Engineering Project Director

Foth; Cincinnati (OH); Remote; USD 155,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Foth is seeking a Project Director to lead major capital projects for Food & Beverage and Paper Converting clients, based in Green Bay, WI, or any US location, with travel 25–35%. This role guides multi‑discipline teams, shapes execution strategies, and manages relationships with senior stakeholders across large programs.

The successful candidate will have 15+ years in capital projects, a track record of projects over $10M, and PM leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent technical experience.
• 15+ years of capital project experience, including leading multi‑discipline teams.
• Proven success managing complex projects exceeding $10M+ or similar scope.
• Demonstrated ability to lead client engagements and influence senior‑level stakeholders.
• Program management experience overseeing multiple related projects within a broader capital program, ensuring consistent delivery and alignment with client objectives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior client interface for major capital programs, leading scope definition, execution strategy, proposal support, and long‑term relationship management.
• Lead large, complex, multi‑discipline capital projects from concept through start‑up, ensuring performance in safety, quality, schedule, cost, and contractual compliance.
• Provide executive oversight for internal teams, subcontractors, and vendors; guide staffing strategies and mentor project managers and engineers.
• Oversee project controls including scope management, risk identification and mitigation, document control, scheduling, and cost management.
• Direct procurement and contracting strategies for major equipment, materials, and services, including T&M, Lump Sum, and GMP contracting methods.
• Partner with construction management to support installation, commissioning, and start‑up, coordinating with OEMs and contractors.
• Lead teams through change by building alignment, fostering trust, and driving positive transitions across project phases.
• Apply analytical, facilitation, and problem‑solving skills to evaluate challenges and make timely decisions.
• Champion project and site safety culture, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery by identifying execution efficiencies and best practices.
• Support business development by strengthening client relationships and contributing to strategic pursuits.
• Travel as required (approximately 25–35 percent).

Skills

Capital project management

Client engagement

Stakeholder influence

Team leadership

Mentoring project managers

Travel coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Foth is a 100% member-owned science and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Wisconsin, with over 85 years of success. Our 750 members across 33 locations are dedicated to solving our clients’ toughest science and engineering challenges. Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based, collaborative, and flexible work environment with professional growth opportunities. If you thrive working alongside a smart and caring team, Foth may be the place for you. Join our team and experience the Foth difference that contributes to our impressive 92+% member retention rate! Learn more at foth.com/careers.

Join Foth as a Project Director, based in Green Bay, WI, or any of our 33 locations, or working fully remote within the United States. This role leads complex, multi discipline capital projects while serving as a trusted advisor to major Food and Beverage and Paper and Converting clients. Success in the role requires deep experience managing large capital programs, comfort with travel at roughly 25 to 35 percent, and a strong background guiding multi discipline teams. You will shape execution strategies, influence senior level stakeholders, and help drive long term client partnerships. Upon successful integration, we anticipate the right candidate for this position to be advanced into leadership providing further opportunities to contribute and guide our organization forward. This may result in a different title and or compensation range.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as the senior client interface for major capital programs, leading scope definition, execution strategy, proposal support, and long‑term relationship management. Communicate project expectations and technical information clearly with clients and internal teams
• Lead large, complex, multi‑discipline capital projects from concept through start‑up, ensuring performance in safety, quality, schedule, cost, and contractual compliance
• Provide executive oversight for internal teams, subcontractors, and vendors. Guide staffing strategies, mentor project managers and project engineers, and support strong overall team performance
• Oversee project controls including scope management, risk identification and mitigation, document control, scheduling, cost management, and use of project management software
• Direct procurement and contracting strategies for major equipment, materials, and services, including application of T&M, Lump Sum, and GMP contracting methods
• Partner with construction management to support installation, technical check‑out, commissioning, and start‑up, including coordination with OEMs and contractors
• Lead teams through change by building alignment, fostering trust, and driving positive transitions across project phases
• Apply strong analytical, facilitation, and organizational problem‑solving skills to evaluate project challenges and make sound, timely decisions
• Champion project and site safety culture, ensuring compliance with all Foth and client safety standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery by identifying execution efficiencies, advancing best practices, and contributing thought leadership
• Support business development efforts by strengthening client relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and contributing to strategic pursuits
• Travel as required (approximately 25–35 percent)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent technical experience
• Industry experience in Consumer Products manufacturing
• 15+ years of capital project experience, including leading multi‑discipline teams
• Proven success managing complex projects exceeding $10M+ or similar scale/scope
• Demonstrated ability to lead client engagements and influence senior‑level stakeholders
• Program management experience overseeing multiple related projects within a broader capital program, ensuring consistent delivery and alignment with client objectives

Preferred Qualifications:

• 20+ years of experience in Food & Beverage or Paper Converting environments
• Experience guiding or mentoring project managers or project engineers
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience in an engineering consulting environment
• Demonstrated ability to support or lead business development activities
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English, with the ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written settings

$155,000 - $200,000 a year

The base compensation listed for this job posting reflects a general range for the posted position. Base compensation will vary based on factors such as: years of experience, location, level of responsibility and licenses/certifications. In addition to base compensation, Foth members may be eligible to receive bonuses through our Earned Performance Incentive program. All employees are eligible for On-the-Spot bonuses. Exempt members are also eligible for either quarterly and/or annual bonuses. Eligible full-time and part-time members will be offered medical, dental, vision insurance, employee assistance program, disability, retirement, holiday pay, paid time off, and several other voluntary benefits.

Note: In some situations, we may consider an alternative position based on your skill set and experience. This may result in a different compensation range.

All Foth Companies are equal opportunity employers, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. All locations are tobacco-free. Subject to applicable state law, all applicants who have received a written offer of employment and a copy of Foth’s Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Program Policy, will be required to undergo testing for commonly abused controlled substances. Applicants must complete the required drug testing within two business days of offer acceptance. Foth will pay for all drug testing, which will be conducted by a licensed independent medical laboratory that follows testing requirements in accordance with applicable state law.

Colorado Residents:

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Notice to Third Party Recruiters/Agencies:

Foth does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed recruiting agreement coordinated through Foth, Foth reserves the right to pursue and hire candidates without financial obligation to third party recruiters or agencies.