Project Manager - Northern New Jersey at Design Alternatives Group LLC – Middletown Township, New Jersey

Bring Precision to Projects - Join Design Alternatives as a Project Manager!

Position Title: Project Manager - Northern New Jersey

Company Name: Design Alternatives

Salary Range: $83,000-$115,000 per year + Performance-Based Bonus (up to 22.5%)

Industry: Commercial Furniture & Construction

Location: Hybrid/Travel

Job Overview

Design Alternatives is looking for a versatile Project Manager to lead the estimating process and seamlessly guide projects from sales to delivery. In this hybrid role, you'll combine estimator precision with project management finesse-translating client goals into actionable plans and ensuring smooth hand-offs across internal teams. You'll own stage-gate processes, cost accuracy, vendor coordination, and client satisfaction, playing a key role in the success of every project.

Who We Are

Design Alternatives is a premier Design-Build firm specializing in interior renovations for commercial environments-including residential communities, senior care facilities, and hospitality spaces. With over 35 years of excellence, we've delivered more than 400 projects spanning over 5 million square feet, earning a 75% repeat client rate. Our turnkey model integrates interior design, construction, and procurement to streamline every phase for our clients.

Learn more at www.designalternatives.com

Key Responsibilities

• Cost Planning & Estimating: Conduct quantity take-offs, build cost plans using historical and benchmark data, and evaluate scope from drawings and site visits.
• Final Budget & Timeline Coordination: Collaborate with internal teams to finalize budgets and timelines; normalize vendor bids for accurate comparisons.
• Stage-Gate Orchestration: Manage the critical phase transitions (Design Buy Build); lead cross-functional reviews.
• Project Success Tracking: Monitor project health metrics (budget, schedule, satisfaction) and escalate risks before client impact.
• Close-Out & Lessons Learned: Lead project close-out, internal post-mortems, and update cost libraries with new data.
• Continuous Improvement: Integrate learnings into "The DA Way" and refine processes for future projects.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • 2-5 years of experience in estimating, project management, or design-build construction.
  • Proven experience developing cost plans from drawings and conducting take-offs.
  • Skilled at coordinating across design, procurement, and construction teams.
  • Client-facing experience discussing bids, pricing, and value-engineering options.
  • Fluency in BlueBeam and proficiency in Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel.
  • Strong communicator-written and verbal-with ability to manage cross-functional reviews.
  • Valid driver's license and personal vehicle.
  • Ability to adapt quickly, manage competing priorities, and maintain alignment across stakeholders.
• Preferred:
  • ASPE CPE, AACE CEP, or similar professional credential.
  • Background in interiors estimating, procurement, or design-build renovations.
  • Experience maintaining cost libraries or vendor benchmarks.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Paid Time Off (holidays, vacation, sick)
• Retirement Savings Program with Company Match
• Weekly Pay Cycle
• Employee Bonus Program
• Paid Training and Certifications
• Tech Package (smartphone or tablet provided)
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual Company Trips/Outings
• Supportive culture focused on career growth

Schedule

• Full-time
• Monday-Friday
• Hybrid schedule with 1-2 days per week in-office
• Regular travel to client/vendor sites throughout New Jersey

Location

• Headquarters: New Jersey
• Hybrid: mix of in-office, remote work, and client/vendor visits within the service area

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status Compliance A background check will be completed as part of the onboarding process, in compliance with applicable laws.

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