Project Director / Project Executive

Project Director

The Project Director has overall responsibility for the successful delivery of construction projects from preconstruction through closeout. This role provides leadership to project teams, serves as a primary point of contact for clients and design partners, and ensures projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with company standards.

The Project Director is also expected to support business development efforts, strengthen existing client relationships, and help expand the company's presence within the San Diego market.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level oversight and leadership throughout all phases of the project lifecycle, from preconstruction through final closeout.
• Serve as the primary interface between ownership, architects, consultants, and project teams.
• Support business development initiatives and contribute to the growth of the company's client base and market presence.
• Lead project pursuits as opportunities arise, including development of pursuit strategy, proposal management, and interview preparation.
• Maintain accountability for project financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and profitability.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage project risks and opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, architects, consultants, subcontractors, and industry partners.
• Create project-specific teams and provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance development for project staff.
• Manage and allocate resources effectively across assigned projects.
• Ensure projects are executed in accordance with company safety policies and procedures while promoting a strong safety culture throughout the organization.
• Ensure projects are delivered to meet client expectations for quality, schedule, and budget.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the construction project lifecycle.
• Strong knowledge of project budgeting, cost control, forecasting, billing, and financial reporting.
• Extensive experience with multiple contract delivery methods, including Lump Sum, GMP, Negotiated, Design-Build, and Hard Bid projects.
• Advanced knowledge of estimating, preconstruction services, constructability review, and value engineering.
• Proven ability to identify, document, and mitigate project risks.
• Understanding of construction insurance, bonding, and risk management principles.
• Working knowledge of structural systems, site development, building envelope systems, MEP systems, interior finishes, and other major construction components.
• Ability to independently lead preconstruction efforts, including client management, strategy development, and resource planning.
• Ability to assemble, develop, and lead high-performing project teams.

Leadership Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate challenging conversations with professionalism, empathy, and accountability.
• Ability to foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and psychological safety.
• Strong self-awareness and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to establish realistic project goals, align teams around expectations, and adjust strategies as necessary to achieve successful outcomes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively present to groups of varying sizes and levels.
• Strong decision-making abilities supported by sound judgment and strategic thinking.
• Customer-focused mindset with a proven ability to build long-term client relationships.
• Ability to build credibility with owners, architects, and project stakeholders while maintaining accountability across all parties.
• Demonstrates humility, integrity, accountability, and a team-first leadership approach.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive construction experience.
• Previous experience in a Senior Project Manager, Project Executive, Operations Leadership, or equivalent role.
• Strong knowledge of and established relationships within the San Diego construction market.
• Experience in one or more of the following market sectors strongly preferred:
• Public Sector
• Healthcare
• Higher Education
• Civic/Municipal
• Infrastructure
• Proven ability to lead large, complex projects or significant portions of major programs.
• Self-perform construction experience is preferred.