IT Project Manager

NOW HIRING: IT PROJECT MANAGER

Department: Information Technology

Reports To: Director of IT

Location: On-site only | 531 Old Swede Road, Douglassville, PA 19518 (No remote work available)

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00AM–4:30PM | Full-time

Compensation: Competitive compensation based on experience, technical depth, project management capability, industry background, and market data

Build Your Career with ACECO

We are seeking an IT Project Manager to bring structure, discipline, and visibility to IT project delivery as our organization continues to grow and invest in technology.

This role reports directly to our IT Manager and will collaborate closely with cross-functional business stakeholders across the organization.

We are looking for someone who can own the execution of technology initiatives end-to-end, from intake and scoping through delivery and close, while also getting their hands dirty with direct technical project work.

The right person will spend time understanding how ACECO actually works, how jobs move through Engineering, Manufacturing, Service, Sales, Purchasing, Quality, and Operations, and then translate that understanding into better-organized, better-communicated, and better-delivered technology projects.

You won't get lost here. Your perspective will matter, your judgment will be relied upon, and your impact will be visible across the organization.

What This Role Really Is

This is a hands-on, individual-contributor project management role responsible for building ACECO's IT project delivery discipline from the ground up rather than stepping into an established one.

IT project management at ACECO has historically been ad hoc. This role establishes the repeatable, accountable execution model the organization needs as its technology ambitions grow. You will bring structure where there has been improvisation and visibility where there has been opacity.

The IT Project Manager both manages and executes. You will own project delivery — scope, schedule, budget tracking, resource coordination, stakeholder communication — while also performing hands-on technical project work directly, including system configuration, account and endpoint provisioning, scripting, data preparation, and tool or integration setup.

Success requires someone who can move comfortably between structured project kickoffs with department leaders and detailed technical execution alongside the Systems Administrator and IT support staff.

Who Thrives Here — and Who Does Not

You'll do well here if you:

• Think in terms of outcomes, not just tasks — you care whether the project actually delivered value
• Are comfortable both managing work and doing the work yourself
• Understand how operational decisions translate into technology needs and project priorities
• Can hold people accountable to commitments without formal authority over them
• Enjoy building processes and standards where none exist yet
• Communicate early, communicate clearly, and never let a deadline surprise a stakeholder
• Know when to escalate specialized work rather than introducing risk
• See technology, automation, dashboards, and better tooling as ways to improve delivery
• Take ownership of outcomes rather than simply tracking status

This role is likely not a fit if you:

• Prefer coordinating work but not executing it directly
• Want a purely strategic or advisory role without hands-on technical involvement
• Have project management experience only in settings with mature, established PM processes
• Prefer reporting what happened over influencing what happens next
• Avoid difficult conversations about scope, timelines, risk, or accountability
• Are uncomfortable working full-time on-site in a manufacturing environment
• Prefer maintaining existing processes rather than building new ones

What Success Looks Like in the First Year

First 90 Days

• Build strong working relationships with the IT Manager, IT team, department leaders, and key business stakeholders
• Develop a thorough understanding of ACECO's technology landscape, active projects, and the current state of IT project delivery
• Learn the current ERP system, existing tools, and reporting capabilities
• Shadow ongoing IT initiatives to understand how work flows through the team and where the pain points are
• Begin managing one or more active projects end-to-end
• Perform hands-on technical project work alongside the Systems Administrator and IT support staff
• Identify quick wins in project communication and stakeholder visibility

Second Quarter

• Own a meaningful portion of the active IT project portfolio
• Begin establishing project management standards, templates, and intake processes
• Produce regular portfolio status reporting that gives leadership and department leaders clear visibility into project progress
• Deepen hands-on technical execution across multiple project workstreams
• Build a working rhythm of structured kickoffs, status meetings, and retrospectives
• Support the IT Manager in tracking resource utilization and load-balancing decisions

Third Quarter

• Drive measurable improvements in project delivery predictability and stakeholder communication
• Refine and document the project intake and scoping process for internal client requests
• Continuously improve delivery practices based on lessons learned from completed projects
• Take on more complex or cross-functional technology initiatives
• Demonstrate the value of structured project management to business stakeholders

Fourth Quarter

• Operate a repeatable, accountable project delivery model that the organization trusts
• Maintain a clear, current view of the full IT project portfolio with the IT Manager
• Institutionalize what works — standards, templates, reporting cadence, and delivery practices
• Support planning for upcoming technology initiatives and resource needs
• Contribute to building organizational confidence in the IT team as a service organization for the business

Why Join ACECO?

