Mission Critical Project Executive - Mechanical Construction

The Waldinger Corporation; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Growth potential

Paid vacation

401k with company match

Job summary

The Waldinger Corporation seeks an experienced Mission Critical Project Executive to lead large-scale midwest construction projects from planning through commissioning and closeout. You will drive safety, quality, schedule, cost, and client satisfaction while shaping project leadership and operational practices.

Reporting through the Des Moines, IA branch, you will own outcomes, build high-performing teams, manage risk, and grow client relationships to support sustained business growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of project management experience with senior leadership exposure.
• 5-7 years of mission-critical project leadership in construction or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, building construction, business, or related field preferred or equivalent experience.
• Availability to relocate to project site after a brief training period.
• Midwest-based large-scale mission-critical projects.

Responsibilities

• Financial Planning: Leads financial planning and accountability for project performance.
• Operations Management: Maintains executive accountability for safety, quality, schedule, finances, and client satisfaction.
• Project Oversight: Provides executive oversight and clears barriers to delivery.
• Client Relationship Ownership: Builds and maintains relationships with key client decision-makers.
• Risk Management: Identifies and mitigates contract risks and issues.
• Team Development: Develops project leaders and staff through mentorship and training.
• Business Growth: Supports strategic initiatives and growth opportunities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive communication

Risk management

Client relationship management

Financial acumen

Project governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field

Tools

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Excel (advanced)

Job description

Description

The Waldinger Corporation is seeking an experienced Mission Critical Project Executive to provide executive leadership for large-scale, mission-critical construction projects in the Midwest. This position will report up through our Des Moines, IA branch operations.

This is an opportunity for a proven construction leader to take ownership of complex projects from planning and construction through commissioning and final closeout , while leading project teams toward exceptional safety, quality, financial, schedule, operational, and client satisfaction outcomes. The Project Executive will work at the intersection of project leadership, client relationships, financial performance, risk management, and team development—helping remove barriers, develop project leaders, strengthen operational practices, and position the organization for continued growth.

For an experienced mission-critical construction or senior project management leader , this role offers the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on major projects, develop high-performing teams, build lasting client relationships, and help shape the processes and capabilities that support long-term business and operational success.

Job Summary

Provides executive leadership for large-scale mission-critical construction projects from planning construction, commissioning, and final closeout. Ensures project teams achieve safety, quality, financial, schedule, operational, and client satisfaction objectives. Aligns client and organizational priorities, removes barriers, develops project leaders, and promotes consistent practices that deliver successful projects, lasting client relationships, and long-term business growth. Owns project outcomes and drives accountability across all aspects of assigned work. In addition to providing leadership and strategic direction, actively contributes to the development of processes, teams, and capabilities necessary to support business growth and operational success.

Responsibilities

• Financial Planning: Leads financial planning and establishes accountability for the financial performance of assigned projects. Evaluates estimates, forecasts, leading indicators, and project results with project teams to support informed decisions and timely corrective action. Owns project performance and ensures financial risks, opportunities, and performance gaps are identified, communicated, and addressed in a timely manner.
• Operations Management: Maintains executive accountability for project safety, quality, financial performance, schedule execution, operational readiness, and client satisfaction. Ensures established practices are applied consistently and improved when needed. Provides project teams with the direction, resources, organizational support, and additional coordination needed to achieve project objectives.
• Project Oversight: Provides executive oversight for complex projects and the project leaders responsible for their delivery. Establishes clear expectations, monitors project health, removes barriers, and directs the resolution of issues that may affect project outcomes. Ensures project activities remain aligned with organizational and client objectives. Establishes accountability for both the activities that drive project performance and the outcomes they produce.
• Client Relationship Ownership: Develops and maintains relationships with key client decision-makers and serves as a connection between client and organizational leadership. Coaches project leaders in building strong relationships with current and prospective clients. Partners with leadership to identify opportunities, relationships, and pursuits that support a strong pipeline of work.
• Risk Management: Oversees contract review, risk identification, and risk mitigation activities for assigned projects and teams. Provides clear direction regarding contract requirements and supports the negotiation and resolution of complex contractual matters. Ensures risks are clearly communicated and appropriate actions are taken in a timely fashion to protect organizational and client commitments.
• Team Development: Develops project leaders by sharing knowledge, experience, and proven practices. Establishes accountability, promotes collaboration, and supports an effective environment for office and field team members. Identifies development needs and partners with leadership to address training, performance, staffing, and succession priorities. Promotes continuous improvement and professional development to support project and organizational objectives.
• Business Growth and Organizational Development: Supports the growth and development of the business through active participation in strategic initiatives, process improvement, organizational development, and client growth opportunities. Contributes as both a leader and hands-on participant when needed to help establish new capabilities, strengthen operations, and drive business results.

Requirements

• 10+ years of project management experience, including 5-7 years of prior Mission-Critical based project management or Sr. leadership experience in construction or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, building construction, business, or related field preferred or equivalent experience.
• Availability to relocate to project after a brief training period
• Project will be a large-scale, mission-critical and located in the Midwest
• Travel will be required

We Offer

• Paid holidays
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Growth potential with a stable company
• Paid vacation
• Health club reimbursement
• Wellness plan with lifestyle spending account
• 401k with company match and profit-sharing
• Continuing education and advancement opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Term, AD&D and Dependent Life insurances
• Prepaid Legal

The Waldinger Corporation is an EOE, including disability/vets.

The Waldinger Corporation participates in E-Verify.