Senior Project Director (Chicago)

About VanirVanir is a proud minority- and woman-owned company, recognized as a national leader in program, project and construction management (PMCM) and real estate development. Since 1964, we have consistently exceeded client expectations. Ranked as a top PMCM firm by Engineering News-Record (ENR) for more than three decades, our award-winning team provides a full range of services to public and private sector clients in the aviation; healthcare; education (K-12 and higher); justice and essential services; science and technology; state and local government; transportation; water and wastewater; energy; and commercial, residential and nonprofit markets.Job DescriptionWe are seeking an experienced Senior Project Director to lead the successful delivery of large-scale capital improvement programs/projects (CIP) for public agencies utilizing multiple delivery methods including Design-Build (DB) and Progressive Design-Build (PDB). This role requires a strategic leader with deep expertise in complex infrastructure or facilities projects, strong stakeholder management skills, and a proven ability to guide projects from early preconstruction through final delivery.The Senior Project Director will be responsible for overall project performance, including scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk management, while fostering collaboration among owners, designers, contractors, and key stakeholders.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesProvide executive leadership for all phases of a project, from procurement and preconstruction through construction, commissioning, closeout, and activationServe as the primary point of contact for the Owner, ensuring alignment with project goals, expectations, and governance requirementsLead and manage integrated project teams, including design partners, construction teams, consultants, and internal staffOversee development and validation of project scope, cost estimates, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies during Phase 1 (Preconstruction)Guide transition into Phase 2 (Final Design & Construction), ensuring seamless execution and adherence to agreed-upon Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) or equivalentEstablish and maintain strong collaborative relationships across all stakeholders, promoting transparency and accountabilityDrive decision-making processes and facilitate resolution of complex technical, contractual, and organizational challengesEnsure compliance with contractual requirements, regulatory standards, and organizational policiesMonitor project performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain project objectivesProvide regular executive-level reporting on project status, risks, and financialsMinimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related fieldMinimum of 15+ years of experience delivering large-scale capital projects ($250M+), with at least 7 years in a leadership role for design & construction phasesDemonstrated experience delivering projects using Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build and similar alternative delivery methods (CM/GC, CMAR, etc.)Strong understanding of preconstruction services, Open book GMP development, Target Value Design, cost modeling, value engineering, and constructability reviewsExperience with public agencies, federal, state, and local municipal sectorsProven leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environmentsExceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skillsExperience working with public agencies or large institutional clients preferredPreferred QualificationsProfessional licensure (PE, RA, CCM); DBIA CertificationExperience campus builds, such as corrections, higher education, healthcare, etc.Familiarity with collaborative delivery tools and digital project management systems (e.g., PMIS, BIM, integrated project controls)Experience with Power BI, development, and communication of KPIs and project metricsKey CompetenciesStrategic leadership and decision-makingCollaborative mindset with strong emotional intelligenceFinancial acumen and risk management expertiseAbility to navigate ambiguity and drive results in complex environmentsCommitment to safety, quality, and innovationBenefitsVanir offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that includes 401(k) Savings with employer matching contributions, medical, dental, vision, health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions, life, AD&D and disability benefits, flexible spending account (FSA), voluntary benefits, Teladoc, pet insurance, paid time off, national employee assistance program (EAP) and employee referral program.How to ApplyIf you're interested in working for Vanir please visit our website to learn more and to apply online at .VEVRAA Federal ContractorRequest Priority Protected Veteran ReferralsEOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/DisabledContact Email: View email address on apply.placed-app.com with medical limitations may, with reasonable accommodations, be capable of performing the duties of this position. Such a determination must be made on an individual basis considering the person's limitations, the requirements of the position, and the company's ability to make reasonable accommodations to the person's limitations.We Participate in E-VerifyPursuant to the Ban The Box Act/Fair Chance Initiative, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.#LI-GK1Posted Salary RangeUSD $210,000.00 - USD $250,000.00 /Yr.Job SummaryJob ID: 2026-5200Category: Construction / Project ManagementType: Full-Time