# Project Manager (PM) - Job Description & Qualification Tasks **Primary Responsibility:** To lead, plan, execute, and finalize BAS/energy projects according to strict deadlines and within budget, ensuring that all contractual and performance specifications are met to achieve high client satisfaction. **Prerequisites:** - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience) - Strong organizational, communication, and leadership abilities - Technical aptitude and willingness to learn BAS systems - Experience in construction, engineering, or technical project management preferred **Career Path:** This is a standalone professional role with opportunities for advancement to Senior Project Manager, Program Manager, or Director of Operations based on company growth and individual performance. --- ## Assessment Methods - Project performance metrics: on-time delivery, budget variance, quality scores - Written exam on project management methodology and BAS fundamentals (80% passing score) - Client satisfaction surveys (minimum 4.5/5.0 rating) - Financial performance: projects completed within 5% of budget - Supervisor evaluation of leadership, communication, and problem-solving - Peer review from field staff on coordination and support quality - Portfolio of successfully completed projects with lessons learned documentation --- **Key Tasks for Qualification** - 1. **Project Planning:** Develop a comprehensive project plan, including WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) and critical path analysis (Gantt chart). - 2. **Project Planning:** Define project scope and deliverables, involving all relevant stakeholders (client, engineering, field teams). - 3. **Financial Management:** Monitor project budget daily, tracking actual costs against budgeted costs (WIP reporting). - 4. **Financial Management:** Review and approve vendor invoices and subcontractor billings related to the project. - 5. **Communication & Client Relations:** Conduct formal project kick-off meetings with the client and internal teams. - 6. **Communication & Client Relations:** Manage all change order requests, creating documentation, negotiating pricing, and securing client approval before execution. - 7. **Execution & Closing:** Schedule and lead regular site coordination meetings with general contractors and other trades. - 8. **Execution & Closing:** Complete final project closeout documentation, including as-builts, warranty papers, and final payment collection. - 9. **Risk Management:** Identify, document, and mitigate at least two high-priority project risks (e.g., material lead times, labor shortages). --- ## Foundational Training (Before Role-Specific Courses) 1. **BAS Technical Foundations:** Abbreviated technical overview of building automation systems, major components, installation process, and commissioning. Understanding what you're managing is critical. 2. **Construction Project Management Fundamentals:** Overview of construction phases, stakeholder management, and industry-specific challenges. 3. **Contract Law & Change Order Management:** Understanding construction contracts, scope changes, and legal implications. 4. **Company Project Lifecycle:** How projects flow through the organization from bid to closeout, and the PM's role at each stage. --- ## Required Training Course List 1. **Project Management Fundamentals:** WBS, Critical Path Method (CPM), and Scope Definition. 2. **BAS Project Lifecycle & Stakeholder Management:** Navigating the construction phase from bid to handover. 3. **Advanced Financial Controls:** Work In Progress (WIP) Reporting, Cost Tracking, and Budget Variance Analysis. 4. **Subcontractor and Vendor Management:** Invoicing, Billing, and Payment Procedures. 5. **Client Communication & Kick-Off Strategy:** Leading formal project initiation meetings. 6. **Change Order Procedures:** Negotiation, Pricing, and Formal Documentation. 7. **Site Coordination & Logistics:** Running site meetings and coordinating with General Contractors (GCs). 8. **Project Closeout Procedures:** Creating As-Builts, Managing Warranties, and Final Payment Collection. 9. **Project Risk Management:** Identification, Documentation, and Mitigation Strategies. 10. **Service Fusion Project Management Module:** Complete mastery of project tracking, task management, and financial reporting within Service Fusion. 11. **Estimating and Proposal Development:** Understanding how projects are priced and scoped (supports change order pricing). 12. **Conflict Resolution and Team Leadership:** Managing difficult conversations, motivating teams, and problem-solving. 13. **Client Expectation Management:** Proactive communication strategies to prevent and resolve issues. --- ## Optional/Advanced Training - Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification - Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) - Manufacturer-specific project management certifications - Advanced construction scheduling software (MS Project, Primavera, etc.) - Lean construction and Six Sigma for process improvement - Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination - LEED project management and sustainable building practices - Negotiation and mediation techniques --- ## Cross-Training Opportunities - Shadow experienced PMs through complete project lifecycle - Attend pre-construction and estimating meetings - Spend time in the field with Installers and Field Specialists to understand day-to-day challenges - Shadow Network Specialists, Programmers, and Graphic Developers to understand technical deliverables - Work with Accountant on project financials and billing cycles - Participate in service contract negotiations to understand ongoing maintenance - Review Dispatch Coordinator workflows to understand project-to-service transition - Attend client meetings across various project phases --- ## Qualification Checklist Before being considered fully qualified, the Project Manager must demonstrate: - [ ] Successfully manage 5+ projects from start to finish as lead PM - [ ] Complete projects within 5% of budget (over/under) for 3 consecutive projects - [ ] Deliver 5+ projects on or ahead of schedule - [ ] Achieve client satisfaction rating of 4.5/5.0 or higher across all managed projects - [ ] Successfully negotiate and execute 10+ change orders with full documentation - [ ] Coordinate with GCs and other trades across 10+ construction sites - [ ] Complete full closeout documentation for 5+ projects including as-builts and warranties - [ ] Identify and mitigate project risks, preventing at least 3 potential schedule/budget impacts - [ ] Pass written exam on PM methodology and BAS fundamentals (80%+) - [ ] Lead 20+ project coordination and client meetings effectively - [ ] Manage 2+ projects simultaneously without quality degradation - [ ] Receive positive peer reviews from field staff and subcontractors - [ ] Receive supervisor sign-off on all 9 key qualification tasks --- ## Timeline Expectations **Typical Duration:** 12-18 months to full qualification - Months 1-3: Foundational training, shadowing experienced PMs, assisting on active projects - Months 4-6: Co-managing smaller projects with oversight, learning financial controls - Months 7-12: Lead PM on 1-2 smaller projects, building competency and confidence - Months 13-18: Managing multiple projects independently, pursuing optional certifications - Ongoing: Continuous professional development, mentoring junior PMs **Note:** Timeline may be shorter for candidates with prior construction PM experience, engineering background, or relevant certifications. Technical aptitude and leadership skills are critical for success.