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Project Manager Startup Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Judge Group, Inc.

Project Manager

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Project Manager - Food Manufacturing (Confidential) Our client, a well-established and growing food ... Build startup plans covering SOPs, equipment validation, training, and staffing. * Coordinate ...

ACL Digital

Strategic Project Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and project startup capabilities with the project management experience necessary to successfully deliver complex business and technology solutions.

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See Iowa salary details

$36.2K

$96.4K

$152.2K

How much do project manager startup jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for project manager startup in Iowa is $96,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,700.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project manager startup?

A Project Manager in a startup oversees the planning, execution, and completion of projects to help the company grow efficiently. They manage timelines, resources, and cross-functional teams while adapting to a fast-paced, often uncertain environment. Unlike traditional project managers, they may take on multiple roles, including product development, operations, and process improvement. Their goal is to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and aligned with the startup’s strategic objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by project managers in a startup environment?

Project Managers in startups often encounter rapidly changing priorities, tight deadlines, and resource constraints, requiring them to quickly adapt and reprioritize tasks. Collaboration across small, multifunctional teams is frequent, and responsibilities may extend beyond traditional project management to include strategic planning and hands-on execution. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential to align stakeholders and manage expectations. Despite these challenges, the dynamic nature of startups offers opportunities to make a significant impact and accelerate your professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project manager startup?

To excel as a Project Manager Startup, you need a solid grounding in project management principles, agile methodologies, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello, and certifications such as PMP or Scrum Master, are often highly valued. Outstanding interpersonal skills, creative problem-solving, and adaptability help you navigate a fast-paced, evolving environment. These skills are vital for successfully leading cross-functional teams and ensuring projects achieve their milestones in dynamic startup settings.

What are popular job titles related to Project Manager Startup jobs in Iowa?

For Project Manager Startup jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Project Manager Startup jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Project Manager Startup jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Project Manager Startup jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Project Manager Startup job openings:

Project Manager Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Manager Startup job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,445 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Project Manager

Judge Group, Inc.

Sioux City, IA • On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Location: Sioux City, IA Salary: $105,000.00 USD Annually - $115,000.00 USD Annually Description:
Project Manager - Food Manufacturing (Confidential)
Our client, a well-established and growing food manufacturing company, is seeking a Project Manager to drive capital and operational projects at the plant level. This is a hands-on, technical role with full ownership of projects from initial scoping and contractor selection through construction, commissioning, and turnover to operations.
The person in this seat runs their projects independently - managing scope, timeline, budget, and quality with minimal oversight - and escalates to the Plant Projects Manager only when significant risk, policy questions, or resource conflicts arise. Success looks like projects delivered on schedule and on budget, with strong communication and collaboration across the plant.
What You'll Do
Project Leadership
  • Establish project scope, goals, deliverables, and success measures in line with plant leadership priorities.
  • Build and maintain detailed schedules; track progress and stay ahead of timeline risks.
  • Guide cross-functional teams spanning operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering - influencing without direct authority.
  • Run structured project meetings and issue clear, action-driven minutes.
  • Keep complete project records: specs, drawings, change orders, minutes, and schedule updates.
  • Spot roadblocks early and solve them independently; bring critical issues to the Plant Projects Manager with recommended solutions in hand.
  • Ensure permits, licenses, and regulatory documentation are secured and kept current.
  • Help build repeatable playbooks for common project types.

Technical Execution
  • Use engineering judgment to review designs, contractor submittals, and installation approaches against specs and plant standards.
  • Perform or direct field inspections during construction and installation; correct deficiencies as they surface.
  • Assist with equipment selection and partner with vendors and engineers to confirm technical requirements are satisfied.
  • Ensure all work meets applicable codes, regulations, and food safety requirements, including GMP and HACCP.

Contracts & Budget
  • Review contracts for gaps between written terms and real-world execution needs; raise discrepancies before signing.
  • Monitor spend against approved budgets and route change orders through proper approvals.
  • Process vendor payments on schedule and clear up invoice issues promptly.

Startup & Handoff
  • Build startup plans covering SOPs, equipment validation, training, and staffing.
  • Coordinate readiness with production and quality teams for a clean transition.
  • Close out punch lists and startup issues; formally hand projects to operations once stable performance is documented.

What You'll Bring
  • 3-5 years of project management experience in a manufacturing setting, with a proven record of independently delivering technical projects on time and on budget.
  • Bachelor's in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or related) or Operations Management preferred; equivalent hands-on technical project experience considered.
  • Strong technical grounding in manufacturing processes, mechanical/process systems, and facility construction, plus working knowledge of automated controls, production equipment, and plant utilities.
  • GMP, HACCP, or food safety regulatory knowledge required; food & beverage manufacturing background strongly preferred.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, specs, and technical submittals.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project); PM software and ERP familiarity (Microsoft Dynamics or similar) a plus.
  • Self-directed, detail-oriented, and organized under pressure - comfortable juggling multiple projects and presenting to plant leadership.

Work Environment
  • Manufacturing facility; PPE required in production and construction areas.
  • Field inspections involve walking work surfaces, climbing ladders, and accessing equipment areas.
  • Flexibility for off-shift and weekend availability to support project milestones and contractor access.

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