Project Manager Role Definition
The project manager position focuses on hands-on physical work combined with strong organizational skills to support roofing projects across Nova Scotia.
- Hands-on physical requirements and site organization include lifting materials like metal packages and shingle bundles, ladder access, hooking trailers, and staging job sites with careful placement of materials and equipment
- Job sites require planning for metal package drops, dump trailer locations, power outlet access, and boom truck maneuvering in tight spaces
- Minor repairs such as adding snow guards or caulking boots may be needed
- The project manager must be comfortable accessing roofs with slopes up to 10/12 pitch
- Some common project manager considerations;
- The project manager should understand metal panel sheet lengths and waste management to reduce material shortages
- Training on CAD software for material calculations and company-specific processes will be provided over a 1-2 month probation period at a reduced rate
- Having a company truck with a roof rack and a storage box for common trim colors is essential to reduce material delays
- Material supply and logistics knowledge is important, including familiarity with suppliers like Five Star, QXO and Quick Panel and matching color palettes to avoid mismatches
- Understanding regional delivery times and planning around distant suppliers like Five star in Sackville is necessary to prevent project delays
- The project manager must be able to source materials efficiently and know when and how to substitute products.
- Customer care and upsell focus is expected, with the project manager going above and beyond by anticipating needs, offering refreshments, and carrying marketing materials like signs, business cards, and door hangers
- The project manager should have a sharp eye for upsell opportunities by identifying repair needs during inspections and coordinating with subs to present options
- Simplifying communication channels post-sale by making the project manager the main customer contact will improve clarity and customer experience
Training and Competency Development
Training focuses on building roofing-specific knowledge for project managers who may lack prior roofing experience but have strong project management skills.
- Comprehensive hands-on training and job shadowing will cover roof inspections, measurements, material auditing, and job setup to build competence
- Completing approx 10 inspections with experienced staff like Kevin and Frank is expected for training completion
- Training includes running tape measures with accuracy, takeoffs, and nuances of roofing materials and installation techniques
- The project manager will also learn how to audit material orders but will not be permanently assigned that task
- Delegation of computer-based tasks is planned to keep the project manager focused on site work and problem solving rather than administrative duties
- The project manager will need familiarity with office systems but not full responsibility for back-office functions
- Development of a knowledge base and handbook is planned to capture local roofing nuances, such as handling historic homes or specific roofing challenges. This will be done through AI based software which you will work with from the beginning.
- The project manager will document lessons learned and best practices using software tools to build a replicable training resource
- This handbook will support scaling to new regions like Cape Breton and help standardize the role for future hires
- Keeping track of additional materials from jobs, picking them up and returning them to the office or other location TBD. Track this.
- Quality control training includes learning to assess both waterproofing and aesthetic standards on completed jobs
- The project manager must know when to send subs back to fix issues and communicate quality expectations clearly
- Early audits will involve job shadowing to become familiar with what to look for in QC audit.
Operational Problem Solving and Relationship Management
The project manager plays a key role in resolving on-site issues and maintaining strong subcontractor relationships to keep projects on track.
- Problem solving on complex roof designs and installation methods requires coordination with experienced staff and subcontractors to find best solutions
- Examples include deciding venting methods on combined metal and flat roof sections by consulting with multiple experts with our network
- The project manager must know who to ask for advice and maintain good communication channels
- Building and maintaining subcontractor relationships is crucial, emphasizing likability and service over authority to gain cooperation
- The project manager should be approachable, respectful, and supportive to subcontractors who can have strong egos
- Providing refreshments and fostering goodwill helps access valuable subcontractor knowledge and support
- Site audit and cleanup responsibilities include using magnets to collect nails and debris, removing leftover materials, and ensuring safe, clean job sites
- The PM is expected to document the site condition with photos and notes to track quality and identify upsell chances
- Keeping the site clean also helps protect the company’s reputation and customer satisfaction
- Marketing and referral generation on site is embedded in the role, with the PM tasked to leave door hangers and business cards to generate follow-up business
- The PM should actively seek referrals and ensure all marketing materials are visible at job sites
- This physical grassroots marketing approach is seen as key to capturing missed business opportunities
Customer Communication and Project Oversight
The project manager is positioned as the main contact for customers after sales, tasked with simplifying communication and managing schedules.
- Simplify communication channels to reduce customer confusion by consolidating contact points to the project manager and office
- Sales handoff to the project manager will centralize scheduling and updates
- Project scheduling and coordination will be fully owned by the project manager moving forward, relieving the current manager of this nuanced task
- This transfer is critical for scaling operations and improving workflow
- The project manager will handle daily scheduling and problem solving related to timing
- Customer relationship management includes managing expectations, reporting progress, and upselling opportunities based on job site observations
- The PM will be trained to identify repair needs and approach customers for additional work
- Maintaining a professional and helpful customer presence is emphasized as part of the role
- Marketing presence on site supports customer engagement, with the PM responsible for ensuring visible branding and referral materials
- The PM should actively look for opportunities to increase business via physical marketing efforts
- This ties into broader company goals for organic growth in residential roofing markets
Action Items
- Develop a Nova Scotia residential roofing project manager handbook compiling project nuances, best practices, and problem-solving cases
- Establish clear lines of communication policy between sales, project manager, and customers to simplify contact points
- Ensure project manager is equipped with a company truck outfitted with essentials such as roof racks, marketing materials, and tools for site audits
- Include quality control processes and post-installation audits for new subcontractors or problematic sites in the project manager’s responsibilities
- Implement processes for project manager to conduct site inspections, deliver materials, remove leftover materials, and maintain site cleanliness
- Source candidates with project management skills outside of roofing and plan intensive industry-specific training
- Include training for project manager to build strong relationships with subcontractors fostering cooperation and service orientation
- Plan joint sessions with sales and project managers to clarify role distinctions and upselling opportunities training
- Equip project manager with CRM and photo documentation responsibilities for accurate record-keeping and marketing follow-up
Pay: $59,049.15-$130,012.89 per year
Benefits:
- Company car
- Company events
- Housing allowance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Store discount
- Work from home
Application question(s):
Experience:
- project management: 3 years (preferred)
Language:
- Native English (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Location:
- Lower Truro, NS (preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
