Project Development Manager
State Mechanical Services (SMS) | Aurora, Illinois
This role combines estimating, preconstruction, customer relationship management, and project procurement. You will work closely with owners, general contractors, engineers, and operations teams to develop project opportunities, prepare estimates, support project pursuits, and successfully transition awarded work into execution.
This is an ideal opportunity for a mechanical construction professional with experience in estimating, project management, field leadership, or preconstruction who wants to leverage their operational expertise to help grow a business.
What You'll Do
Project Development & Customer Relationships
- Develop and maintain relationships with customers, owners, general contractors, engineers, and industry partners
- Identify and develop commercial and industrial mechanical construction opportunities
- Support negotiated work, design-build pursuits, and strategic growth initiatives
- Help expand existing customer relationships and repeat business opportunities
Estimating & Preconstruction
- Prepare budgets, estimates, and project pricing
- Review plans, specifications, and contract documents
- Perform constructability reviews and scope development
- Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing
- Identify project risks, assumptions, and value engineering opportunities
Project Procurement & Operations Handoff
- Support project acquisition and contract award activities
- Coordinate project turnover to operations teams
- Ensure accurate transfer of scope, budgets, schedules, and project assumptions
- Support successful project startup and execution planning
What We're Looking For
Required
- Experience in mechanical construction, estimating, project management, preconstruction, or field leadership
- Strong knowledge of HVAC, piping, plumbing, and mechanical construction systems
- Experience managing projects from estimate through closeout
- Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and contract documents
- Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer and project locations
Preferred
- Local 597 Journeyman background
- Experience as an Estimator, Project Manager, Superintendent, or General Foreman
- Experience with negotiated work and design-build delivery
- Existing relationships within the Chicagoland construction market
- Local 597 Estimating or Project Management coursework
Why Join State Mechanical Services?
- Growing mechanical contractor backed by MechanAir Holdings
- Opportunity to directly influence project procurement and company growth
- Work with experienced operations and construction leaders
- Competitive compensation
- Vehicle allowance
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- Collaborative, team-oriented culture
Location
Aurora, Illinois
This position requires regular travel to customer locations, project sites, and industry meetings throughout the Chicagoland area.
