Project Management Specialist

Apply Description Summary: The Project Management Specialist plays a crucial role in achieving our purpose of creating lasting value for those we serve by ensuring projects meet customer requirements. This position is responsible for managing and facilitating the intake process for services & solutions projects, serving as a single point of contact for the Van Meter selling team to gather all required information to move from budgetary to fixed price proposal generation. This role will leverage their project management skills to lead the project team and direct the implementation of the project scope and schedule, ensuring high-quality deliverables while meeting defined objectives for scope, timeline, budget, and outcomes. This role will work closely with Van Meter selling team members, vendors & partners. Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions: Field project requests, follow the intake process, engage appropriate resources, and define next steps. Manage complex pursuits to final proposal. Generate project proposals. Review customer provided legal documentation (ie: Master Service Agreement) and identify discrepancies with standard terms & conditions. Develop project schedules, including contingency planning for critical lead-time items. Manage internal & external project communication. Conduct project kick-off meetings with all project team members to review the scope, deliverables, and schedule of projects. Distribute tasks to project team members. Collaborate with subject matter experts. Identify and resolve project issues proactively, coordinating with appropriate resources. Direct the execution of project scope and schedule. Manage change orders. Review and approve vendor invoices. Ensure overall quality of project deliverables. Establish, build, and maintain excellent internal and external relationships. Requirements Critical Success Factors: Customer Focused - must be a resource & partner for our internal and external customers. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills via phone, email and in-person. Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with internal and external customers. Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities and projects with strict deadlines. Ability to lead small groups and facilitate meetings; driving to clarity of action items, owners, and timelines. Not afraid to engage in difficult conversations with external or internal customers. Detail & process oriented. Organized with excellent follow-up and follow-through. Ability to identify issues and engage the right resources to resolve them. Ability to learn quickly and apply knowledge. Drive for continuous improvement. Job Requirements/Specifications: Minimum 2-year degree or equivalent experience required. 3+ years of electrical or automation industry project management experience strongly preferred. Electrical or automation background (education, experience, or both) preferred. Project Management certification or education preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite required (Word, Excel, Teams). Travel required (approximately 10%) Work Environment & Physical Demands: Occasional, climbing, crouching, depth perception, works alone, extended day, cold, heat, temperature changes, wet, humid, noise, high places, work outdoors, Some, lifting, carrying, pushing, bending at the waist, twisting upper body, balancing, driving Frequent, standing Consistent, sitting, walking, working with hands, working with fingers, talking, hearing, vision acuity-near, vision acuity-far, working with others, customer contact, working indoors Van Meter is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status. Several factors are considered in making compensation decisions at Van Meter; including but not limited to education, skill sets, work experience and training, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation may be below the lower end of the range when the minimum requirements of the role are not met and the higher end is reserved for candidates with extensive experience and qualifications that exceed the requirements of the role. Van Meter offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, pet insurance, company paid life and disability insurance, paid time off including holidays, 401(k) with company match and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.