Project Manager

Job Summary Client-facing project manager who owns delivery of enterprise AI automation projects from planning through rollout, with a focus on follow-through, risk, and clear, high-touch client communication. Who We Are Makai Labs builds software that automates entire companies. We work across a diversified portfolio, which means our systems touch a wide range of domains, processes, and operational constraints. Our team is small, senior, and high-output. We move fast, hold high standards, and trust each other to take ownership without being managed. What We’re Looking For Makai Labs is hiring a Project Manager to own delivery of our AI-powered client and platform projects. You’ll partner with our Product Owner, who owns what gets built, while you own how and when it gets delivered to the client. You’ll work closely with engineers, designers, product, client services, and client stakeholders to keep projects on schedule, within budget, and aligned with business objectives. Meeting notes are increasingly automated at Makai. This role is about what happens after the meetings: making sure every decision, action item, and risk has an owner, and following up until each one is closed. We’re looking for a meticulous, results-oriented, and adaptable project manager who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment. Responsibilities Lead the planning, execution, and completion of several of Makai’s key client and platform projectsWork with stakeholders to agree on project scope, goals, and resourcing against the SOW, then build and maintain project plans, timelines, and milestones as priorities changeFacilitate cross-functional coordination across internal and external stakeholders to ensure project successProvide clear documentation, reporting, and communication to client stakeholders, including follow-up emails, status decks, and Steering Committee decksOwn follow-through after every meeting: send follow-ups to clients and internal teams, track action items, decisions, and dependencies, and chase each one until it is closedMaintain a risk and issue log, and flag risks, blockers, and slipping dates early with a proposed path forwardRun client meetings and internal project check-ins, and make sure each one ends with clear owners, due dates, and next stepsCoordinate project rollout and user adoption, including the handoff to production support after launchTrack budget and burn against the SOW, flag scope changes early, and support change ordersIdentify opportunities for process improvements and implement solutions, including using AI tools to automate tasks where possible Ideal experience: 5+ years of project management experience, including client-facing software or technology projectsProven track record of successfully managing complex, cross-functional projectsStrong communication and stakeholder management skills, including presenting project status to client executives and Steering CommitteesAbility to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environmentExperience with project management tools such as Jira, Asana, Slack, and Google WorkspaceAbility to work independently and drive projects forward with minimal supervisionStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsA very keen eye for detailUrgency and accountability in project executionConsistent follow-through: you track every open item you own until it is closed Nice-to-haves Experience with SaaS, AI, or ML projects or technical implementationsProfessional services or consulting delivery experience, including managing SOWs and change ordersExperience in regulated industries such as healthcare or financial servicesExperience using AI tools in your day-to-day project management work What The Role Is Not This is not a product owner role. Our Product Owner owns the product backlog, user stories, and Agile ceremonies, and decides what gets built in each sprint. You own the project around that work: the timeline, budget, risks, dependencies, and client communication. You don’t write user stories or run sprint ceremonies; you work alongside the Product Owner to keep delivery on track. Core values for Makai employees Have a strong work ethicBe self-sufficient and self-driven with an ownership mentality, no matter your roleBe a flexible thinkerBe congenial and a team playerAlways be of service to each other and our clients, partners, and neighbors Benefits (Upon Conversion To Full-time) Fully remote role, Eastern time zoneOpportunities to work in-person with local colleaguesGenerous PTOFull health insurance premium reimbursement401(k) matchingCareer growth & development opportunities Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire This role begins as a 90-day contract-to-hire engagement, with the opportunity to convert to a full-time position with Makai Labs. Compensation Range: $115K - $135K