Senior Project Manager

Description

J. A. Watts, Inc. (JWI) is a woman-owned professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we’re known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That’s how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, which makes us stronger together.

This role is responsible for understanding the overall project/program scope and managing all aspects of the assigned project or group of projects, including but not limited to the design, planning, implementation, construction, closeout, stakeholder coordination, cost control, client satisfaction, team performance, and quality functions. The Senior Project Manager shall lead by example and personify the Company’s Mission, Vision, and Values; taking ownership of their assigned project(s) or program. We are looking to add an experienced and collaborative Specifications Writer in support of a multi-billion-dollar airport capital Redevelopment Program. This position allows for the opportunity to be a major contributor to the growth of one of the busiest airports in the world as part of the Program Management team.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as the primary interface with the client and lead the project team through the entire project process
• Responsible for high-level planning and programming analysis work, including preparation of technical documents, testing plans, and proposals
• Establish and implement project objectives, policies, procedures, roles, reporting structure, and performance standards within company policy and contract specifications
• Represent the company in project meetings and attend strategy meetings
• Assemble and distribute meeting minutes
• Ensure effective communication is always maintained within the team structure and Senior Management
• Complete weekly and monthly reports concerning work progress, costs, and scheduling
• Produce project schedule; coordinate schedule updates and distribute internally and externally
• Manage all financial aspects of project contract(s), including labor, expenses, and staffing projections, to protect the company’s interest
• Maintain a positive relationship with the client at all times
• Oversee project budgets, create and manage project forecasts, schedules, and expenses; anticipate potential changes to budget, schedule, and expenses and provide guidance and analysis of changes
• Develop, update, and manage master specifications for all disciplines, ensuring alignment with program goals, industry standards, and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across various disciplines to help guide the creation and update of standards and specifications
• Ensure specifications comply with FAA standards, local building codes, and other applicable regulations and requirements from Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
• Conduct regular reviews and audits of project specifications to ensure adherence to master specifications
• Serve as a subject matter expert during design reviews and project planning sessions
• Provide guidance and training to project teams on specification usage and updates
• Monitor industry trends and implement updates to enhance program outcomes
• Resolve specification-related issues during design and construction phases
• Ability to work onsite full-time at O’Hare International Airport with the program management team
• Perform other duties as may be required/directed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
• 8 years of relevant experience in developing and managing specifications for large-scale infrastructure or capital development projects, preferably in aviation
• Proficiency with tools like MasterSpec, SpecLink, or similar platforms
• Familiarity with FAA design standards, local building codes, and industry specifications best practices
• Strong organizational and analytical skills to handle complex projects and multiple priorities
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Able to pass a background check to obtain badging at airports
• Experience as a leader managing a team of direct reports, mentor, and problem solver with a commitment to excellence
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of contract management and budgeting/estimating
• Advanced interpersonal, administrative, and organizational skills; including the ability to work with diverse personalities to negotiate and resolve conflict

Company Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employee and family
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available
• Company-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life options
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Student debt repayment resources available 
• ID Theft protection
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Company-sponsored social events

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

Salary : $125,000 - $165,000