Project Planning Manager Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager - Direct Hire (Bellingham, WA; Billings, MT; Bismarck, ND; Minneapolis, MN; Spokane, WA; Vancouver, WA)

The Project Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, monitoring, and managing multi-discipline engineering activities and resources to successfully execute small- to mid-capital retrofit projects from initiation through closeout. This role carries single-point accountability for integrating and leading project teams to achieve scope, schedule, cost, quality, and safety objectives. An engineering background with experience in heavy industrial environments—such as pulp & paper, petroleum refining, hydrocarbons, high-tech manufacturing, or specialty chemicals—is strongly preferred.

Reports administratively to the Manager of Projects.

• Maintain effective and professional interaction with clients and stakeholders, clearly defining and managing expectations.

• Ensure fulfillment of all Company and client contractual obligations.

• Monitor client satisfaction and proactively address concerns, engaging Company leadership when necessary.

• Promote Company capabilities and pursue opportunities to expand scope of services where value is demonstrated.

• Protect the interests, confidentiality, and reputation of both the Company and its clients.

• Initiate, plan, execute, and close projects in accordance with approved proposals, contracts, and Company procedures.

• Develop Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), project execution plans, and detailed schedules covering scope, cost, schedule, risks, and deliverables.

• Define project organization and coordinate with engineering and design leadership to secure appropriate resources.

• Clearly establish roles, responsibilities, and interfaces among the client, Company, and third parties.

• Manage interdisciplinary engineering activities within a stage-gated project delivery framework (e.g., Front-End Loading).

• Develop and maintain project schedules using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6, managing dependencies and critical path activities.

• Identify, assess, document, and manage project risks and mitigation strategies.

• Implement effective management-of-change processes, including forecasting impacts, preparing change orders, and updating budgets, schedules, and scopes.

• Monitor and report project progress, costs, risks, and quality, providing accurate forecasts and recommending corrective actions as required.

• Communicate project expectations, risks, and priorities clearly and consistently to project teams and internal stakeholders.

• Ensure timely preparation, submission, tracking, and approval of deliverables and work packages.

• Maintain accurate, organized project records and ensure proper documentation control and archiving.

• Lead project closeout activities, including documentation handover, lessons learned, and closeout reporting.

• Review and approve client invoices and actively monitor payment status.

• Ensure project execution aligns with contractual scope, client requirements, and Company standards.

• Provide clear direction, set performance expectations, and foster collaboration across disciplines and offices.

• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and open communication.

• Address conflicts constructively and drive issues to resolution.

• Support the development of project personnel and recognize individual and team accomplishments.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred); Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.

• Minimum 10+ years of relevant engineering and project experience in heavy industrial environments.

• At least 5 years of experience managing capital projects, preferably small- to mid-cap retrofit projects.

• Prior consulting engineering experience strongly preferred.

• Strong proficiency in critical path scheduling using Microsoft Project and/or Primavera P6.

• Experience managing distributed teams and work-sharing across multiple locations.

• Willingness to travel routinely to domestic project sites.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.

• Eligibility to obtain or currently possess a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) required.

• Legal authorization to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship available).

• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage change, and prioritize multiple responsibilities.

• Strong verbal, written, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Commitment to ethical conduct, safety, and Company policies.

• Ability and willingness to work at industrial client sites, comply with safety requirements, and wear required PPE.

• Capable of performing site-related physical activities, including walking, climbing, lifting (up to 50 lbs occasionally), and working in loud or hazardous environments.

• Valid driver’s license and insurability required; ability to travel by air without restriction.

• Drug and alcohol screening and background checks conducted in accordance with client, state, and federal requirements.

Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, 401(k), Company-paid Life & AD&D Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, and exempt staff compensation for hours worked beyond 40 per week.