Project Director (Lynchburg, VA)

PROJECT DIRECTOR

Welcome to Merit Restorations.

We specialize in mitigating and rebuilding residential and commercial properties damaged by fire, water, storms, and other disasters. We partner with leading insurance carriers and handle everything from emergency cleanup to complete rebuilds, with a focus on safety, integrity, and advocacy. As entrepreneurs, we take full ownership of the work we do and the families we serve.

At Merit, our purpose is simple and non-negotiable: we work together as a team so we can change lives. Teamwork is the foundation of everything we do-because teamwork creates impact, and impact changes lives. We exist to help people, and the only way we do that at the highest level is by moving as one team , aligned in mission, values, and execution.

Our mission: we're a team of people committed to delivering the best service and providing extraordinary experiences along the way- A team of people. Best service. Extraordinary experiences.

Every decision at Merit runs through the same value filters: servant leadership, innovation, gratitude, growth, impact, honor, and grit. That's how we think. That's how we operate. That's how we show up every day.

To keep the team aligned, we hold tight to radical clarity and radical transparency-knowing what we're building, why it matters, how we win, and where we stand. We move with one purpose and one language across every office and every market, because the truth is simple: when we work together, both families win-the families we serve and the families inside our company.

Everything we build-systems, training, markets, scoreboards, structure-exists to reinforce one aim: move as ONE. When we move as one team with purpose, clarity, and grit, there is nothing we can't do.

Together. Forward. Always.

PROJECT DIRECTOR ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

As a Project Director for Merit Restorations, you will be working directly for the Branch Manager. This hybrid position functions as a player-coach , responsible for writing and running your own reconstruction projects (typically up to $250,000, with exceptions approved by the Branch Manager) while also supporting, mentoring, and elevating Core Claims Project Managers . You will own project financials, drive operational excellence, and strengthen the performance and readiness of our project management team.


This position manages deadlines, progress, talent development, and quality across multiple projects simultaneously.

Project Ownership (Write + Run Your Own Work)

• Visit new assignments, document full scope, and ensure the scope is clearly understood by the customer.
• Create accurate estimates and budgets to ensure completion at targeted gross margins.
• Assume full responsibility for your project financials including pricing, costs, margins, and budget creation.
• Establish payment terms, including progress billings and deductible collection, in accordance with company standards.
• Manage and collect all outstanding A/R for your assigned projects-directly or through internal partnerships with the Accounting team.
• Establish a completion schedule that is achievable and clearly communicated to the customer.
• Acquire, direct, and manage subcontractors; prepare and negotiate subcontractor agreements within company guidelines.
• Provide detailed quality control through frequent jobsite visits and monitoring of subcontractor work.
• Manage project deadlines on multiple projects simultaneously, adjusting as needed to protect margin and customer experience.
• Prepare and execute all change orders and supplements.
• Manage jobsite safety in alignment with OSHA and Merit safety policies.
• Prepare and complete punch list items; secure certificate of satisfaction at project completion.
• Resolve conflicts, warranty concerns, and other complaints as needed.
• Uphold all company policies, procedures, and safety standards at all times.

Player-Coach Responsibilities (Mentoring + Elevating Core Claims PMs)

• Support CCPMs in achieving strong TPA program compliance and POM scores.
• Assist PMs with difficult customers, escalations, or complex job scenarios when appropriate.
• Partner with the Branch Manager to strengthen accountability, job readiness, and PM performance across the office.
• Help identify training, development, and skill-building opportunities for PMs.
• Provide ongoing guidance on documentation, budget creation, scheduling, and margin protection.
• Work alongside Branch Manager to setup joint job walks to coach on scoping, estimating, and customer communication
• Review CCPM job financial performance and provide coaching improvement insights

Operational & Quality Leadership

• Review and inspect work performed to ensure Merit standards are met.
• Minimize Merit's exposure to risk by enforcing quality, documentation, and contract compliance.
• Track project budgets and expenses to protect and exceed margin targets.
• Interpret and relay building plans and specifications accurately.
• Manage inspection processes to ensure compliance with local/national codes and other building details.
• Participate in company-sponsored marketing functions and events when needed.
• Communicate throughout the project with the customer, the assigned PMs, Accounting, and internal stakeholders.

Client Management

• Manage day-to-day client interaction and communication.
• Set and manage realistic customer expectations.
• Communicate effectively with clients to identify needs and evaluate solutions.
• Resolve or escalate issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Communicate difficult or sensitive information tactfully.
• Build alliances and relationships with adjusters, carriers, and key partners to improve performance and referral flow.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Confident to speak candidly, assume roles and tasks, and report back clearly on outcomes and impact.
• Able to make professional decisions in a fast-paced environment and own the results.
• Strong leadership instincts with the ability to mentor and uplift developing PMs.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Capable in both a leadership and team-player role.
• Three years of insurance restoration experience preferred; commercial a plus.
• In-depth understanding of the company, our values, and our position in the industry.
• Experience in construction, restoration, or related trades preferred but not required.
• Knowledgeable in reading and interpreting building plans and specifications.
• Strong subcontractor bid solicitation and negotiation skills.
• Working knowledge of Xactimate preferred; proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) required.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and time-management skills with the ability to communicate professionally with all stakeholders.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development