Job Description

Fire Alarm Project Manager

With over 18 years of experience, Hays Electrical Services is a nationally recognized electrical contractor delivering high-quality, safe, and reliable electrical solutions across commercial, industrial, and specialty markets. Licensed in multiple states and trusted by leading general contractors, Hays is built on a foundation of safety, excellence, drive, communication, and client focus.

Our mission is simple: to make ourselves indispensable to our customers. We achieve this by investing in our people, continuously improving our processes, and delivering results that set the standard in the electrical contracting industry.

Position Summary

The Fire Alarm Project Manager owns full execution of an assigned portfolio of Division 28 fire alarm and life safety projects, from estimate-to-operations handoff through closeout, across new construction, retrofit, and end-user work.

This role directs the full project lifecycle — submittals and RFIs, procurement, subcontractor and field coordination, scheduling, job cost tracking and forecasting, change management, and closeout — while mentoring any Assistant Project Managers assigned to the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Own full project execution for an assigned portfolio of Division 28 fire alarm projects, from estimate-to-operations handoff through closeout.
• Prepare, submit, and track submittals, RFIs, and shop drawings; drive approvals to keep the schedule on track.
• Lead procurement: material takeoffs, vendor quotes, purchase orders, and delivery scheduling aligned to field sequencing.
• Coordinate with GCs, electrical primes, vendors, AHJs, and internal field crews on scope, access, and sequencing.
• Own job cost tracking and forecasting; manage budget vs. actual performance and report variances to the Operations Manager.
• Maintain billing ahead of the revenue position, forecast project revenue, and ensure customer payments are collected within agreed-upon time frames.
• Prepare, negotiate, and log change orders; maintain the change order log.
• Build and maintain project schedules, including look-ahead planning and milestone tracking.
• Direct document control: contract documents, as-builts, test reports, and closeout packages.
• Lead Monthly Project Controlling (MPC) reviews and internal coordination meetings for assigned projects.
• Conduct jobsite walks to verify progress, quality, and installed conditions against plans.
• Coordinate pre-test and final acceptance testing with the AHJ and fire marshal, and assemble closeout packages: as-builts, O&M manuals, warranties, and final acceptance documentation.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA 72, NEC, local AHJ requirements, and manufacturer specifications.
• Mentor and develop Assistant Project Managers assigned to the portfolio.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Gross margin performance vs. budget
• Job cost variance (budget vs. actual)
• Submittal, RFI, and change order turnaround time
• On-time project completion rate
• Document control and closeout package completeness
• Billings in excess of costs (overbilling) maintained ahead of the revenue position
• Days sales outstanding (DSO) of 30 days or less

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of fire alarm / life safety systems experience, including demonstrated project management ownership.
• Strong working knowledge of NFPA 72, the NEC, and local AHJ requirements.
• Proven experience managing project budgets, schedules, and subcontractor and field coordination.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction project management / job costing software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead client and AHJ interactions.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to jobsites as needed.

Preferred

• NICET Level II or III certification in Fire Alarm Systems, or working toward certification.
• Experience across new construction, retrofit, and service/end-user project types.
• Prior experience at a specialty/low-voltage subcontractor.
• Experience mentoring or managing Assistant Project Managers or project coordinators.
• Hands-on familiarity with major fire alarm platforms (e.g., Notifier, Silent Knight, EST/Edwards, Simplex, Fire-Lite, Gamewell/Honeywell).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This role is a blend of office and field work, with regular travel to active jobsites (local/regional). While performing office duties, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position, operate a computer and standard office equipment, and communicate with internal and external contacts. When visiting jobsites, the employee must be able to walk construction sites, including uneven terrain, ladders, and mechanical/electrical rooms, with appropriate PPE, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Must be able to detect, determine, distinguish, inspect, assess, and adjust focus.

Management reserves the right to change this position description at any time according to business needs.

Why Join Hays Electrical Services?

At Hays Electrical Services, you're joining a team that values professionalism, accountability, and growth. As a Fire Alarm Project Manager, you'll own the delivery of critical life safety systems from handoff to closeout, with the autonomy and support to grow your portfolio in our 5K Specialty Systems division.

Benefits Include:

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off and company holidays
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive, fast-paced environment

Hays Electrical Services, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any status protected by applicable law.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.