Industrial Project Manager

Location: Charlotte, NC region preferred

Type: Full-Time | Approximately 75% travel initially, reducing significantly as the role evolves (year 2)

The Opportunity: Build It. Lead It. Own It. True Red Recruitment is partnering with an established international engineering and process systems business that is investing in the continued growth of its U.S. operation. We’re looking for an experienced Field Site Manager / Construction Manager who wants more than another site-based position. This is an opportunity to join the business at an important stage of its American expansion, help establish a new service division and progress into a Service Manager role within 1–2 years. The initial focus will be on coordinating installation, commissioning and customer-site activities across North America. However, the longer-term opportunity is considerably broader. As the U.S. operation develops, you will take increasing responsibility for building and leading the service division, with involvement across Operations, Finance, HR, Marketing, recruitment, customer development and P&L management. You won't simply be stepping into an established department and maintaining the status quo. You'll help build the team, develop the operating structure, establish processes and shape how the division grows. The long-term goal is to move from a predominantly field-based role into a business leadership position, with significantly reduced travel and responsibility for the performance and growth of your own division. The Journey: From Field Leadership to Business Ownership Phase 1: Learn the Business and Lead Site Delivery Initially, you'll take responsibility for coordinating installation and commissioning activities at customer sites across North America. Working closely with Project Managers, customers, subcontractors and international engineering teams, you'll ensure projects are properly planned, resourced and delivered safely, on schedule and to the required quality standards. You'll receive comprehensive training at the company's European headquarters, giving you a strong understanding of its systems, processes and international operations. Your initial responsibilities will include: Preparing and coordinating site activities ahead of installation and commissioning Working with Project Managers and overseas engineering teams to plan project delivery Coordinating installation, assembly, commissioning and qualification activities Supervising subcontractors and site personnel Managing materials, equipment, resources and site logistics Maintaining safety, quality and schedule standards Working directly with customers and resolving technical or operational issues Identifying and addressing non-conformances Providing guidance and training to customers and site teams Helping improve processes and establish the foundations for a stronger U.S. service operation You'll have significant responsibility on site, supported by an experienced international team. Phase 2: Build and Lead the U.S. Service Division Within 1–2 years, the role is expected to evolve into Service Manager, with a much broader remit and substantially less travel. You'll transition from primarily coordinating field activities to leading the development and performance of the U.S. service division. This is a genuine opportunity to combine technical and operational experience with commercial thinking, people leadership and business management. Your responsibilities will expand to include: Operations & Service Delivery People, HR & Recruitment Finance & P&L Management Marrketing & Business Development You'll have the opportunity to influence decisions across the business, with the autonomy to build the division and the support of an established international organisation. Who We're Looking For: We're interested in people who combine strong technical or project-delivery experience with the ambition and ability to grow into a broader leadership role. You might currently be a Field Manager, Site Manager, Project Manager, Field Engineer, Service Manager or Operations Manager. You may have built your career in construction, engineering, industrial projects or technical service delivery and now be looking for the next step. Your industry background could include: Power Generation and Energy Industrial Construction and Engineering Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing Semiconductor and Data Centres Chemical and Process Engineering Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Other complex, technical or highly regulated environments A pharmaceutical background is not essential. What's more important is your ability to coordinate technically complex work, lead people, solve problems and understand how to deliver projects successfully. You'll ideally bring: At least 5 years' experience in construction, engineering, industrial projects or a comparable technical environment Experience working on large or complex sites, coordinating teams and managing project activities Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills The confidence to work with customers, subcontractors and international colleagues The ability to understand technical specifications and operational requirements A practical, commercially aware and solutions-focused approach The ambition to progress beyond site delivery into business and people leadership An interest in building teams, developing processes and improving operational performance A willingness to travel extensively during the initial phase, approximately 75% across North America Flexibility to travel to Europe approximately 2–3 times per year for training and collaboration Experience with budgets, resource planning, customer relationships or team leadership would be particularly valuable. Previous P&L responsibility is beneficial, but the opportunity may also suit someone ready to develop these skills as their career progresses. Charlotte-area candidates are preferred, although relocation may be considered for the right person. International Training & Support You'll receive comprehensive training at the company's European headquarters, working with experienced colleagues to understand its technology, systems and delivery processes. You'll also have ongoing support from international leadership as you help establish the U.S. service division and develop your own management capability. What's on Offer?$130,000–$160,000 base salary + bonus Comprehensive health benefits 401(k) with company matching Paid time off Structured onboarding and ongoing professional development International training and exposure Hybrid working and home-office support when not travelling Relocation assistance may be available Significant autonomy and the opportunity to influence how the U.S. operation develops The chance to recruit, build and lead your own team A defined progression opportunity into Service Manager within 1–2 years Substantially reduced travel as you transition into the leadership role Broader responsibility spanning operations, people, finance, commercial development and P&L performance Why This Role? This is an opportunity to build a business function, not simply manage projects. The initial field-based role gives you the technical understanding, customer exposure and operational experience needed to establish a successful service operation. From there, the opportunity is to take ownership of the division's development, people, processes, financial performance and growth. For the right person, it offers a rare combination: an established international business behind you, the opportunity to shape a growing U.S. operation, and a credible route from field leadership into a broader business management position. If you're an experienced construction, engineering, industrial or service professional looking for more responsibility, greater commercial involvement, a route into senior leadership and a long-term reduction in travel, we'd like to hear from you. Build the division. Develop the team. Shape the future of the U.S. operation.