Project Manager Leader

About Empire and Co.

Empire and Co. is a leader in delivering innovative workplace solutions nationwide. With over 80 years of industry experience and more than 565 full-time employees, we partner with leading architects, designers, brokers, craftsmen, and manufacturers to create high-performing, cost-effective environments that solve business challenges and activate brands.

Our continued growth reflects our commitment to operational excellence, client service, and delivering complex projects with precision and professionalism.

Overview

Empire and Co. is currently seeking a Leader for its Project Management Department located at our Secaucus office locations. We are looking to add an individual that can help the growing team develop / implement methodologies that enhance overall performance. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing a team of Project Managers while maintaining strategic oversight of complex projects from initial budgeting through final client closeout.

The Project Manager Lead ensures consistent execution, quality control, and adherence to company standards across all projects. This position is highly collaborative and hands-on, providing guidance, escalation support, and accountability for on-site delivery and installation of all furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE). The role also serves as a facilitator for the installation process of new client purchases along with being a key liaison between clients, internal teams, and external vendors to ensure customer expectations are met.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Oversight

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of Project Managers to ensure successful project execution
• Provide guidance on best practices, workflows, and problem resolution
• Review project plans, schedules, and deliverables to ensure consistency and accuracy
• Act as an escalation point for complex project issues, client concerns, and on-site challenges
• Partner with Sales and Operations leadership to align project execution with business goals
• Support onboarding and training of new Project Managers
• Monitor team workload, timelines, and performance to ensure deadlines and service levels are met
• Monitor workflow and provide a general status of team progress on a weekly bases for all project currently being handled
• Flag high profile - large project timing as part of general review
• Provide oversite to allow Empire & Co to modify process to incorporate best practices and efficiencies as market trends evolve

Project & Client Management

• Provide senior-level oversight of projects from kickoff through closeout

• Review all FFE items and coordinate with clients, architects, and designers

• Including furniture, film, signage, vending, plants, accessories, and supplies

• Oversee PM function that qtys ordered - part of project - are propperly incorporated into manpower allocations by the Operations Team

• Participate in client kickoff meetings, construction meetings, and conference calls as needed

• Ensure milestone dates are established and communicated properly to all involved parties as necessary

• Oversee development of delivery and installation schedules for all FFE vendors

• Oversee coordination of field verifications of critical site requirements

• Ensure coordination with general contractors, trade workers, and building management (e.g., elevators, loading docks) between Empire & Co teams and respective clients and or their representatives

• Review installation documentation for uniformity, completeness and accuracy

Site & Installation Oversight

• Ensure accuracy of incoming deliveries and spot-check orders and quantities
• Proper coordination with client provided 3rd party vendors to ensure schedules are complete and properly circulated
• Verify teams ensure job sites are maintained safely and excess product is managed appropriately
• Monitor site progress and proactively address issues or delays
• Support troubleshooting of on-site issues and provide direction to Project Managers
• Assist in securing additional work orders and coordinating with Sales and Operations
• Oversee manufacturer training coordination for proper use of furniture
• Ensure punch lists are prepared, tracked, and resolved
• Coordinate final furniture walkthroughs and client closeout activities
• Provide Close Out Docs - Plans - Operational materials if requested

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in project management, facility management, design, or office furniture environments
• Prior experience leading, mentoring, or supervising project teams strongly preferred
• Strong leadership, organizational, and follow-through skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word)
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and lead by example
• Strong interpersonal and client-facing skills
• Proficiency with basic mathematical disciplines
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, furniture specifications, and architectural plans
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills aligned with company protocols
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to support the team and meet client expectations
• Ability to travel on an as-needed basis
• Salary - $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 - based on experience