and horizontal construction online over the coming years.
This role is responsible for managing multiple Rock Row projects simultaneously from infrastructure and site work through tenant fit-outs and new vertical construction while serving as the day-to-day point of contact for development partners, capital partners, anchor tenants, design teams, contractors, and municipal stakeholders. The Project Manager will be the connective tissue across these projects, ensuring schedules align, scopes donโ€™t collide, and partners are kept informed every step of the way.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, organized leader who thrives juggling multiple concurrent projects, communicates clearly and proactively with partners, and can navigate the complexity of a large-scale, multi-phase development with confidence and accountability.

RESPONSIBILITIES


Multi-Project Delivery & Execution

โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Manage multiple Rock Row projects simultaneously including site infrastructure, vertical construction, tenant fit-outs, and amenity buildouts from pre-construction through closeout
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Develop and maintain integrated master schedules across active projects, identifying and resolving conflicts in sequencing, logistics, shared site access, and trade availability
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Monitor day-to-day progress against baseline schedules and budgets, proactively identifying and resolving variances, delays, and risks before they cascade across projects
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Oversee site activities, quality control, and safety compliance in coordination with superintendents and field staff across all active Rock Row work zones
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Manage permitting, inspections, and coordination with the city, state agencies, and utility providers across project phases
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Drive project closeout activities including punch list completion, commissioning, final documentation, warranty handover, and tenant turnover

Partner & Stakeholder Coordination

โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Serve as the primary day-to-day point of contact for joint venture partners, capital partners, anchor tenants, and key stakeholders across the Rock Row development
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Establish and maintain a regular cadence of partner updates including weekly status reports, monthly project reviews, and milestone briefings to keep all parties aligned on schedule, budget, and key decisions
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Lead project meetings and coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and internal teams to keep work aligned and moving
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Coordinate tenant coordination activities for incoming retail, restaurant, and commercial tenants, including delivery condition handover, fit-out reviews, and grand-opening readiness
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Provide clear, timely project reporting to internal leadership and external partners, surfacing risks, decisions, and trade-offs early

Budget, Cost & Contract Management

โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Prepare, track, and manage project budgets, change orders, contingencies, and monthly cost reporting across multiple concurrent projects
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Review, negotiate, and administer subcontracts, purchase orders, and vendor agreements
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Review and approve subcontractor pay applications, invoices, and partner billing/draw packages in accordance with contract and JV terms
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through value engineering, scope refinement, and proactive risk management
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Maintain accurate project documentation including RFIs, submittals, meeting minutes, daily reports, and as-built records across all assigned projects

QUALIFICATIONS


Required

โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Minimum 5 -10 years of progressive experience managing commercial construction projects from pre-construction through closeout, with proven success running multiple concurrent projects
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Demonstrated experience delivering medium-to-large-scale retail, commercial, healthcare, residential, or mixed-use projects, with an understanding of the unique code requirements, regulatory standards, and construction complexities specific to each sector
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Strong track record of partner-facing communication able to brief joint venture partners, capital partners, and tenants with clarity and confidence
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Advanced ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents
โ€ขย  ย  ย  ย Strong working knowledge of construction methods, materials, means, sequencing, and current market pricing
Proficiency with project management and scheduling softwareย