Project Director

JE Dunn; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

JE Dunn Construction in Tempe, AZ seeks a Project Director to lead a major work program across all project phases, driving operational excellence, financial performance and stakeholder relations.

You will direct strategy, manage risk and contracts, oversee subcontractor relationships, and ensure safety and quality while guiding preconstruction and execution teams. This senior role requires 15+ years in construction, 5+ years of people leadership, and a proven ability to deliver complex projects.

Qualifications

• 15+ years construction management experience (Preferred).
• 5+ years people management experience (Required).
• Demonstrated success in leading multiple large or complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Provides direction and leadership for the assigned project across all phases.
• Leads safety culture, risk management, and contract development.
• Manages client relationships, subcontractor strategy and project performance.
• Oversees preconstruction, schedules, budgets and profitability.

Skills

Communication skills

Presentations

MS Office

CMiC

Lean philosophy

Budget management

Estimating

Project management

Team collaboration

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering or related field

Equivalent relevant experience

Tools

CMiC software

Construction technology

Project management software

Job description

Role Summary

The Project Director will provide overall direction and leadership for the assigned work program across all phases of the project lifecycle. This position is responsible for providing operational excellence, financial management, team leadership and relationship management with all stakeholders, driving the contracting and comprehensive risk management in order to meet or exceed all contractual and financial targets. All activities will be performed in support of the strategy, vision and values of JE Dunn.

Key Role Responsibilities – Core

PROJECT DIRECTOR FAMILY – CORE

• Provides direction and leadership for the assigned project or work program across all phases of the project lifecycle. Develops and executes full business and strategic planning for the work program in support of company strategy and KSIs.
• Safety Leadership: Leads all aspects of the company’s safety culture and creates awareness by demonstrating commitment to an injury‑free environment through individual actions and mentoring others. Investigates safety incidents and retrains staff as needed and implements corrective action.
• Corporate Leadership: Assists senior management with strategy development; develops and supports company‑wide initiatives, best practices and policies within the work program.
• Strategy Development and Implementation: Provides strategic direction to team members in light of broader work program strategic plans across all areas of the project lifecycle.
• Client Relationship Management: Serves as the primary client relationship executive at a leadership level, exhibiting a deep knowledge and understanding of the client. Builds and maintains long‑term relationships with existing target clients for the assigned work program to build new business opportunities and cultivate repeat wins. Provides project‑specific guidance to team members in light of broader client relationship strategy.
• Risk Management & Issue Resolution: Serves as escalation point for all project, financial, business development, contractual and client relationship risks for the work program relative to contractual obligations. Negotiates issue resolution including change orders, contingency expenditures and appropriate fee enhancements. Conducts project risk assessments and escalates various risks, such as quality or financial issues, to supervisor to provide visibility, mitigate risk and create appropriate solutions.
• Subcontractor Relationship & Strategy: Builds close relationships with the subcontractor community in order to develop long‑term partners who meet SMS criteria and align with company philosophy and best practice. Drives the selection process of qualified subcontractors to achieve targeted project results. Develops and executes overall subcontractor strategy for work program success.
• Preconstruction: Leads preconstruction discussions with clients at a leadership level. Leads internal team and collaborates with external partners to develop contractual obligations, such as complete estimates with contingencies, schedules, constructability, staffing plan and business plan.
• Project & Schedule Review: Oversees and is accountable for all components of project and schedule review throughout the lifecycle of the project to ensure contractual obligations are met and to hold team members accountable to all expectations.
• Resource Management: Ensures staffing levels are sufficient, relative to contractual commitments, schedules, staffing levels and constraints. Plans and adapts resource management as needed to ensure proper staffing levels and results.
• Community & Industry Engagement: Assumes an influential leadership role in community and industry relationship building through networking, representing the organization on boards and serving as the face of the organization to help promote the interests of the company.
• Leads, supports and promotes a culture of diversity and inclusion within JE Dunn. Understands JE Dunn’s policy of non‑discrimination and ensures positive, proactive implementation throughout the organization.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to perform work accurately and completely, and in a timely manner.
• Communication skills, verbal and written – Advanced.
• Ability to conduct effective presentations – Advanced.
• Proficiency in MS Office – Intermediate.
• Thorough knowledge of project processes and how each supports the successful completion of a project.
• Proficiency in project management and accounting software such as CMiC – Advanced.
• Proficiency in required construction technology – Advanced.
• Ability to apply Lean process and philosophy – Advanced.
• Ability to manage budgets, maximize profitability, and generate future work – Advanced.
• Ability to complete estimating and productivity analysis.
• Demonstrated track record of successful completion of projects from start to finish – Advanced.
• Thorough knowledge of MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), WBE (Women Owned Business Enterprise), and SBA (Small Business Administration) regulations.
• Thorough knowledge and application of corporate risk management policies.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate within a team, internally and externally.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering or related field.
• In lieu of the above requirements, equivalent relevant experience will be considered.

Experience

• 15+ years construction management experience (Preferred).
• 5+ years people management experience (Required).
• Demonstrated success in simultaneously leading multiple large or complex projects and/or multiple teams (Required).

Working Environment

• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds
• May require periods of overnight travel
• Must be willing to work non‑traditional hours to meet project needs
• Normal office environment, but may be exposed to extreme conditions (hot or cold)
• Frequent activity: Standing, Walking, Sitting, Viewing Computer Screen
• Occasional activity: Bending, Climbing, Reaching above Shoulder, Pushing, Pulling

Benefits Information

The benefits package aligned to this position is Professional Non‑Union.

JE Dunn Construction is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. JE Dunn Construction is a background screening, drug‑free workplace.

JE Dunn provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for a job, please submit your request to [e-mail]