Manager of Project Support

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Manager of Project Support leads SME Steel Contractors’ Project Support function—comprising the Assistant Project Managers (APMs) and Project Assistants (PAs)—within the Project Management Department. The Manager provides structure, mentorship, and operational control for SME’s project support teams. They balance people development with process discipline, maintaining alignment between Project Manager, APMs, and PAs while ensuring the department operates with precision, transparency, and collaboration.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and People Development

• Lead, mentor, and directly supervise all Assistant Project Managers and Project Assistants.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability standards.
• Conduct regular check-ins and performance reviews focused on consistency, growth, and teamwork.
• Oversee onboarding, training, and continuing education for new and existing staff.
• Develop the Project Support group as a trusted professional arm of the PM Department.

Department Alignment and Process Control

• Maintain clarity between Project Managers and their support teams – ensuring roles, limits, and workflows are clearly defined.
• Manage APMs & PAs workloads appropriate to their defined scope and capabilities.
• Assign projects to APMs & Pas based on skill level, workload and project complexity.
• Serve as the escalation point for workload, expectation conflicts between PMs and their support, and to direct tasks when support is out of office.

Operational Oversight and Standardization

• Develop, implement, and enforce departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing all APM and PA functions.
• Ensure consistent project setup, file structure, and digital document control practices across all projects.
• Audit project documentation regularly for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with SME’s naming conventions and quality standards.
• Coordinate with PMs to ensure deliverables and compliance with SME’s and GC’s document standards.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, consistency, and reliability.

Resource and Workload Management

• Track department capacity and maintain balanced workloads across all APMs and PAs.
• Ensure that every project is appropriately staffed relative to its scale and complexity.
• Forecast staffing needs for upcoming projects and coordinate resource planning with the Vice President of Project Management.
• Monitor performance indicators such as accuracy and completion timelines to ensure sustainable productivity levels. 5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner closely with PMs to maintain alignment between project execution and administrative support.
• Represent the APM and PA teams in departmental leadership meetings and planning sessions.
• Collaborate with Contracts, Production, Command Center, and Field Operations teams.
• Communicate changes to procedures, staffing, or workflows clearly across affected departments.

Performance Tracking and Continuous Improvement

• Track team performance through defined metrics such as document accuracy and SOP compliance.
• Identify recurring inefficiencies and lead solutions through training or process revision. Conduct internal quality reviews of project documentation and provide constructive feedback to both PMs and support team.
• Promote transparency and accountability through measurable goals.

Systems, Tools, and Data Integrity

• Oversee usage and compliance across SME’s project management tools.
• Ensure APMs and PAs are trained and compliant in all required systems.
• Coordinate with IT and Command Center teams to improve software integration.
• Maintain and update departmental templates, checklists, and standardized forms.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must be able to perform each essential duty daily.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in construction project management, project coordination, or project administration.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or management experience, preferably leading project support teams or administrative personnel.
• Experience working in commercial construction, structural steel, miscellaneous metals, or a related construction industry preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and maintaining standard operating procedures, workflows, and departmental processes.

Leadership and Management Skills

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop employees while establishing clear performance expectations and accountability standards.
• Strong ability to manage workloads, allocate resources, and prioritize assignments based on employee capabilities, project complexity, and departmental capacity.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts, manage competing priorities, and maintain productive working relationships across multiple teams.
• Ability to establish clear roles, responsibilities, and communication standards between project managers and support personnel.
• Experience conducting performance evaluations, employee training, and professional development.
• Ability to lead process improvements and implement consistent practices across a department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time while working at a desk or computer, with regular use of hands and fingers for typing, using a computer mouse, and handling documents.
• Occasional lifting and moving files or office supplies, typically up to 20 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Primarily works in a standard office environment with minimal exposure to temperature changes.
• Involves interaction with colleagues and occasional participation in meetings, both in-person and virtual.

EEO:

SME Industries, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or any other protected group status or non-job-related characteristic as directed by law.