Foodservice Project Manager

Foodservice Project Manager

Location: Chicago, IL

About Boelter

Be part of the Boelter community—a team that brings people together through collaboration, respect, and shared success. At Boelter, we value the individual. Your unique perspective strengthens our organization and fuels our commitment to authentic, long-term relationships with customers and partners.

Job Summary

The Boelter Companies, a nationally recognized and growing supplier of commercial kitchen equipment, is seeking a Foodservice Project Manager to support and manage commercial foodservice equipment projects throughout the Chicago and mid-west area.

This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all phases of foodservice equipment installations—from design and specification through final installation and closeout. The Project Manager actively sells and manages projects for both public and privately funded customers, including architects, general contractors, and foodservice operators.

The ideal candidate will have construction-based project management experience, strong technical aptitude, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and sell commercial foodservice equipment packages

• Read and interpret blueprints, layouts, and design documents

• Prepare accurate project quotations using AutoQuotes

• Review bid and contract documents to ensure compliance with project requirements

• Support estimating efforts, including pre-bid inspections, field measurements, scope reviews, site inspections, and attendance at project meetings

• Review manufacturer quotes, equipment releases, shop drawings, custom/fabrication submittals, purchase orders, color selections, and utility requirements to ensure timely and accurate equipment releases

• Maintain a working knowledge of general construction practices, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems

• Collaborate with Project Coordinators to ensure clear communication, timely follow-up, and accurate job tracking

• Manage and oversee jobsite installations, including coordination of equipment deliveries and installation schedules

• Prepare and manage change orders, RFIs, and project bulletins; coordinate field changes with contractors and impacted trades

• Review and support project billing and invoicing

• Track and control project costs to maintain budget integrity

• Address warranty issues promptly and professionally in coordination with Project Coordinators

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, architects, contractors, manufacturers, vendors, and other trades

• Attend corporate meetings, industry conferences, training sessions, and events as required (including NAFEM, NRA, and NexGen training)

• Demonstrate professionalism, initiative, and accountability while working independently and managing competing priorities

• Remain comfortable working in active jobsite environments

Education and Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience

• One to three years of related experience in design, project management, or construction-based roles

• Prior experience in foodservice equipment, construction, or related industries preferred

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, AutoQuotes, and HubSpot

• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate with poise, tact, and diplomacy

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this role, the employee will regularly use a keyboard, calculator, and telephone. The position involves frequent sitting, talking, and hearing, with occasional standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting up to 10 pounds. The ability to adjust vision for close work is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.