Director of Project Management, Architectural Solutions

The Director of Project Management leads the project management team within the Architectural Solutions department. The Director sets the standards the departments projects are run to, verifies that project managers are working to those standards, develops the team’s technical and professional capability, and intervenes when a project, a client relationship, or a margin is at risk. That accountability spans the full project lifecycle; pre-construction planning, field verification, submittals, procurement release, installation, inspection, punch, and closeout; on demountable wall, glass front, door, and integrated interior construction projects delivered inside an active construction environment. Duties and Responsibilities Hire, mentor, and develop the division’s project managers, building a team capable of running architectural interiors projects independently. Assign project managers to projects based on scope, complexity, client requirements, and individual development needs, and rebalance assignments as workload shifts. Set individual and team goals, conduct performance reviews, and provide continuous feedback grounded in observed project performance. Build the team’s technical depth in wall systems, glass fronts, doors and hardware, ceilings, and integrated power and data, including manufacturer certification and training requirements. Develop an employee-oriented culture focused on customer service, process efficiency, and continuous improvement. Foster a collaborative, high-performance environment in which project managers take ownership of their projects and their outcomes. Standards, Process & Tools Define how architectural interiors projects are to be run, and document the standards, templates, and checkpoints project managers are expected to follow. Establish required practice for pre-construction planning, field verification, submittals, procurement release, installation, punch, and closeout. Maintain standardized project management processes and tools so projects are run consistently across markets and across project managers. Evaluate process performance and revise standards as project outcomes, manufacturer requirements, and client expectations change. Ensure new project managers are onboard to the division’s standards before carrying projects independently. Project Oversight & Accountability Conduct regular project reviews with each project manager covering schedule, budget, open risks, submittal and procurement status, and client and general contractor issues. Verify that project managers are doing what the standards require; field conditions documented, submittal and RFI logs current, change orders and schedule impacts issued on time, and billing kept current. Monitor project health indicators including error rates, change order volume, schedule variance, punch list volume, and margin performance, acting on trends rather than isolated incidents. Maintain defined escalation thresholds so project managers know when to raise an issue and the Director knows when to step in personally. Conduct jobsite visits to observe conditions firsthand and confirm that reported project status matches field reality. Hold project managers accountable for their commitments and coach through performance gaps before they become client or margin problems. Conduct weekly staff meetings to align project priorities, construction schedules, and field challenges. Construction & Field Execution Oversight Ensure project managers establish and maintain effective working relationships with general contractors, construction managers, and owner’s representatives. Ensure base building and field conditions; slab and deck elevations, floor flatness, structural attachment, ceiling and MEP interfaces; are verified and documented before fabrication and installation. Ensure scope interfaces with electrical, low-voltage, mechanical, fire protection, drywall, flooring, and ceiling trades are coordinated and resolved before they reach the field. Ensure permitting, inspection, and code-compliance requirements are identified early and satisfied, including fire rating, seismic bracing, egress, and accessibility. Ensure jobsite logistics — access, hoisting, deliveries, staging, and phased or off-hours work in occupied buildings — are planned rather than improvised. Ensure site-specific safety plans, certifications, and insurance requirements are in place for employees and subcontracted labor, and that safety expectations are enforced in the field. Ensure project managers administer contract requirements accurately, including scope documentation, RFIs, change orders, and schedule impact notices. Review progress billing, schedule of values, retainage, lien waivers, and certified payroll or prevailing wage compliance for accuracy and timeliness. Protect division margin by reviewing labor productivity, material variances, back charges, and unbilled change work, and requiring corrective action where projects drift. Ensure closeout is completed and documented; as-builts, O&M documentation, attic stock, warranty registration, and final release of billing, rather than left open after substantial completion. Serve as the division’s senior point of contact for clients, architects, and design partners, and as the escalation point when a project manager needs support. Ensure project managers maintain proactive, professional communication with clients and design partners throughout the project. Support sales and design during pursuit and pre- construction with constructability review, schedule input, and installation cost validation. Oversee vendor, subcontractor, and installation partner relationships, ensuring compliance with contractual agreements, licensing, certification, insurance, and performance expectations. Conduct annual business reviews with manufacturer and trade partners to assess performance and areas for improvement. Risk Management & Quality Assurance Identify division-level risk patterns and address them through standards, training, and resourcing rather than case-by-case intervention. Ensure project managers develop and maintain contingency plans for schedule compression, site delays, and material damage or shortage. Establish the field quality standards and inspection checkpoints project managers hold installation to, including alignment, plumb, reveals, glazing, door operation, and acoustic and finish performance. Ensure adherence to budget, timeline, and quality standards across the division’s project portfolio. Lead initiatives to reduce project errors, punch list volume, and cost impacts across the team. Maintain proficiency in project management tools, Microsoft & Google Suites, AutoDesk Construction Cloud or Procore and ensure the team uses them consistently. Continuously explore and implement new technologies, including laser field verification, reality capture, and digital punch tools, to enhance efficiency and collaboration. Maintain consistent attendance, punctuality, and engagement in company initiatives. Uphold company policies, including expense management, hybrid work guidelines, and professional communication standards. Foster a positive team culture by supporting colleagues, celebrating successes, and maintaining a professional work environment. Travel up to 30% of the time for client meetings, jobsite visits, vendor reviews, and team training sessions. Qualifications & Experience: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Construction Management, Architecture, Interior Design, Business, Project Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience. 10+ years of industry experience with a strong background in project management, including architectural interiors, demountable wall systems, or interior construction. Prior experience leading a team of project managers, with a track record of developing them, preferred. Proven ability to hold a team accountable for schedule, budget, and quality across multiple concurrent jobsites. High level of understanding of architectural drawings and shop drawings, sufficient to review a project manager’s work and identify issues before they reach the field. High level of understanding of best practices for on-site field measuring and field verification. Working knowledge of construction documents, submittal and RFI processes, and general contractor schedules. Familiarity with building codes, permitting and inspection processes, and jobsite safety requirements; OSHA 30 preferred. Strong knowledge of the commercial furniture and interiors industry; manufacturer certification in architectural wall systems is a plus. Experience with risk assessment, subcontractor and vendor relations, and process optimization. Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams and external construction partners. Experience working with Union & Non-Union environments. High proficiency in project management software, financial tracking, and workflow automation tools. PMP, CCM, LEED, or equivalent credentials preferred. Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr Officeworks Inc.