Project Manager, Systems

Job Description: Project Manager, Systems

The Project Manager, Systems supports delivery of SPL's design/build fixed installation projects across the customer's service delivery lifecycle. Working under the Director of Operations, Systems and assisting senior colleagues with the projects they are managing, this role learns and applies SPL's project management standards while owning defined pieces of active projects. For a junior candidate, this is a growth role designed to build toward full project ownership.

This is a full-time position based out of SPL's Northbrook, IL headquarters. It is a 'manager' level position without persistent direct reports; the role coordinates closely with field teams, service, procurement, and sales.

Reports to: Director of Operations, Systems

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume.

What Success Looks Like

Two things define success in this role: consistent, proactive client communication, and complete, current project information in our project management software. Everything else builds on those.

Responsibilities

• Client & contractor communication. Own the client communication cadence across assigned projects — kickoffs, weekly status updates, readiness reviews, and timely follow-up on open items with clients, general contractors, and other trades.
• Project tracking. Maintain project status, milestones, tasks, dependencies, and open items in our project management software so it remains the single source of truth. Track projects against stage gates from design through client acceptance and flag anything off track.
• Checklist-driven execution. Run SPL's standard project checklists from kickoff through closeout, converting results into project tasks and client updates.
• AI forward and digital workflows forward. Utilize technology like your computer, Claude AI, in-house tools to accelerate adhering to process. We are first and foremost looking for a candidate who will work with SPL technical leadership and utilize all tools at their disposal including AI agents.
• Field readiness. Ahead of field work, confirm crews, equipment, vehicles, and freight are scheduled and ready.
• Procurement coordination. Work with Procurement on BOM availability, navigating substitutions, and updating delivery dates, and keep project schedules aligned with them, and customers in the loop.
• Change orders. Raise potential change orders for scope variance and route them for review and approval.
• Closeout. Drive project completion: closeout documentation, punch lists and formal sign-off, warranty and asset registration, delivery of the project archive to the client, and a clean handoff to Service.
• Team support. Assist senior colleagues on the projects they manage and participate in recurring operations meetings covering procurement and field delivery.

Requirements

• 1-2 years of experience in project coordination, or relevant school experience
• and/or 2+ years in AV/systems integration, live production, or a related field; internship or hands-on AV experience counts.
• or less experience and willingness to start as a Jr / Assistant position
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail across multiple concurrent projects.
• Clear written and verbal communication; comfortable in client-facing settings.
• Comfort with spreadsheets, project tracking tools, and standard office software.
• Interest in AV, systems integration, and event production technology; willingness to learn SPL's standards and workflows.
• Able to work full-time on-site in Northbrook, IL, and travel to project sites (mostly in the Chicago area but some out of town) to gain an understanding of the on-site reality / conditions.
• Familiarity with AV control, networking, or commissioning concepts is a plus, but not required. Willingness to pick this up is a must.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary starting at approximately $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience, subject to SPL's compensation policies. Full-time, 40 hours per week.

SPL offers a comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Health insurance: SPL contributes up to 50% of the cost of the company base plan; additional dependents may be added at employee expense.
• Simple IRA with a 3% company match, effective six months from start date.
• Paid time off: 15 days per year (rollover up to 20 days). SPL is currently operating under an unlimited PTO policy; stated days serve as a guideline.
• State-mandated sick time.
• Company-provided laptop and, where applicable, a company credit card for incidentals (SPL property).

About SPL

SPL is an AV integration and event production company focused on innovative and creative solutions to difficult technical challenges. Having grown 5x since 2018, our technology and customer-first philosophy continue to drive our trajectory. Our mission is to bring exceptional service and uncompromising quality to every project. SPL provides the opportunity to build a meaningful career at the cutting edge of communications technology.

Grow Build Tell

Sound, Production & Lighting LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants, without regard to unlawful considerations of or discrimination against race, religion, creed, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition or characteristics, marital status, or any other classification prohibited by applicable local, state or federal laws. This policy is applicable to hiring, termination and promotion; compensation; schedules and job assignments; discipline; training; working conditions, and all other aspects of employment with Sound, Production & Lighting LLC

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance

Compensation Package:

• Uncapped commission
• Yearly bonus

Application Question(s):

• What do an SM58 and a hammer have in common?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Northbrook, IL 60062