Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Restoration Project Manager

🎯 Role Definition

The Restoration Project Manager is the central figure in orchestrating the successful recovery of properties affected by water, fire, mold, or storm damage. This individual acts as the primary leader and point of contact, masterfully balancing the needs of the property owner, the requirements of insurance carriers, and the management of internal crews and external subcontractors. This role demands a unique blend of on-site technical expertise, financial acumen, and exceptional interpersonal skills to guide complex projects from the chaos of an initial loss to a fully restored state, ensuring quality, timeliness, and profitability every step of the way.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Restoration Lead Technician / Crew Chief
Restoration Estimator
Construction Project Coordinator

Advancement To:

Senior Restoration Project Manager / Large Loss Manager
Operations Manager
General Manager / Branch Manager

Lateral Moves:

Commercial Construction Superintendent
Insurance Adjuster (Carrier or Independent)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Oversee the entire lifecycle of multiple restoration projects simultaneously, from the initial emergency response and site assessment through to final reconstruction and client sign-off.
Develop, present, and negotiate comprehensive and accurate project estimates, scopes of work, and budgets using industry-standard software like Xactimate.
Serve as the principal liaison between property owners, insurance adjusters, consultants, and other stakeholders, ensuring clear, consistent, and proactive communication to manage expectations.
Plan, schedule, and coordinate all on-site activities, including mitigation and reconstruction phases, to ensure projects remain on schedule and within the established budget.
Direct and manage internal labor forces and a network of specialized subcontractors, ensuring all parties are aligned with the project scope and quality standards.
Conduct regular site visits to monitor job progress, perform quality control inspections, and enforce strict adherence to company and industry safety protocols (OSHA).
Authorize and manage project-related expenditures, track job costs against the budget, and maintain responsibility for the project's overall profitability.
Create and manage project documentation, including contracts, work authorizations, change orders, completion certificates, and all necessary compliance paperwork.
Proactively identify potential project risks, such as delays, budget overruns, or compliance issues, and develop effective mitigation strategies to resolve them swiftly.
Ensure all work performed meets or exceeds IICRC standards (S500, S520) and complies with all applicable local, state, and federal building codes.
Manage the material and equipment procurement process, ensuring timely delivery of necessary resources to the job site to avoid work stoppages.
Facilitate project kick-off and close-out meetings with clients and internal teams to ensure a smooth transition at every critical project milestone.
Provide empathetic and professional customer service, guiding property owners through the often stressful and confusing restoration process with confidence and care.
Prepare and submit timely and accurate invoicing and billing information to the accounting department and assist with collections as needed.
Champion a culture of safety on all job sites by implementing and enforcing safety procedures, conducting regular safety meetings, and ensuring all personnel have proper PPE.

Secondary Functions

Mentor and provide guidance to junior staff, including estimators, coordinators, and lead technicians, fostering their professional development.
Participate in business development activities and maintain relationships with insurance agents, adjusters, and property managers to generate new project leads.
Stay current with the latest restoration techniques, industry trends, building codes, and software updates to maintain a competitive edge.
Assist in resolving customer complaints or concerns that may escalate beyond the site supervisor, ensuring a positive final resolution.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of company-wide operational processes, systems, and standard operating procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Xactimate Proficiency: Expert-level ability to write, review, and negotiate detailed estimates for water, fire, and mold damage claims.
IICRC Certification: Holds key certifications such as Water Restoration Technician (WRT), Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT), and Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT).
Construction Knowledge: Strong, practical understanding of residential and commercial construction methods, building materials, and building codes.
Project Management Software: Experience using restoration-specific software (e.g., DASH, MICA, Encircle) or construction PM tools (e.g., BuilderTrend, Procore).
Financial Acumen: Skilled in job costing, budgeting, resource allocation, and analyzing project profitability reports.
Drying & Mitigation Science: Deep knowledge of psychrometrics and the principles of water mitigation, drying, and mold remediation.

Soft Skills

Client-Facing Communication: Ability to communicate with empathy, clarity, and professionalism to distressed property owners.
Negotiation & Influence: Proven skill in negotiating scopes and pricing with insurance adjusters and managing subcontractor agreements.
Problem-Solving: Resourceful and decisive in finding effective solutions to unexpected challenges under high-pressure situations.
Leadership & Team Management: Capable of leading and motivating diverse teams of technicians and subcontractors to achieve a common goal.
Organizational Prowess: Exceptional ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and handle extensive documentation across multiple concurrent projects.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by significant industry experience and certifications.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's or Associate's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Construction Management
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of progressive experience within the property damage restoration industry.

Preferred: At least 2 years of direct experience in a Project Manager or Lead Estimator role, managing projects from start to finish. A proven track record of managing profitable jobs and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is essential.