Project Manager I (Contract)

Company: Blue Star Partners LLC
Location: Des Plaines
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Job Title: Project Manager I Location: Des Plaines, IL (Onsite or Hybrid as required) Contract Duration: 10/27/2025 to 04/30/2026 (Strong possibility of extension Pay Rate: $45–$55/hour (W-2) Employment Type: W-2 (U.S. citizens only - no visa sponsorships) Position Summary: We are seeking a results-driven Project Manager I to lead small to large-scale non-IT business projects across various functional areas. This role will manage all phases of the full project lifecycle , including planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout, ensuring alignment with business goals, stakeholder expectations, and timelines. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and communication skills, with experience managing multidimensional, mission-critical initiatives. Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage single or multiple cross-functional projects from initiation through completion Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and success metrics in collaboration with stakeholders Develop project plans, schedules, and budgets; track and report progress to leadership and key stakeholders Assign, guide, and monitor project team members and ensure timely completion of tasks Proactively identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies Collaborate with internal business units and project sponsors to define and clarify requirements Ensure all project deliverables are aligned with quality standards, business objectives, and regulatory compliance Facilitate project meetings, produce documentation, and maintain status reports Escalate issues as needed to maintain momentum and alignment across teams Required Qualifications: 1–6 years of experience managing business projects in a corporate or operational environment Experience managing non-IT initiatives in disciplines such as operations, supply chain, finance, HR, or manufacturing Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Excel, PowerPoint) Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and team coordination skills Proven ability to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, Operations, or a related field PMP, CAPM, or other project management certification is a plus Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies

Keywords: Blue Star Partners LLC, Crystal Lake , Project Manager I (Contract), IT / Software / Systems , Des Plaines, Illinois