Senior Project Manager at Carolina Chillers in Ladson, SC

A Project Executive serves as a strategic leader within the Turnkey Construction Department and is responsible for the overall success of assigned strategic customer accounts and the successful execution of the organization's most complex, high-value, and strategically important projects. The Project Executive functions as the primary relationship manager for key clients while providing operational oversight, project development support, risk management, and mentorship to Project Managers and Superintendents.

Project Executives are expected to be involved from the earliest stages of opportunity development through final project closeout. They serve as trusted advisors to customers and internal stakeholders while helping drive profitability, customer retention, backlog growth, and operational excellence. The role acts as an extension of the Charleston Fulfillment Manager and supports strategic planning, account management, and overall branch performance.

Successful Project Executives are highly organized, customer-focused leaders who possess advanced business acumen, technical knowledge, and communication skills. They are committed to protecting the organization from risk while ensuring exceptional customer outcomes and continually reinforcing the company's mission, vision, and values.

Project Executives generally need to have a bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, business, or a related field, along with extensive experience managing commercial or industrial construction projects and strategic customer relationships.

• Develop and maintain executive-level relationships with assigned A-Level and strategic customer accounts.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key customers and facilitate regular business reviews.
• Partner with Project Sales Leaders to identify customer needs, develop solutions, and support long-term account growth strategies.
• Participate in project discovery meetings, site assessments, conceptual budgeting, and solution development activities.
• Review project estimates for accuracy, risk exposure, labor requirements, execution strategy, and overall profitability.
• Support project sales efforts through technical consultation, operational planning, and customer presentations.
• Provide oversight for assigned projects and ensure successful execution according to scope, budget, quality, and schedule requirements.
• Lead high-risk, high-value, and technically complex projects requiring advanced coordination and problem-solving.
• Review equipment selections, subcontractor proposals, and procurement strategies to ensure project success.
• Identify contractual, financial, operational, and scheduling risks and develop mitigation plans before project execution.
• Monitor project financial performance and collaborate with Project Managers to maintain profitability and positive cash flow.
• Support forecasting, backlog management, resource planning, and branch operational initiatives.
• Work closely with Superintendents and Project Managers to align labor resources with customer needs and project demands.
• Mentor Project Managers and Project Coordinators through coaching, project reviews, and professional development.
• Assist with onboarding and training new project management personnel.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and help develop best practices throughout the organization.
• Coordinate with Safety, Operations, and Leadership teams to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in resolving escalated customer concerns, project disputes, and operational challenges.
• Ensure complete project closeout documentation is provided and that warranty-related items are appropriately addressed.
• Continually contribute to improving overall team performance and reinforce organizational vision, mission, and values.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 8-10 years of construction project management experience with increasing responsibility.
• Proven experience managing large-scale commercial or industrial HVAC construction projects.
• Demonstrated success managing strategic customer relationships and high-profile accounts.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and contract management.
• Advanced understanding of construction estimating, project development, procurement, and project delivery methods.
• Experience mentoring and developing project management personnel.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Strong familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Word, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Teams, ERP systems, and project management software.
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems, controls, hydronics, piping systems, and mechanical construction practices.
• Excellent verbal communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to write reports and professional correspondence to customers, vendors, subcontractors, and government officials.
• Emotionally intelligent with strong relationship management and leadership capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage demanding clients and develop creative solutions to complex challenges.

• Assigned strategic accounts maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and long-term retention.
• Complex projects consistently achieve budget, schedule, safety, and quality objectives.
• Actively contributes to branch sales growth, backlog development, and customer retention efforts.
• Provides effective mentorship and leadership to Project Managers and Project Coordinators.
• Identifies and implements process improvements that positively impact branch performance.
• Maintains strong financial performance across assigned customer portfolios and project assignments.
• Demonstrates professionalism and leadership when representing the company with customers, vendors, subcontractors, and team members.
• Will work a minimum of 40 hours per week and remain available during field team working hours.
• Work will be performed approximately 25% in the field and 75% in the office.