Project Manager- Special Projects

Position Profile

Location: Knoxville, TN

Position Title: Project Manager – Special Projects

The Opportunity:
This is a high-impact opportunity to step into a critical leadership role within a growing regional operation. The Project Manager – Special Projects will play a central role in ensuring the successful delivery of mechanical and plumbing construction projects, while directly influencing customer satisfaction, financial performance, and team effectiveness. With a senior project manager retiring at the end of the year, this role offers immediate responsibility and visibility, along with the benefit of onboarding during a strategic lull that allows for thoughtful training and integration. The person in this role will manage multiple projects from award through closeout, serving as the primary point of coordination between customers, field teams, general contractors, and internal stakeholders. As the organization continues expanding into new markets and geographies, this position offers meaningful long-term growth potential for a project manager who wants to build a career, not just fill a role.

The Company:
This organization is a long-established and highly respected mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and facilities services contractor with deep roots in the region. The company has grown into a large, multi-location operation serving a diverse mix of commercial, institutional, industrial, and specialty markets. Despite its size, the company maintains a strong family-oriented culture, a commitment to promoting from within, and a reputation for long-term employee retention. Many leaders across the organization began their careers in the field, reinforcing the company’s belief in development, loyalty, and internal advancement.

The Boss:
The position reports directly to the Director overseeing the regional special projects operation. This leader is a long-tenured professional who advanced through the organization from the field into senior leadership. He values collaboration, strong field relationships, customer respect, and practical project management experience rooted in mechanical and plumbing contracting. He is highly invested in mentoring team members and developing future leaders within the organization.

The Position:
The Project Manager – Special Projects is responsible for managing the day-to-day execution of mechanical and plumbing construction projects, typically ranging from smaller jobs to projects exceeding several hundred thousand dollars in value. This role focuses on project planning, budgeting, scheduling, manpower coordination, and customer communication. The position is not sales-oriented; instead, projects are handed off from sales following award, and the project manager assumes full ownership through completion and warranty closeout. The role requires close coordination with field personnel, subcontractors, general contractors, and owners to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget. The project manager also supports and mentors field teams while maintaining accountability for financial performance and customer satisfaction.

Essential Functions (Other duties may be assigned):

• Manage mechanical and plumbing construction projects from handoff through completion and warranty period
• Develop project plans outlining scope, schedule, staffing, and budget requirements
• Prepare and manage job budgets, financial projections, and monthly reviews
• Coordinate manpower planning and support field employees and superintendents
• Manage project schedules, material procurement, equipment needs, and labor tracking
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, general contractors, and owners
• Manage change orders, job modifications, and issue resolution throughout the project lifecycle
• Ensure adherence to company safety policies and conduct safety meetings as required
• Prepare project documentation and reports for management and stakeholder

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a project manager within a mechanical and plumbing contracting environment
• Strong understanding of HVAC, mechanical piping, plumbing systems, and construction processes
• Demonstrated ability to manage people, budgets, schedules, and customer relationships
• Experience working with plan/spec and design-build projects, primarily in commercial environments
• Ability to work cooperatively with field teams and earn their trust and buy-in

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Business, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• Five or more years of construction project management experience required, with mechanical and plumbing experience preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and construction-related software, including project scheduling and budgeting systems
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and specifications related to mechanical construction

Competencies:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ethical judgment and high level of integrity
• Effective planning, organization, and delegation abilities
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Customer-focused mindset with strong relationship-building skills

Work Environment:
The role is a mix of office and field-based work. Project managers regularly visit active job sites and may be exposed to varying weather conditions, construction environments, and physical demands typical of commercial construction. Office work includes extended time at a desk and computer, while field work may involve walking job sites, climbing, and occasional lifting. Regional travel is required.

Compensation:
The company offers a competitive compensation package that includes base pay, performance-based incentives tied to project results, and a comprehensive benefits program. Additional support may include vehicle options and tools necessary to perform the role effectively, consistent with company policy.