Build Something from the Ground Up

This isn't a role where you inherit a polished playbook. You'll create the project delivery discipline the organization needs and see it take hold.

Hands-On Impact

You'll both manage and execute — running projects and doing real technical work, not just tracking status in a spreadsheet.

Cross-Functional Visibility

You'll work with leaders across Engineering, Manufacturing, Service, Sales, Purchasing, Quality, IT, and Operations. You'll understand the whole business.

A Business in Growth Mode

ACECO is continuing to invest in people, technology, systems, capabilities, and operational scale. The work you do will support that growth directly.

Technology as a Service

You'll help the IT team operate as a true service organization — building trust and confidence through professional, disciplined project execution.

Direct Access to Leadership

You'll work closely with the IT Manager, department leaders, and the broader Leadership Team. Your contributions will be visible.

What You'll Do

Project Execution and Delivery

• Own end-to-end management of technology initiatives from initiation through close — scope, schedule, budget tracking, resource coordination, and delivery confirmation
• Run structured project kickoffs so all stakeholders have shared clarity on objectives, roles, timelines, and success criteria before work begins
• Proactively identify and communicate project risks, scope changes, and resource constraints; surface issues to the IT Manager before they become problems

Hands-On Technical Execution

• Directly perform technical project tasks within the role's capability — configuration, account and endpoint provisioning, scripting, data preparation, and tool or integration setup
• Partner with the Systems Administrator and IT support staff on execution; take on discrete technical workstreams to keep projects moving without over-allocating the team
• Recognize the limits of the role — escalate work requiring deep specialization (infrastructure architecture, security engineering) to the appropriate owner rather than introducing risk
• Perform all hands-on changes within ACECO's change-management and least-privilege controls, keeping the work auditable

Technology as a Service — Portfolio Management

• Support the IT Manager in maintaining a clear, current view of the active project portfolio across IT and Innovation
• Track resource utilization across the IT team; flag overallocation and support load-balancing decisions
• Produce regular portfolio status reporting that gives internal client departments and leadership accurate, accessible visibility into project progress and outcomes

Project Standards and Methodology

• Establish and maintain project management standards, templates, and practices for IT project delivery
• Define and document the project intake and scoping process for internal client requests; ensure requests are properly defined before resources are committed
• Continuously improve project delivery practices based on lessons learned; institutionalize what works

Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for project status inquiries from internal client departments
• Manage stakeholder expectations actively — communicate early, communicate clearly, and never let a deadline surprise a client
• Facilitate project status meetings, decision checkpoints, and retrospectives

Other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

This role requires full-time, on-site availability Monday–Friday, 8:00AM–4:30PM.

Candidates should be located within a reasonable daily commuting distance of:

531 Old Swede Road

Douglassville, PA 19518

If relocation is required, the selected candidate must relocate prior to starting. American Crane & Equipment Corporation does not provide relocation assistance.

Ideal Candidates Should Be Able to Demonstrate the Following:

• Strong project management fundamentals — scope definition, scheduling, resource planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication
• Hands-on IT, systems administration, or technical delivery experience
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects without losing clarity or follow-through
• Ability to work across departments and with technical and non-technical stakeholders without formal authority
• Ability to both manage project delivery and contribute to it directly through hands-on technical execution
• Effective communication — clear, consistent status reporting that gives leadership actionable visibility
• Professional maturity to communicate bad news early and scope decisions clearly
• Initiative and ownership mindset — proactively identifies problems and acts rather than waiting to be directed
• Comfort building processes, standards, and structure where none exist yet
• Personal accountability, reliability, and strong work ethic

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Project Management, or a related field strongly preferred
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification preferred
• PMI-ACP or equivalent agile credential preferred
• Equivalent demonstrated experience will be considered when supported by a strong project delivery track record

Experience

• 3–5 years of project management experience preferred; candidates with 1–3 years of relevant experience and a strong record of delivering technology projects on time and within scope will also be considered
• Hands-on IT, systems administration, or technical delivery experience — this role both manages and performs project work
• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or complex operational environments strongly preferred
• Consulting or professional services background — a significant advantage; experience within a service delivery model, managing client relationships, and reporting against client expectations
• Experience establishing and maintaining project management standards, templates, and reporting cadence within a team or organization
• Experience managing technology vendors, contracts, and external delivery partners
• Familiarity with technology adoption projects

