Assistant Project Manager

Vaughan Buckley Construction•Philadelphia, PA

4h•$100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Assistant Project Manager will be a member of VBC’s U.S. Project Delivery Team and will support the planning and development of projects from early concept and design through project handoff to the execution team. Working closely with Project Managers, Estimating, Design, Procurement, Manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams, this role will help establish project scope, schedule, budget, and execution strategies to position projects for successful delivery. This role is ideal for someone with foundational experience in the AEC, construction, engineering, or manufacturing industries who is ready to take the next step in their career. The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while developing the skills necessary to grow into a Project Manager role.

Requirements

Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in construction, architecture, engineering, manufacturing, project coordination, estimating, or a related AEC environment; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Demonstrated ability to read and understand architectural and engineering drawings.
Basic understanding of construction processes, project schedules, budgets, and contract documents.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Project.
Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a cross-functional team.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
Positive, proactive attitude with a demonstrated desire to grow into a project management leadership role.

Nice To Haves

Experience with project management or industry-specific software such as SAP, BIM 360, Smartsheet, Procore, or similar platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the development of projects from early concepts through design development and transition to project execution.
Assist Project Managers with establishing project scope, schedule, budget, and key project milestones.
Review contract documents, drawings, specifications, and other project documentation to understand project requirements.
Assist with constructability reviews and identify potential design, cost, schedule, and execution risks.
Support development and maintenance of project execution plans and preconstruction deliverables.
Assist with identifying project assumptions, exclusions, constraints, and potential scope gaps.
Participate in project kickoff, design review, and preconstruction meetings.
Support the review and development of project budgets and cost estimates.
Assist with tracking design development and scope changes that may impact project cost.
Coordinate with Estimating and Procurement teams to validate pricing, quantities, and material requirements.
Assist with value engineering exercises and identification of cost-saving opportunities.
Support preparation of budget updates, cost reports, and other financial project documentation.
Coordinate with internal and external design teams to track project design progress and deliverables.
Review architectural and engineering drawings for completeness, coordination, and alignment with project requirements.
Assist with managing RFIs, design clarifications, and other project correspondence during preconstruction.
Maintain current drawings, specifications, and project documentation within VBC’s project management systems.
Track design changes and communicate potential impacts to scope, schedule, budget, and manufacturing.
Assist with development and maintenance of project schedules from design through manufacturing and construction.
Track project milestones, deliverables, approvals, and dependencies.
Identify and communicate potential schedule risks, delays, and areas requiring escalation.
Support procurement planning and tracking, with particular focus on long-lead materials and critical project components.
Coordinate with Procurement, Manufacturing, and Project Delivery teams to ensure project requirements are understood and achievable.
Develop strong working relationships with Project Managers, Project Architects, Systems, Estimating, Procurement, Manufacturing, and other internal teams.
Support communication and coordination across multiple disciplines to ensure project requirements are aligned.
Participate in project meetings and prepare and distribute meeting minutes and action items.
Track open issues, decisions, deliverables, and action items through resolution.
Assist in preparing project status updates and reporting project health to Project Management leadership.
Support the transition of projects from preconstruction into project execution and manufacturing.
Ensure project scope, budget, schedule, design documentation, procurement requirements, and key risks are clearly communicated during handoff.
Assist with identifying lessons learned and opportunities to improve VBC’s preconstruction and project delivery processes.
Contribute to standardization, process improvement, and operational efficiency initiatives.
Develop the knowledge and project management skills necessary to independently manage projects in the future.
Represent VBC internally and externally in a manner that reflects the company’s brand, values, and commitment to excellence.
Maintain clear, professional communication with clients, consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Demonstrate a willingness to learn, take ownership, and progressively assume greater responsibility.