At JH Kelly, we’re seeking a strategic, results-driven Senior Project Manager for our Electrical Operations Team. We are looking for someone with deep expertise in electrical construction and strong field experience to lead and deliver excellence on complex, high-value electrical projects valued between $10M and $20M (and larger) across industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors. Many of our most successful Project Managers began their careers as electricians or in the field—this hands-on background is extremely important to us, as you'll work closely with our crews at the job sites. If you’re a proven leader with real-world trade experience who excels at managing full project lifecycles, overseeing multiple teams, driving consistent profitability, cultivating long-term client relationships, and thriving in a fast-paced, multi-project environment, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact with a century-old, family-owned industry leader.
About Us
Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly is a fourth-generation, family-owned construction powerhouse known for tackling complex commercial and heavy industrial projects. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, WA, and Milwaukie, OR, we’re an industry leader fueled by an award-winning team committed to safety, quality, and a dynamic, tight-knit culture. Learn more about our story at
www.jhkelly.comWho We’re Looking For
We are searching for a seasoned electrical construction professional with significant field experience (ideally starting as an electrician, apprentice, or field crew member) who can self-generate future project workflow, mentor and develop high-performing teams, and consistently deliver projects ahead of schedule and at or below budget. You are a strategic leader with exceptional skills in risk management, contract negotiation, financial control, and stakeholder relationship building. Comfortable leading multiple concurrent projects of varying scope and complexity while actively working alongside crews in the field, you are passionate about safety and quality excellence and skilled at creating repeat business through trusted partnerships. This position is based in Longview, WA, with travel to project sites as required.
What You’ll Do
As a Senior Project Manager - Electrical, you will lead complex electrical construction projects from preconstruction through startup and turnover, overseeing preconstruction planning, design coordination, virtual construction/BIM, fabrication workflows, field installation, commissioning, and project closeout. You will manage multiple concurrent projects and teams, ensuring on-time, on-scope, and on- or under-budget delivery while generating consistent profits above bid margins—all while spending significant time in the field supporting and collaborating with our craft crews.
Salary Range: $150,000–$185,000 (DOE) FLSA exempt.
Here’s a deeper dive into your responsibilities:
Project Leadership & Execution
- Lead multiple project teams to successful outcomes on large and complex electrical projects
- Oversee the full project lifecycle: expert-level CPM scheduling (using MS Project or similar), budgeting, cost control, projections, variance analysis, and comprehensive risk management
- Direct project staff, manage concurrent projects, and ensure uniform application of company project control procedures across all jobs
- Plan and manage estimates, schedules, and control systems; identify and account for variances; produce accurate cost-at-completion forecasts
- Manage contract negotiations, change orders, billings, cash flow forecasting, and timely collections
Relationship & Business Development
- Build strong, trust-based relationships and generate repeat business with key client decision-makers
- Actively market and sell JH Kelly electrical services to grow and diversify our client base
- Maintain proactive, collaborative, and professional relationships with craft personnel, clients, vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal support teams (safety, CAD/BIM, accounting, IT)
Team Development & Safety/Quality
- Mentor, train, and develop Project Managers, Project Engineers, Field Engineers, Interns, and other team members
- Serve as the “leader in charge” for single large/complex projects when required
- Ensure zero unresolved safety or quality issues through strict adherence to company safety and quality protocols
- Champion and enforce standard company processes, policies, and procedures
Additional Responsibilities
- Utilize Project M for bid management, job setup, phase codes/budgets, purchase orders, weekly quantity updates, monthly forecasting, and reporting
- Use KellyNet for project documentation per company standards
- Perform take-offs, mark-ups, and annotations on drawings using Bluebeam
- Expert proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially advanced Excel) and other project management tools
- Perform additional tasks as assigned to support department and company success
What You Bring
- Experience: Minimum of 15 years of full-cycle project management experience in the electrical construction industry, with significant hands-on field experience (many of our top performers started as electricians or in field roles). Demonstrated mastery and consistent positive results across multiple markets, sectors, and geographic regions. Proven track record of delivering projects profitably (above bid margin), on or ahead of schedule, with no unresolved safety/quality issues, and developing significant repeat business.
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related construction field is a plus but not required.
- Skills:
- Expert in Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling (MS Project or comparable preferred)
- Advanced proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, risk assessment, negotiations, and financial control
- Fully proficient in Microsoft Office suite, expert-level Excel, and Bluebeam (mark-ups, take-offs)
- Working experience with Project M (bid opening, job setup, POs, quantities, forecasting, reports)
- Deep knowledge of construction contracts, change management, quality assurance/control, and safety programs
- Outstanding leadership, mentoring, oral/written communication, and relationship-building skills
- Mindset: Self-starter with strong initiative, highly organized, energetic, and comfortable with self-generating workflow while building senior management trust in a fast-paced, multi-project environment
- Requirements: Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; ability and willingness to travel to job sites and work flexible hours as needed
Physical Requirements
This role requires frequent transitions between office and construction field environments. In the office, you must be able to sit for extended periods, perform repetitive tasks (typing, mouse use), and communicate effectively by phone. In the field, you must be capable of standing and walking for extended periods on various/uneven surfaces, climbing stairs/ladders, kneeling, crouching, and crawling to inspect confined spaces, and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds. Good vision and hearing are essential for reading plans, inspecting work, and communicating on-site. You must comply with site-specific dress codes and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots. Flexibility for travel and non-standard work hours is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
Salary Range: $150,000–$185,000 (DOE) FLSA exempt.
Benefits Package
- Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx – Dental/Ortho Coverage: JH Kelly pays 87.5% of total premiums.
- Paid Vacation and Holidays: Generous PTO model to support work-life balance.
- 401K: 50% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions.
- Life Insurance, AD&D, STD & LTD: Paid 100% by JH Kelly.
- Annual Performance Bonuses: Opportunity for additional compensation based on performance.
- Profit Sharing: Participate in JH Kelly’s profit-sharing program. Averaging 9% of total compensation over the past 10 years.
Why JH Kelly?
Join a family-oriented organization with a 100+ year legacy of excellence, innovation, and commitment to people. Lead meaningful, high-impact electrical projects across the Northwest, work side-by-side with skilled crews in the field, mentor the next generation of talent, and grow your career in an award-winning environment that truly values safety, quality, and teamwork.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your hands-on field experience (especially any background as an electrician or field crew member), your track record leading electrical construction projects, developing high-performing teams, delivering consistent profitability, and building long-term client relationships.