Project Manager / Senior Project Manager

Company Description

With a fleet of more than 300 pieces of equipment, Berger Contractors, Inc. (BEC) is one of the largest earthmoving and underground utility contractors in Northern Illinois. BEC has completed projects in Lake, McHenry, Kane, Cook and DuPage counties in Illinois as well as Kenosha County Wisconsin.

Through the years, BEC has been recognized as a leading contractor by both the public and private sectors. Typical private-sector projects include residential developments, hospitals, restaurants, office complexes, shopping centers, and industrial buildings. In the public sector, we construct highways, waste-water treatment facilities, and storm water diversion infrastructures.

Role Description

Position Title: Project Manager / Senior Project Manager

Reports To: Manager of Construction

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Wauconda, IL (Corporate Office – Onsite)

Position Summary:

The Project Manager serves as the central driver of the full project lifecycle, from contract execution through final closeout. This role is responsible for leading project scope, schedule, and budget while ensuring clear communication across all stakeholders. The Project Manager maintains full ownership of project performance, proactively managing financials, timelines, and client relationships to ensure successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management \& Execution

·      Maintain a comprehensive understanding of project scope, contract requirements, and deliverables

·      Lead and coordinate all phases of project execution from initiation through closeout

·      Ensure timely and effective communication with all stakeholders (clients, field teams, leadership)

·      Organize and facilitate key project meetings including kickoff, pre-construction, and progress meetings

·      Prepare and distribute daily work plans to stakeholders by 3:30 PM prior to scheduled work

·      Review and approve timecards within one business day, ensuring accuracy of labor, equipment, cost codes, and production quantities

Client \& Stakeholder Management

·      Develop and maintain strong client relationships and serve as the primary point of contact

·      Represent the organization professionally in client interactions and industry engagements

·      Ensure responsiveness across all communication channels (email, phone, text)

·      Foster collaboration between internal teams, field personnel, and external stakeholders

Scheduling \& Coordination

·      Develop, maintain, and distribute look-ahead schedules (minimum 3-week horizon)

·      Collaborate with field leadership and client representatives to align sequencing and priorities

·      Ensure schedules include production rates, quantities, dependencies, and cost codes

·      Create and manage baseline project schedules aligned with contract scope and timelines

·      Communicate sequencing and scheduling expectations across all project stakeholders

·      Coordinate subcontractor schedules to align with overall project objectives

Financial \& Budget Management

·      Maintain full ownership and understanding of project budgets and cost structures

·      Monitor production quantities, labor hours, and cost performance against budget

·      Identify and address variances proactively with field teams and leadership

·      Perform periodic cost code quantity reconciliations to assess project health

·      Manage scope changes, including change orders, extra work, and budget adjustments

·      Maintain accurate change order logs and ensure timely client distribution

·      Review and approve invoices, accounts payable, and cost commitments in partnership with Project Accounting

·      Support monthly billing processes, including timely submission and review of billings and change orders

·      Assist with forecasting, Work-in-Progress (WIP), and cost-to-complete projections

·      Support accounts receivable efforts when necessary

Contract Administration \& Documentation

·      Manage all contract-related documentation including notices, correspondence, and records

·      Oversee submittals, procurement processes, and material tracking

·      Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and documentation standards

Leadership, Safety \& Development

·      Serve as a safety leader, proactively identifying and addressing unsafe conditions

·      Enforce company standards, processes, and operational best practices (“Berger Way”)

·      Lead by example in alignment with company core values and fundamentals

·      Participate in ongoing professional development and leadership training

·      Engage in industry involvement and advocacy initiatives

·      Continuously build and strengthen client relationships

Qualifications

Required:

·      5\+ years of experience managing construction or infrastructure projects end-to-end

·      Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

·      Strong knowledge of project scheduling, budgeting, and cost control

·      Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, priorities, and deadlines

·      Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills

Preferred:

·      Experience in heavy civil, excavation, or similar environments

·      Knowledge of cost coding, production tracking, and forecasting

·      Experience collaborating with subcontractors and complex project schedules

Core Competencies

·      Project Leadership \& Execution

·      Financial \& Business Acumen

·      Communication \& Stakeholder Management

·      Problem Solving \& Decision Making

·      Time Management \& Organization

·      Client Relationship Management

Work Environment / Expectations

·      Based in Wauconda, IL (corporate office) with regular field interaction

·      Extended hours may be required based on project demands and seasonality

·      Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with high accountability