What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations and Project Coordinator position at Big Shoulders Plumbing?
We’re Hiring: Part-Time Operations & Project Coordinator
Big Shoulders Plumbing | Chicago, IL | Flexible/Hybrid
Big Shoulders Plumbing is a growing Chicago plumbing contractor specializing in renovation, adaptive reuse, hospitality, and complex projects that require creative thinking and exceptional craftsmanship.
We’re building a modern plumbing company with ambitious goals, a clear vision, and a commitment to doing things differently. As we grow, we’re looking for a smart, organized, and resourceful person to work directly with our owner to help manage day-to-day business operations and build the systems that will support our next stage of growth.
This is a hands-on role with a mix of bookkeeping, project coordination, administrative responsibilities, and special projects. You’ll have clear priorities and direction, along with the opportunity to take ownership of your work, contribute ideas, and help improve how we operate.
We’re looking for someone who enjoys both structure and variety, takes pride in getting the details right, and likes finding better ways to accomplish a goal.
What You’ll Do
You’ll work closely with our owner across several areas of the business, including:
Financial & Business Operations
● Manage bookkeeping activities, including invoicing, bill payments, accounts receivable follow-up, and account reconciliation in QuickBooks.
● Track financial information and help maintain accurate, organized records.
● Support the development of efficient, repeatable administrative and financial processes.
Project Coordination
● Track project schedules, milestones, budgets, and outstanding action items.
● Prepare project updates and participate in weekly status meetings.
● Assist with bid and proposal preparation, documentation, and follow-up.
● Help keep project files, communications, and information organized and accessible.
Administrative & Special Projects
● Provide administrative and occasional personal administrative support to the owner.
● Coordinate with external partners, including our marketing agency.
● Help plan company events and client engagement activities.
● Create and update presentations, documents, and company materials.
● Support special initiatives, from developing an employee handbook to implementing new business systems.
● Help prioritize activities, track commitments, and ensure important things don’t fall through the cracks.
Over time, we’d like this person to take increasing ownership of these responsibilities and help manage the day-to-day operations of the business.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re less concerned with finding someone who checks every box and more interested in finding the right combination of skills, curiosity, and personal accountability.
You’ll likely be a great fit if you:
● Have experience with bookkeeping, QuickBooks, and financial recordkeeping.
● Are proficient in Excel and Google Workspace.
● Have a background in administration, business operations, or project coordination.
● Are analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with numbers.
● Enjoy organizing information, improving processes, and making things run more efficiently.
● Take initiative, follow through, and take pride in the quality of your work.
● Are comfortable with change and enjoy learning new things.
● Like collaborating, brainstorming, and exploring different approaches to solving problems.
● Can work independently while staying aligned with established priorities and goals.
● Bring a positive attitude, good judgment, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed.
Bonus points for:
● Experience in construction, contracting, or the skilled trades.
● Familiarity with JobTread or other construction project-management software.
● Experience helping a small or growing business develop its operational processes.
Construction or plumbing experience isn’t required, but an interest in learning the industry is important.
Why Join Big Shoulders Plumbing?
An opportunity to make a real impact. We’re a growing company, and your work will directly influence how efficiently and successfully we operate.
Clear direction, with room to make it your own. You’ll work closely with an owner who has a strong vision for the business, values collaboration, and welcomes thoughtful ideas about how to achieve our goals.
Variety and meaningful responsibility. No two weeks will look exactly alike. You’ll have opportunities to work across financial management, project coordination, operations, and business development.
Room to grow. While this is initially a part-time position, we envision the right person growing into a larger role as the company expands, potentially becoming a full-time Office Manager, Operations Manager, or Project Manager.
A company that values its people. We believe great work deserves recognition, people should take pride in what they build, and everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Position Details
● Location: Chicago, IL
● Schedule: Part-time, up to 20 hours per week
● Work arrangement: Flexible and primarily remote, with an expectation of meeting in person approximately once per week in the Chicago area
● Compensation: $28–$35 per hour, depending on experience; flexibility for candidates with particularly relevant expertise
● Growth potential: Opportunity for expanded responsibilities and a potential full-time position as the company grows
About Big Shoulders Plumbing
Big Shoulders Plumbing is a Chicago-based, union plumbing contractor focused on renovations, adaptive reuse, hospitality, and challenging projects that help preserve and reimagine the buildings that make our city great.
We combine exceptional craftsmanship with creative problem-solving, modern technology, and a commitment to doing things right. We’re building a company where talented people take ownership, share ideas, support one another, and take pride in what they accomplish.
Interested?
We’d love to hear from you. Send us your résumé along with a short note about why this role interests you and what you’d bring to our team.
Salary : $28 - $35