Project Manager, Permitting [Illinois]

About the role

Withpulley empowers the nation's leading architects, builders, and retailers to accelerate every initiative within their collection. By leveraging artificial intelligence for permitting insights alongside specialized guidance, the company removes expensive setbacks and introduces certainty throughout the entire commercial project timeline. The permitting phase remains the most sluggish and unpredictable stage of building, spanning over 19,000 distinct jurisdictions, each possessing unique regulations, schedules, and unexpected challenges. Pulley provides project groups the transparency and foresight required to transition from initial planning to final opening without unnecessary holdups. The firm backs rollout initiatives for names such as J.Crew, Solidcore, and Hibbett Sports, in addition to significant data center constructions, electric vehicle charging infrastructures, and other commercial endeavors. Its system drastically cuts down authorization periods, boosts prediction precision, and eliminates countless manual hours for design and construction crews. Established in 2021, Pulley merges profound permitting knowledge with custom artificial intelligence developed by individuals who previously built products utilized by millions. The organization receives support from CRV, Susa Ventures, Fifth Wall, and executives from Plaid, Segment, ServiceTitan, and Procore. Their mission centers on bringing predictability to an industry that has long struggled with unpredictable timelines.

Key facts

The organization is known as Withpulley, and the specific role being filled is Project Manager, Permitting [Illinois]. The employment arrangement is full_time, and the position is tied directly to the Chicago office. This is a permanent, on-site role requiring deep engagement with local regulatory frameworks.

What you'll do

1) Serve as the primary connection between clients and the complex world of local regulatory approvals.

2) Guarantee that assigned projects advance smoothly by navigating regulatory obstacles and coordinating with city staff.

3) Apply proactive troubleshooting to resolve issues that could potentially delay the approval timeline.

4) Oversee numerous permitting assignments concurrently, ensuring each one reaches critical milestones efficiently.

5) Guide clients through complicated authorization procedures to secure rapid and effective results.

6) Cultivate strong working relationships with municipal personnel to hasten the review and acceptance process.

7) Partner with product, engineering, and executive teams to refine the company's operational methods.

8) Contribute to shaping the overall permitting operations and establishing improved workflows for the future.

9) Enhance the overall client experience by identifying areas for platform and service improvement.

10) Support the broader mission of transforming the construction industry through faster and more reliable building.

Requirements

1) Possess a minimum of six years of experience in architecture, construction, or permitting fields.

2) Demonstrate hands-on involvement in a variety of permitting processes across different project types.

3) Show strong familiarity with local building codes, zoning rules, and administrative approval procedures.

4) Exhibit excellent communication skills and the talent to build trust with external stakeholders.

5) Maintain the ability to form strong relationships with both clients and government officials.

6) Display proficiency in utilizing relevant software applications for managing permitting workflows effectively.

7) Remain adaptable and eager to learn new systems that boost daily operational efficiency.

8) Hold a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or a closely related academic discipline.

Nice to have

1) Prior experience supporting rollout programs for major retail brands like J.Crew or Hibbett Sports.

2) Familiarity with managing permitting for extensive data center buildouts and electric vehicle charging networks.

3) Background in collaborating with Solidcore or similar fitness and wellness facility operators.

4) Exposure to other diverse commercial projects beyond standard retail and data infrastructure developments.

Skills & tools

1) Working knowledge of artificial intelligence platforms designed for permitting intelligence and project forecasting.

2) Experience with project management software that tracks milestones and deadlines across multiple jurisdictions.

3) Ability to navigate digital systems that streamline approval processes and reduce manual data entry.

4) Understanding of tools that improve communication between design teams, construction crews, and municipal offices.

5) Proficiency in standard office productivity suites for documentation and client reporting purposes.

6) Familiarity with databases containing local building regulations and zoning information for various markets.

Practical notes

1) Candidates must be physically located in the state of Illinois to be considered for this position.

2) This is a full_time engagement requiring regular availability during standard business operating hours.

3) The role is based out of the Chicago office and requires on-site presence daily.

4) Applicants should be prepared to manage a high volume of concurrent projects without delay.