Senior Project Manager - Baggage Handling Systems

J.A. Watts, Inc.

The Role

Overview

Lead design, planning, and delivery of complex baggage handling system projects.

Key Responsibilities

  • design plans
  • project scheduling
  • budget management
  • risk mitigation
  • client liaison
  • reporting

Tasks

The Senior Project Manager will serve as the primary client interface and design lead, guiding project teams through the full lifecycle—from early programming and technical document development through design review, construction, and closeout. This role is responsible for understanding the overall project/program scope and managing all aspects of the assigned project or group of projects, including but not limited to the design, planning, implementation, construction, closeout, stakeholder coordination, cost control, client satisfaction, team performance, and quality functions. The Senior Project Manager shall lead by example and personify the Company’s Mission, Vision, and Values; taking ownership of their assigned project(s) or program. We are seeking a senior-level leader to join our rapidly growing BHS group, with opportunities to manage high-profile projects in Chicago and across the country. This role will play a pivotal part in shaping the design and delivery of complex baggage handling system (BHS) projects, ensuring they are executed with technical excellence, design precision, and operational efficiency. -Produce and review design plans, specifications, and cost estimates -Establish and implement project objectives, policies, procedures, roles and reporting structure, and performance standards within boundaries of company policy and contract specifications -Responsible for high level planning and programming analysis work including preparation of technical documents, testing plans, and proposals -Produce project schedule; coordinate schedule updates and distribute internally and externally -Maintain a positive relationship with the client at all times -Provide guidance, oversight, coaching, and mentoring to other project staff -Manage project staff and jobsite construction activities -Investigate potential situations and implement corrective measures as necessary; develop contingency plans to mitigate potential risk -Collaborate with clients, sub-consultants, and contractors to define work procedures and resolve complaints and construction problems -Strategize with Client Lead, Director, or Executive on opportunities for business development with existing and new clients -Manage all financial aspects of project contract(s), including labor, expenses, and staffing projections, to protect company’s interest -Oversee project budgets, create, and manage project forecasts, schedules and expenses; anticipate potential changes to budget, schedule, and expenses and provide guidance and analysis of changes -Assemble and distribute meeting minutes -Act as the primary interface with the client and lead the project team through the entire project process -Ensure effective communication is always maintained within the team structure and Senior Management -Responsible for ensuring that project deliverables are on time, within budget, and at the required level of quality -Execute the implementation of the JWI Playbook and ensure adherence to the practices outlined for JWI project management -Complete weekly and monthly reports concerning work progress, costs, and scheduling -Schedule and lead job meetings -Responsible for interviewing, recommending, and negotiating contractual service agreements. Prepare, negotiate, and authorize revisions, changes, and additions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, and subcontractors -Prepare and monitor punch list items; manage the close out process to completion -Represent company in project meetings and attend strategy meetings

Requirements

  • pmp
  • bachelors
  • ms office
  • contract mgmt
  • 10+ yrs
  • leadership

What You Bring

-Excellent communication, leadership, and influencing skills -Experience using MS Office suite and industry related project management software -A bachelor's degree in construction management, architecture or engineering, or equivalent work experience; Project Management certification (PMP, PMI), EIT or Professional Engineer preferred -Extensive knowledge and understanding of contract management and budgeting/estimating -Advanced interpersonal, administrative, and organizational skills; including the ability to work with diverse personalities to negotiate and resolve conflict -Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with managers, peers, and subordinates -10+ years of experience in the construction industry with a majority of those years working on BHS or conveyance projects in aviation or similar fields. Design experience preferred. -Experience as a leader managing a team of direct reports, mentor, and problem solver with a commitment to excellence

Benefits

Compensation details: 150000-160000 Yearly Salary Company Benefits -Paid time off and holidays -ID Theft protection -Matching 401(k) retirement plan -Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employee and family -Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available -Student debt repayment resources available -Company-sponsored social events -Professional development and tuition assistance -Company-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life options

The Company

About J.A. Watts, Inc.

-Evolved into a full‑service engineering and construction management firm, managing aviation runways, intelligent transportation systems, and tech integrations. -Notable projects include airfield lighting at major airports and highway/bridge works for state DOTs. -Specializes in aviation, roadway, technology, and infrastructure sectors, blending technical design with on‑site oversight. -Operates internationally with offices across the U.S. and projects spanning four continents. -Certified woman‑owned DBE, offering both general contracting and owner’s representation on public and private ventures. -Maintains a hands‑on internship program, reflecting commitment to real‑world training and talent development.

Sector Specialisms

Aviation

Transit

Surface Transportation

Facilities

Construction Management

Civil Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Planning & Design

Project Controls

Architecture

Safety