Project Director - Data Centers/Mission Critiical

Manhattan Construction Group; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Manhattan Construction Group is seeking a Project Director to serve as the primary contact for clients, overseeing projects worth over $100M. This role focuses on business success from project acquisition to execution, emphasizing team growth and high client satisfaction.

The successful candidate will have significant management experience in construction and client relations, ensuring adherence to company principles and delivering exceptional results on all projects.

Qualifications

• 18+ years of extensive experience in management or construction operations.
• Proven record of managing multiple client accounts.
• 10+ years in operations and sales leadership roles.
• Experience in the Data Center/Mission Critical project sector.

Responsibilities

• Drive business success from project acquisition to execution.
• Lead employee recruitment and retention efforts.
• Manage relationships with clients, designers, and consultants.
• Develop and monitor training programs for employees.
• Prepare quarterly forecasts for project awards and revenues.

Skills

Understanding of the construction industry

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Exceptional communication skills

Leadership skills

Time management skills

Strategic thinking

Education

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

Job description

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 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.

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.

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, considering employee growth and development while assembling high‑performing and efficient teams to meet 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.
• Serve as the Manhattan brand ambassador in the industry and community by actively participating on industry committees or boards and volunteering at key events.

Project Planning & Execution

• 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 project execution and quality control plans.
• Lead and set the tone for all preconstruction and planning activities, serving as the primary contact for the client from project kick‑off through completion.
• Review and assist the project team with negotiations and recommendations for all project contracts, change orders, and claims.
• 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 and with the Regional VP and Operations Manager.
• Attend OAC Meetings to monitor the project team’s performance in exceeding client expectations; support the project team and engage with the client and design team.
• Cooperate and support other Project Directors and Regional VPs – One Manhattan.
• Solicit feedback from project teams on current issues or problems; help solve problems and 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 the Project Director and all other project team members, ensuring full allocation to assigned projects, reimbursement by the client, and forecast in the project budget.
• Assist the Regional VP in managing office SG&A.

Sales & Client Focus

• Identify, win, and retain one or more accounts delivering $100M in revenue annually.
• Take primary responsibility for the overall sales process and establish and meet annual sales goals.
• Conduct marketing research; collect information regarding client operations and pursue opportunities.
• Identify and retain key Manhattan customers.
• Collaborate and coordinate with business development to identify new customers.
• Develop, engage, and manage relationship‑building activities with owners, influencers, and other pursuit stakeholders.
• Identify potential new projects and clients; work with the Regional VP to analyze opportunities and develop sales and execution strategy.
• Develop pursuit plans with the business development team, including preparation for proposals and presentations; maintain and update the pursuit plan as activities progress.
• Manage collection, development, and differentiation of RFP & RFQ responses.
• Lead strategy for interview agenda and presentation materials with the business development team.

Job Skills & Abilities

• 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 a related field.
• At least 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.
• Experience in the Data Center/Mission Critical project sector.

Working Conditions and Physical Efforts

• Adaptability to varying weather conditions and physical demands of construction sites (e.g., walking, climbing, bending).
• Ability to stand, bend, sit for extended periods, and squat throughout the day.
• Ability to repeat the same movements.
• Ability to communicate effectively in meetings, video conferences, and phone calls.
• Ability to compose, send, and reply to emails and written correspondence.
• Ability 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.