Project Operations Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Why you’ll love it here!

+ Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Tuition Reimbursement, Pet, and Legal Insurance

+ 401k
+ Community Service Day

+ Spotlight Awards

+ National Sales Excellence Awards

+ CFSP Prep Certification Program

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Located in Bedford Park, Illinois
• Full-Time
• Hybrid

As a Project Manager, you will serve as the primary operational partner and support lead for a Contract Sales Executive.  The CSE is responsible for developing new business, managing client relationships, and driving revenue and profit growth. This role is not limited to traditional project management. It requires someone who can own a project by anticipating needs, manage moving pieces dynamically, solve problems on the fly, communicate with customers and trade partners, meet our customers expectations, handle multiple priorities simultaneously, and deliver successful projects on time.

This position requires flexibility, responsiveness, strong ownership mentality, and the ability to independently drive projects to completion.

• Plan, monitor, coordinate, and oversee all phases of commercial kitchen equipment projects from procurement through completion.

• Manage timelines, schedules, deliverables, installations, shipments, and communication to ensure projects move forward efficiently and successfully.

• Take ownership of projects and operational tasks from start to finish with minimal supervision.

• Anticipate project challenges, identify gaps before they become issues, and proactively implement solutions.

• Serve as the organizational and operational backbone supporting the Contract Sales Executive in managing multiple active clients and projects simultaneously.

• Work closely with internal teams including Design, Sales Operations, Installation, Suppliers, and Contractors to ensure seamless execution and customer satisfaction.

• Coordinate communication between clients, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, and internal departments.

• Review bid documents, contracts, quotes, and shop drawings to ensure alignment with customer expectations and project requirements.

• Help manage priorities, schedules, follow-ups, and action items to keep projects and sales opportunities progressing.

• Maintain professional and responsive communication with clients, vendors, and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

• Support the Contract Sales Executive in building and maintaining strong customer relationships through exceptional service and responsiveness.

• Ensure customer needs, questions, and concerns are addressed quickly and effectively.

• Assist in creating a positive customer experience that supports long-term business growth and repeat business opportunities.

• Participate in weekly meetings, project calls, and client updates while maintaining clear and organized communication across all parties.

• Provide consistent status updates, track deadlines, and ensure accountability on all deliverables.

• Be available and flexible as projects and customer needs require, including occasional after-hours communication or schedule adjustments.

• Demonstrate strong critical thinking and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations.

• Operate with urgency, accountability, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

• Be comfortable working independently, making informed decisions, and stepping in wherever needed to support the success of the team and customer.

• Maintain exceptional attention to detail while balancing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.

• This position requires up to 5% travel.

• Flexibility in schedule is necessary to support customer and project needs, including occasional overtime, after-hours communication, and weekend work when required.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Highly proactive with the ability to anticipate needs and take initiative without constant direction.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.

• Strong relationship-building and customer service abilities.

• Critical thinker with strong problem-solving and follow-through skills.

• Ability to adapt quickly, stay composed under pressure, and execute with urgency.

• Self-motivated, dependable, and capable of operating independently while supporting a collaborative team environment.

• Advanced ability to use & apply technology including, but not limited to JDE, Excel, and other Microsoft Office Programs, Blue Beam, and AutoQuotes.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent practical or military experience preferred.

• 2+ years of project management, operations, sales support, or related experience preferred.

• Experience in foodservice, construction, contract sales, distribution, or a related industry is highly preferred.

• Experience supporting sales teams, managing client relationships, or coordinating complex projects is a plus.

• Ability to successfully pass a background check post-offer acceptance.

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