Project Manager Trainee
The Project Manager Trainee role at Confidential Client involves assisting and learning from a mentor to oversee construction projects in fire protection, mechanical, and HVAC services. The trainee supports project planning, scheduling, cost estimation, and coordination to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget while developing skills in client communication and project documentation. This position offers hands-on experience in managing multiple projects and building foundational project management expertise in a fast-paced environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Manufacturing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is hiring a Project Manager Trainee to join its project delivery team in Penbrook, PA. This is a hands-on training role for candidates pursuing careers in construction or project management within the manufacturing / mechanical & fire-protection sectors. You will be paired with a mentor and support project managers to learn scheduling, cost tracking, coordination, and client communication on active projects.
What You’ll Do
- Assist Project Manager mentors in planning, monitoring, and controlling multiple projects.
- Help define project requirements and support development of job schedules.
- Coordinate delivery of tools, materials, and fabrication.
- Track assigned personnel and monitor labor efficiency.
- Attend job progress meetings and prepare documentation for change orders and progress billings.
- Learn to estimate cost-to-complete for monthly WIP reporting.
- Support day-to-day project operations to help projects finish on time and on budget.
- Communicate with clients and internal teams to resolve issues and align on solutions.
- Read and analyze job cost reports and respond promptly to management inquiries.
- Assist with collections and basic project administrative tasks as required.
Qualifications
To be successful in this role you should have:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Currently enrolled full-time or recently graduated from an accredited university pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
- Internship or prior experience in construction, sprinkler/plumbing systems, or HVAC is a plus.
- Strong experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is required.
- Familiarity with MS Project or scheduling software is a plus.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, multi-task environment.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and commitment to company values.
- Basic business math skills and the ability to learn project cost/financial reporting.
Physical & Other Requirements
- This is an onsite role that regularly requires sitting, standing, walking, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and occasional crawling.
- Strength level classified as medium work: may lift/move 10–50 lbs depending on task.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye, head, and foot protection is frequently required; additional PPE may be required occasionally.
- Must be able to travel to customer and company locations as needed.
- Reasonable accommodations will be considered to support individuals with disabilities.
Compensation & Location
- Estimated salary: $51,265 per year (estimated).
- Location: Penbrook, PA — onsite.
- Employment type: Full-time, with internship/trainee elements.
Why Apply
- Structured mentorship and on-the-job training with experienced project managers.
- Real exposure to scheduling, estimating, cost control and client-facing project work.
- Opportunity to transition into a full Project Manager role after successful training and performance.
- Work within a large operating network in the manufacturing/mechanical & fire protection space.
Additional Information
- This role is open to applicants who can work onsite in Penbrook, PA. Confidential Client will consider reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law.
- Applicants should be mindful of fraudulent job postings or solicitations. Official communications for this role will be managed through Careertakes and Confidential Client’s formal recruiting process.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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