Project Director

POSITION SUMMARY The Project Director serves as the main point of contact for both new and existing clients, driving business success from project acquisition through to execution, while managing an annual portfolio exceeding 100M in revenue. This role emphasizes upholding the Manhattan Guiding Principles, fostering team growth, delivering exceptional project results, ensuring high client satisfaction, and leveraging performance to secure repeat business and attract new client opportunities. The Project Director is accountable for delivering high‑quality services and driving business growth through a balanced ‘doer‑seller’ approach. The doer component, which accounts for the majority of the role, involves leading the project team through tasks such as project administration, financial performance management (including change management, reporting, billings, cash flow, etc.), schedule adherence, risk mitigation (legal, claims, safety, quality, etc.), relationship management, team development, and cross‑functional collaboration. In this capacity, the Project Director oversees the operations and administration of assigned projects, ensuring overall project success and profitability. The seller aspect of the role, which runs in parallel with the doer responsibilities, is critical in securing new business and expanding client relationships. Project Directors establish themselves as trusted subject‑matter experts with clients, driving repeat business and identifying new opportunities. They leverage their team’s strong performance to drive sales volume and revenue growth. MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Project Directors leverage their extensive construction experience and strong interpersonal skills to effectively manage all phases of the construction process, including project pursuit, preconstruction, construction, and ongoing client engagement. PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT AND TEAM MANAGEMENT Lead employee recruitment and retention efforts – identify, recruit, and retain top talent. Develop and monitor training and education programs for employees. Prepare a succession plan for each client and project position – identify, mentor, and train your replacement. Coordinate assignment of team members to projects with the Regional VP and Operations Manager, considering employee growth and development while assembling high‑performing and efficient teams to meet client and project needs. Conduct employee performance reviews per Manhattan’s guidelines. Organize and develop high‑performing teams. Communicate company‑wide and local regional initiatives and updates to employees. Stay connected to the jobsite – be visible, listen, and provide support. Be the Manhattan brand ambassador in the industry and in the community by serving on industry committees or boards and volunteering at key events. PROJECT PLANNING & EXECUTION Meet with customer decision‑makers to build and maintain relationships and identify needs/opportunities. Manage and develop relationships with clients, designers, consultants, and internal Manhattan team members. Establish performance metrics and outperform targets for all projects. Confirm that the processes, tools, and support required to ensure operational excellence and compliance with Guiding Principles are in place and utilized. Promote and support the Manhattan safety and quality culture on all projects. Oversee the development of the project execution and quality control plans. Lead and set the tone for all preconstruction and planning activities, serving as the primary contact for the client from project kick‑off through completion. Review and assist the project team with negotiations and recommendations for all project contracts, change orders, and claims. In conjunction with the project team, develop, implement, and monitor a project risk management plan covering SDI/Bonding, insurance/CCIPs, contract administration, project execution plans, peer reviews, schedule control, risk mitigation, and contracting compliance. Oversee monthly Project Status Reports (PSRs) and financial reporting for compliance, quality, and accuracy; review PSRs with the project team, the Regional VP and Operations Manager. Attend OAC Meetings to monitor the project team’s performance in exceeding client expectations; be present to support the project team and engage with the client and design team. Cooperate and support other Project Directors and Regional VPs – One Manhattan. Talk with the project teams for feedback on current issues or problems; help project teams solve problems; be a valued resource. Develop small‑business and minority subcontracting plans and implementation strategies. Prepare quarterly forecasts for project awards, revenues, and profit. Achieve company/regional goals for sales, revenue, and profitability. Manage billable time allocation for PD and all other project team members, ensuring team members are fully allocated to assigned project(s), reimbursed by the client, and forecasted in the project budget. Assist Regional VP in managing office SG&A. SALES & CLIENT FOCUS Identify, win, and retain a single account or multiple accounts delivering 100M in revenue on an annual basis. Take primary responsibility for the overall sales process; establish and meet annual sales goals. Conduct marketing research – collect information regarding client operations and identify and pursue opportunities. Identify and retain key Manhattan customers. Collaborate and coordinate with business development for the identification of new customers. Develop, engage, and manage relationship‑building activities with owners, influencers, and other pursuit stakeholders. Identify potential new projects and new clients; work with the Regional VP to analyze opportunities and develop sales and execution strategy. Develop pursuit plans with the business development team, including preparation for proposals and presentations, maintaining and updating the pursuit plan as activities are completed and as needed; utilize the Risk Management Platform to coordinate all pursuit activities. Manage collection, development, and differentiation of RFP & RFQ responses. Lead strategy for interview agenda and presentation materials with business development. JOB SKILLS & ABILITIES GUIDELINES Strong understanding of the construction industry. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other relevant software. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. In‑depth knowledge of financial operations. Excellent leadership, time‑management, and organizational skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion. Ability to delegate work appropriately. Strategic thinking and visionary skills. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field. 18 years of extensive experience in management or construction operations. Proven record of managing multiple client accounts. At least 10 years of experience in an operations and sales leadership role. WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORTS Adaptability to varying weather conditions and physical demands of construction sites (walking, climbing, bending, etc.). Ability to stand, bend, sit for extended periods, and squat throughout the day. Ability to repeat the same movements. Ability to communicate effectively to participate fully in meetings, video conferences, and phone calls. Ability to compose, send, and reply to emails and written correspondence. Must be able to lift, pull, or move up to fifty pounds at a time. Travel may be required, primarily in the metropolitan area but sometimes domestically; must have a valid Driver’s License. Exposure to characteristic construction site hazards. EEO STATEMENT Manhattan Construction Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a diverse workforce and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr