Senior Principal Project Manager - Façades / Architectural Glazing

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Principal Project Manager to take the most senior technical and strategic leadership position within the Project Management function of an established façade and architectural glazing business in New York.

This is an executive-level position responsible for defining the long-term direction of the department, driving operational excellence and taking ownership of project management performance across the organisation.

The successful individual will provide strategic leadership to PM management teams, establish and enforce technical and operational standards, oversee the company's project portfolio and drive continuous improvement across all areas of project delivery.

Working closely with company executives, Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing and Field Operations, the Senior Principal Project Manager will have significant autonomy and decision-making authority, influencing both departmental strategy and wider company performance.

This opportunity is suited to an established façade industry leader who has operated at Director, VP or senior executive level and has the technical expertise, leadership experience and commercial understanding to shape the future direction of a Project Management department.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Department Strategy

• Take ultimate ownership of Project Management performance, quality and outcomes across the organisation.
• Define and implement the long-term vision, strategy and direction of the PM department.
• Provide senior leadership and direction to PM management teams and department leaders.
• Make independent, high-level decisions relating to project delivery, resource allocation, departmental performance and operational strategy.
• Establish, develop and enforce company-wide project management standards, systems and procedures.
• Drive innovation, operational improvements and efficiencies across the department.
• Develop and manage the annual departmental budget.
• Conduct annual performance reviews and establish development plans for PM leadership.
• Build a high-performing management structure, developing future leaders and strengthening departmental capabilities.

Technical Authority & Project Oversight

• Act as the highest-level technical authority within the Project Management function.
• Provide strategic oversight across the company's entire façade and architectural glazing project portfolio.
• Review all incoming projects alongside company executives, Sales and Engineering before internal turnover.
• Assess project complexity, technical exposure and commercial risks, establishing appropriate risk classifications.
• Oversee project allocation and resource planning to ensure the correct leadership and technical capabilities are assigned.
• Review contracts, specifications, architectural drawings, scopes of work, budgets and project documentation.
• Identify design deficiencies, engineering challenges, constructability issues and opportunities for innovation.
• Provide direction on complex technical matters involving façade design, waterproofing, anchorage, materials and building envelope performance.
• Ensure consistent technical accuracy, quality control and engineering standards across all projects.

Commercial & Operational Strategy

• Oversee project financial performance, engineering budgets, schedules, monthly billing and change order processes.
• Work with executive leadership and Sales to assess incoming project opportunities, pipeline forecasts and departmental capacity.
• Review project budgets, contracts, leveling sheets, inclusions, exclusions and commercial exposure.
• Identify potential contractual, design and delivery risks before projects enter execution.
• Oversee coordination between Project Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Factory and Field Operations.
• Establish processes that improve forecasting, resource planning, project controls and operational efficiency.
• Ensure effective oversight of project schedules, change orders, approvals and financial reporting.

Executive & Client Relationships

• Lead strategic discussions with major clients, General Contractors, Construction Managers, Owners, Architects and Consultants.
• Act as the senior escalation point for significant technical, commercial and project delivery issues.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across the construction and façade industry.
• Represent the business in high-level project discussions and strategic client engagements.
• Work directly with company executives to align project management operations with wider business objectives.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• 20+ years of relevant experience within the façade, architectural glazing or commercial window industry.
• Extensive experience in senior project management leadership, ideally at Director, VP or equivalent executive level.
• Proven track record of leading Project Management departments or multiple PM management teams.
• Expert-level knowledge of façade systems, architectural windows, curtain wall, window wall and storefront.
• Extensive technical understanding of façade engineering, waterproofing, anchorage, structural interfaces and building envelope performance.
• Experience overseeing large and complex project portfolios across multiple teams.
• Strong commercial understanding of project budgets, contracts, specifications, change orders and financial performance.
• Experience developing departmental strategies, budgets, operational procedures and performance standards.
• Proven ability to make independent strategic decisions and influence company-wide direction.
• Experience working closely with executive leadership, engineering, manufacturing and field operations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, problem-solving and stakeholder management capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred.
• PMP certification advantageous.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be an established façade industry executive with the technical credibility to lead complex projects and the strategic ability to influence the wider business.

We are particularly interested in individuals who have:

• Previously operated as a VP of Project Management, Director of Project Management, Executive PM or equivalent senior leader within a façade or architectural glazing contractor.
• Held responsibility for an entire PM department rather than individual projects or a small team.
• Managed and developed senior PMs, PM Directors or other departmental leaders.
• Established company-wide project management standards and operational procedures.
• Played a key role in business strategy, annual budgeting, resource planning and organisational development.
• Acted as the ultimate escalation point for major technical, commercial and client-related issues.
• The ability to independently shape departmental strategy and drive long-term business improvements.

This is not a traditional Project Management or Department Manager position. The successful individual will be the highest-level authority within the PM function, responsible for its long-term direction, technical standards, leadership structure and overall performance.