Project Director

Project Director

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 (covering 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 parallel with the "doer" responsibilities, is critical in securing new business and expanding client relationships. Project Directors will 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.

Success in this role is measured by the Project Director's ability to deliver exceptional project outcomes while actively contributing to the company's sales efforts with both new and existing clients.

Major duties and responsibilities include:

• 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. Consider employee growth and development while making assignments in conjunction with assembling high-performing and efficient teams to meet the 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 having an active role (i.e., serve on industry committees or boards, volunteering at key events.)

The Project Director will lead the project team and actively participate in all preconstruction planning and construction execution activities. Essential project planning and execution duties include:

• 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 including being the primary contact for the client from project kick-off through completion.
• Review and assist the project team with the negotiations and recommendations for all project contracts, change orders, and claims, etc.
• In conjunction with the project team, develop, implement, and monitor a project risk management plan including SDI/Bonding, insurance/CCIPs, contract administration, project execution plans, project peer reviews, schedule control, risk mitigation plan, and contracting compliance matrix & mitigation plan.
• Oversee monthly Project Status Reports (PSRs) and financial reporting for compliance, quality, and accuracy. Review PSRs with the project team. Know your projects. Identify and proactively manage risk. Review monthly PSRs with 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.

The Project Director will report to the Regional Vice President and manage specific client accounts. The Project Director will utilize strategic thinking skills to maintain and grow relationships with existing clients in current markets, while actively seeking new opportunities with new clients and new markets. This position requires the ability to create innovative, project specific solutions that address customer needs and key issues, along with being a proactive – "out of the box" thinker and problem solver. The Project Director will also collaborate with the business development team in long range planning and sales efforts.

Critical sales and client-focused duties include:

• Identification, winning, and retention of a single account or multiple accounts delivering $100M in revenue on an annual basis.
• Take primary responsibility for the overall sales process. This position is responsible for establishing and meeting annual sales goals.
• Conduct marketing research – collect information regarding client operations and identify and pursue opportunities.
• Responsible for identifying and retaining 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 and work with the Regional VP to analyze opportunities and develop sales and execution strategy.
• Develop pursuit plans in conjunction with the business development team including preparation for proposals and presentations. Maintain and update 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 in conjunction 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
• Must have previous Mission Critical or Aviation project sector experience

Working Conditions and Physical Efforts:

• Adaptability to varying weather conditions and physical demands of construction sites (e.g., walking, climbing, bending, etc.)
• Ability to physically 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.

About Manhattan

Founded in 1896, Manhattan is a top-ranked national construction services firm that provides pre