Project Director

Manhattan Construction Company; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Manhattan Construction Company is seeking a Project Director to drive client relationships and oversee an annual portfolio exceeding $100M from acquisition through execution, ensuring performance, safety, and quality.

You will lead preconstruction and construction activities, manage project teams across disciplines, and guide senior stakeholders while promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement on site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent in construction management, engineering, or related field.
• Experience in aviation, mission-critical, and/or higher education sectors is desirable.
• 18 years of extensive experience in management or construction operations.
• Proven track record of managing multiple client accounts.

Responsibilities

• Lead project planning and execution from preconstruction through completion.
• Build and maintain client relationships, identifying needs and opportunities.
• Manage relationships with designers, consultants, and internal teams.
• Establish and exceed performance metrics and budgets.
• Promote safety, quality culture, and compliance with guiding principles.
• Oversee reporting, risk management, and partner coordination.
• Lead pursuit efforts, proposals, and interview presentations.
• Provide guidance to project teams and mentor staff.

Skills

Construction industry knowledge

Communication skills

Leadership

Time management

Organizational skills

Strategic thinking

Discretion/confidentiality

Financial operations

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

The Project Director serves as the main point of contact for new and existing clients, driving business success from project acquisition through execution, managing an annual portfolio exceeding $100M in revenue. The role emphasizes upholding guiding principles, fostering team growth, delivering exceptional project results, ensuring client satisfaction, and leveraging performance to secure repeat business.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• People Development and Team Management
• Lead recruitment and retention of top talent.
• Develop and monitor training and education programs.
• Prepare succession plans for client and project positions.
• Coordinate assignment of team members with regional leaders.
• Conduct performance reviews per guidelines.
• Organize and develop high‑performing teams.
• Communicate initiatives and updates to employees.
• Stay visible on jobsite and provide support.
• Represent the company as a brand ambassador in industry and community.
• Project Planning & Execution
• Lead project team through preconstruction and construction activities.
• Build and maintain client relationships, identifying needs and opportunities.
• Manage relationships with designers, consultants, and internal teams.
• Establish and exceed performance metrics.
• Ensure operational excellence and compliance with guiding principles.
• Promote safety and quality culture.
• Oversee development of execution and quality control plans.
• Lead preconstruction activities from kick‑off through completion.
• Assist with contract negotiations, change orders, and claims.
• Implement and monitor risk management plans.
• Oversee monthly project status reports and financial reporting.
• Attend OAC meetings and support team performance.
• Support collaboration with other Project Directors and regional VPs.
• Provide guidance to project teams and solve problems.
• Develop small‑business and minority subcontracting plans.
• Prepare quarterly forecasts for awards, revenues, and profit.
• Achieve sales and profitability goals.
• Manage billable time allocation and forecast budgeting.
• Assist in office SG&A management.
• Sales & Client Focus
• Identify, win, and retain accounts delivering $100M in annual revenue.
• Lead the overall sales process and meet annual goals.
• Conduct market research and identify opportunities.
• Retain key customers and collaborate with business development.
• Engage owners, influencers, and pursuit stakeholders.
• Develop pursuit plans and prepare proposals.
• Maintain and update pursuit plans.
• Collect and deliver RFP/RFQ responses.
• Lead interview agenda and presentation materials.

Job Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of construction industry.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant software.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• In‑depth knowledge of financial operations.
• Excellent leadership, time‑management, and organizational skills.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion.
• Effective delegation.
• 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 operations and sales leadership experience.
• Experience in aviation, mission‑critical, and/or higher education sectors.

Working Conditions & Physical Efforts

• Adaptable to varying weather and physical demands of construction sites.
• Ability to stand, bend, sit, squat, and repeat movements throughout the day.
• Effective communication for meetings, video conferences, and phone calls.
• Ability to compose and respond to written correspondence.
• Capacity to lift or move up to fifty pounds.
• Travel may be required – primarily metropolitan area; domestic occasional.
• Exposure to construction site hazards.