Project Manager

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

Position Title: Project Manager

Company Name: Design Alternatives

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

Industry: Commercial Furniture & Construction

Location: Lavallette, NJ

Job Overview

Design Alternatives is seeking a versatile Project Manager to seamlessly guide projects from sales through delivery. This role blends project management expertise with estimator precision-translating client goals into actionable plans and ensuring smooth hand-offs across internal teams. You will take ownership of 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 more than 35 years of excellence, we have completed over 400 projects spanning more than 5 million square feet. Our 75% repeat client rate speaks to our quality, trust, and commitment. Through our turnkey model, we integrate interior design, construction, and procurement to deliver a seamless client experience from start to finish.

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 schedules; normalize vendor bids for accurate comparisons.
• Stage-Gate Orchestration - Manage critical project transitions (Design → Buy → Build) and lead cross-functional reviews.
• Project Success Tracking - Monitor project health (budget, schedule, satisfaction) and escalate risks before client impact.
• Close-Out & Lessons Learned - Lead project close-out, run 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 project management or design-build construction.
• Proven ability to develop cost plans from drawings and perform take-offs.
• Skilled at coordinating across design, procurement, and construction teams.
• Client-facing experience discussing bids, pricing, and value-engineering options.
• Proficiency in BlueBeam and Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and personal vehicle.
• Ability to adapt quickly, manage competing priorities, and align multiple stakeholders.
• Preferred:
• ASPE CPE, AACE CEP, or similar 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 with career growth opportunities
  
  

Schedule

• Full-Time - Monday to 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: Combination of in-office, remote, and site visits across the service area
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

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