Junior Project Manager (Contract)

Job Title: Junior Project ManagerLocation: Merrillville, IN (Hybrid – Onsite Tuesday–Thursday; Remote Monday & Friday)Contract Duration: 1-year contractHours/Week: 40 hoursPay Rate: $45–$50/hourEmployment Type: W-2 only (U.S. Citizens only – No visa sponsorships)Position SummaryWe are seeking a Junior Project Manager to support the planning and execution of projects spanning both IT and business functions. This role is ideal for an early-career project manager looking to grow within a structured PMO environment while supporting large, complex initiatives. The Junior Project Manager will assist with project delivery activities including scope, schedule, budget, risk, and stakeholder coordination, working closely with senior project managers, technical leads, and business partners.This is a hybrid role based in Merrillville, IN, requiring onsite presence Tuesday through Thursday.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport the development of project proposals, estimates, schedules, and delivery plansAssist with issue, risk, and dependency management activitiesUse project management tools to forecast, plan, estimate, and track project scope, budget, and timelinesProvide oversight support for project performance, cost, scope, schedule, and qualityExecute project lifecycle activities from requirements definition through development, testing, and deliveryIdentify and track project dependencies and critical path itemsDevelop clear documentation including process flows, action plans, status reports, and visual materials to support stakeholder communicationFacilitate collaboration across multiple teams, departments, and organizational levelsSupport change management activities to ensure successful adoption of project outcomesCoordinate and maintain project status reporting aligned with PMO standards and methodologiesAssist with managing relationships between internal stakeholders, IT environment providers, and service partnersProvide regular status updates to leadership on project risks, impacts, and progressSupport team coordination by tracking assignments, milestones, and deliverablesRequired Qualifications3 years of experience supporting or leading projects across IT and business functionsExperience working on large or complex projects involving internal and external resourcesWorking knowledge of project management methodologies including Waterfall, Agile, and SDLCStrong organizational, communication, and stakeholder engagement skillsExperience with project cost tracking, forecasting, and resource capacity planningStrong business process analysis and process mapping skillsExposure to change management practices supporting project deliveryExperience coordinating work across matrixed or indirectly managed teamsBachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, MIS, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent professional experience demonstrating technical project leadershipCompletion of required PM training prior to assuming role, with commitment to ongoing professional developmentPreferred QualificationsProject Management Professional (PMP) certification or working toward certificationAgile certifications such as PSM (Professional Scrum Master) or PSPO (Professional Scrum Product Owner)ITIL v3 or v4 certificationFamiliarity with the Energy or Utilities industry

Salary : $45 - $55