Project Management & Technical Skills

• Project scoping and initiation
• Scheduling and resource planning
• Risk identification and management
• Stakeholder communication and expectation management
• Portfolio tracking and status reporting
• System and application configuration
• Account and endpoint provisioning
• Scripting and data preparation
• Tool and integration setup
• Change management and least-privilege controls
• Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Wrike, or equivalent)
• Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Planner)

Requirements

• Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship
• Ability to verify identity and employment authorization through Form I-9
• Eligibility to access information or technology governed by applicable U.S. export-control laws, including 10 C.F.R. Part 810, EAR, and/or ITAR, where applicable
• Willingness to undergo a background check in accordance with applicable laws
• Willingness to undergo a pre-employment drug screen and randomized drug testing during employment
• Ability to work full-time on-site at ACECO Plant 1 in Douglassville, PA
• Ability to meet the posted work schedule and work additional hours when project responsibilities require
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance and punctuality
• Willingness to follow all company safety policies and procedures
• Willingness to wear required PPE when entering manufacturing areas
• Willingness to complete required safety, compliance, and role-specific training
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

Work Environment

This is primarily a professional, on-site office role with frequent interaction with the IT team, department leaders, employees, and business stakeholders across the organization.

The IT Project Manager will also interact regularly with Manufacturing and Operations and may enter active shop areas to support project coordination. Appropriate PPE and safety procedures are required in designated manufacturing areas.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based work; frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and data entry
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching; ability to lift and carry light office materials (typically up to 20 lbs) occasionally
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus; ability to communicate verbally and in writing

What's In It for You?

At ACECO, this role offers the opportunity to build project delivery discipline inside a growing, privately held, custom-engineered manufacturing organization.

• Competitive compensation based on experience and capability
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and paid company holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Direct partnership with the IT Manager and cross-functional leadership
• Opportunity to build IT project management from the ground up
• Hands-on technical work alongside project management
• Broad cross-functional exposure across the entire business
• Visible impact on organizational performance and trust in the IT team

What to Expect From Our Hiring Process

Every application is reviewed by our internal Talent Acquisition team. We do not rely on automated screening tools.

We encourage applicants to tailor their resume to accurately reflect their project management experience, hands-on technical experience, cross-functional stakeholder work, and measurable project delivery outcomes.

We focus on candidates who demonstrate ownership, judgment, reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail throughout the application process.

Qualified candidates typically hear from us within a few business days depending on applicant volume.

During the interview process, candidates should be prepared to discuss specific examples involving project delivery, hands-on technical execution, stakeholder communication, risk management, building processes or standards, managing multiple priorities, and working across departments without formal authority. We will ask follow-up questions to better understand your individual role, judgment, decision-making process, and outcomes.

Ready to Apply?

We are looking for a project manager who can bring structure, accountability, and professional discipline to IT project delivery — and who isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves and do the technical work too.

If you want to build something meaningful inside a growing industrial organization, we encourage you to apply.

Submit your application online through our Career Center.

Build your career with ACECO.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screen, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

American Crane & Equipment Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The company maintains and observes employment policies that do not discriminate against any person because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, age, ancestry and any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. This applies to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, overtime, job classifications, work assignments, promotions, demotions, layoffs, terminations, transfers, and all other conditions of employment.

This position requires:

• Valid proof of identity and authorization to work in the U.S. (Form I-9)
• Eligibility to access information or technology governed by U.S. export control laws, including 10 C.F.R. Part 810. If government authorization is required for access to controlled technology, employment or start date may be delayed or withdrawn in accordance with applicable law
• Certain positions and projects may require the ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to nuclear facilities in compliance with NRC regulations (10 C.F.R. Parts 26 & 73)

The pay for this position is dependent on circumstances including an applicant's skills and qualifications, certain degrees and certifications, prior job experience, market data, and other relevant factors.

American Crane & Equipment Corporation offers a wide array of comprehensive benefit programs and services including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts to our benefits-eligible employees. Additional benefits include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid time off, paid holidays, and disability coverage. Some benefits offerings are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works.

NOTE: American Crane & Equipment Corporation is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for employment opportunities, unless they have a written agreement for the position they are contacting us about. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at American Crane & Equipment Corporation without a valid written search agreement in place for that position will be deemed the sole property of American Crane & Equipment Corporation, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by American Crane & Equipment Corporation as a result of the referral or through other means.

On-site | Full-time Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM