Project Director

Vestal Corporation; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in St. Louis is seeking a Project Director to lead complex engineering projects from conception to start-up. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Architecture and over 10 years of experience in project management, with a strong focus on client relationship management and financial oversight. This role involves mentoring staff, ensuring compliance with Lean principles, and managing BIM-based projects, promoting continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in engineering design/project management.
• Experience managing BIM-based projects, with Revit proficiency preferred.
• Familiarity with Lean Design & Construction and/or SCRUM methodology.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex engineering projects from concept through design and start-up.
• Oversee project planning, execution, and delivery across teams.
• Champion Lean principles and engage in continuous improvement efforts.

Skills

Project management

Client relationship management

Financial management

Lean principles

BIM proficiency

Problem-solving

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Architecture

Tools

Microsoft 365

Power BI

Bluebeam

Deltek Ajera ERP

Job description

Job Summary: The Project Director is responsible for leading complex engineering projects from concept through design, installation, and start-up. This role provides technical oversight, project leadership, client relationship management, and staff supervision while ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with corporate standards and Lean practices.

JOB DUTIES

Client & Business Development

• Serve as the primary client interface and single point of accountability on select projects.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships; proactively engage with existing and potential clients to generate new business.
• Lead proposal development, project work plans, and scope definitions.
• Follow up with clients on outstanding payments and support financial accountability.

Project Leadership & Management

• Oversee project planning, execution, and delivery, including scope, budget, schedule, staffing, and risk management.
• Direct and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensuring alignment with corporate design standards.
• Supervise and mentor project managers, engineers, and junior staff.
• Lead quality control reviews and ensure compliance with all contractual requirements.
• Manage change orders, financial tracking, invoicing, and monthly reporting.
• Actively monitor project profitability and implement corrective measures when needed.

Technical Oversight

• Provide technical guidance across engineering disciplines and ensure integration of design and construction efforts.
• Review and approve project documentation, calculations, specifications, and drawings.
• Ensure effective use of BIM and digital collaboration platforms.
• Support the adoption of innovative technologies to improve project execution.

Lean Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean principles, including waste reduction, process flow optimization, and continuous improvement.
• Apply problem-solving tools such as A3, Fishbone diagrams, 5 Whys, PDCA, and 5S.
• Promote collaboration, daily huddles, Last Planner scheduling, and Target Value Design.
• Regularly engage in Gemba walks to observe workflows and identify improvement opportunities.
• Mentor staff in Lean thinking and support company-wide Lean initiatives.

Administrative & Organizational Support

• Conduct performance reviews, career development discussions, and staff coaching.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and quality management procedures.
• Contribute to corporate initiatives and cross-functional collaboration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with occasional site visits, which may involve exposure to dust, noise, chemicals, and varying weather conditions.
• Must follow all company safety procedures and wear PPE in designated areas.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to walk, stand, reach, and communicate effectively.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 10 lbs. regularly.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILL / ABILITY / EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Architecture (required).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in engineering design/project management.
• Strong knowledge of design codes, standards, and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Experience managing BIM-based projects (Revit proficiency strongly preferred).
• Familiarity with Lean Design & Construction and/or SCRUM methodology.
• Strong business acumen, financial management, and client-facing skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Project, Planner, Excel, Word, SharePoint), Power BI, Bluebeam, Revizto, Trimble WinEst, and Deltek Ajera ERP.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.