Project Director

Manhattan Construction; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits

Professional development

Career growth

Job summary

Manhattan Construction Company in Atlanta is seeking a Project Director to lead client relationships and drive program success from pursuit through execution on projects exceeding $100M in revenue.

You will balance a doer-seller approach, oversee project teams, manage financial performance, risk, safety and quality, and work with regional leadership to grow key accounts across the firm's nationwide operations.

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 in an operations and sales leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Lead project pursuit, preconstruction planning, construction execution and ongoing client engagement.
• Manage relationships with clients, designers, consultants, and internal Manhattan team members.
• Establish performance metrics and outperform targets for all projects.
• Oversee project risk management, safety, quality, contracts, change orders, and claims.
• Lead strategy for sales and client-focused initiatives with business development.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Team management

Financial operations

MS Office

Client relationship management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors in construction management/engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Why Manhattan?

Manhattan Construction Company is a family of builders committed to developing teams who do the right thing for our projects, our clients, and each other. Every year, we celebrate team members who have been with the company for 10, 20, 30, and even 40-plus years. What is it about Manhattan that makes people stick around for decades?

We offer large company benefits and professional development opportunities with the care and concern of a family‑owned business. At Manhattan, you get:

• * Competitive pay and benefits.
• * A positive, friendly, and team‑oriented workplace with caring leadership.
• * Professional development and leadership programs.
• * To work on exciting projects for your community.
• * Security and stability working for a financially strong company.
• * More opportunities to grow your career through our multiple U.S. office locations and affiliated companies.

Check out the details in our Career Development Booklet on our website: www.manhattanconstructioncareers.com

POSITION SUMMARY:

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 & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Directors leverage their extensive construction
experience and strong interpersonal skills to effectively manage all phases of
the construction process, including project pursuit, preconstruction,
construction, and ongoing client engagement.

Major duties and responsibilities include:

PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT AND TEAM MANAGEMENT:

• 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.)

PROJECT PLANNING & EXECUTION:

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.

SALES & CLIENT FOCUS:

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

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 preconstruction, construction management, program management, general building, and design‑build services. Manhattan's award‑winning portfolio includes mission‑critical, sports, healthcare, government, education, laboratory, aviation, transportation, convention, casino, and hospitality facilities. Manhattan is a:

• * 20-time Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC)
• * ABC 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Top Performing Contractor
• * Ten‑time STEP Diamond Safety Award Winner
• * 2017, 2021, and 2022 National Safety Pinnacle Award winner
• * 2023 Great Company To Work For (Oklahoma Magazine)

Under the fifth generation of Rooney family ownership and headquartered in Oklahoma, Manhattan focuses on building trust and building excellence. We pride ourselves on our uncompromising commitment to ethical conduct, safety, and making fiscally sound business decisions to support our clients' long‑term goals, team members, and project partners. For the same reasons we have so many tenured team members, we also have been fortunate to work with many clients for decades, some for over half a century.