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 projects

• Work with stakeholders to agree on project scope, goals, and resourcing against the SOW, then build and maintain project plans, timelines, and milestones as priorities change

• Facilitate cross-functional coordination across internal and external stakeholders to ensure project success

• Provide clear documentation, reporting, and communication to client stakeholders, including follow-up emails, status decks, and Steering Committee decks

• Own 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 closed

• Maintain a risk and issue log, and flag risks, blockers, and slipping dates early with a proposed path forward

• Run client meetings and internal project check-ins, and make sure each one ends with clear owners, due dates, and next steps

• Coordinate project rollout and user adoption, including the handoff to production support after launch

• Track budget and burn against the SOW, flag scope changes early, and support change orders

• Identify 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 projects

• Proven track record of successfully managing complex, cross-functional projects

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including presenting project status to client executives and Steering Committees

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment

• Experience with project management tools such as Jira, Asana, Slack, and Google Workspace

• Ability to work independently and drive projects forward with minimal supervision

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• A very keen eye for detail

• Urgency and accountability in project execution

• Consistent 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 implementations

• Professional services or consulting delivery experience, including managing SOWs and change orders

• Experience in regulated industries such as healthcare or financial services

• Experience 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 ethic

• Be self-sufficient and self-driven with an ownership mentality, no matter your role

• Be a flexible thinker

• Be congenial and a team player

• Always be of service to each other and our clients, partners, and neighbors

Benefits (Upon conversion to Full-time)

• Fully remote role, Eastern time zone

• Opportunities to work in-person with local colleagues

• Generous PTO

• Full health insurance premium reimbursement

• 401(k) matching

• Career 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.