Project Director

Merit Restorations; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)

Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

Short Term & Long Term Disability

Training & Development

Job summary

A leading restoration company is seeking a Project Director responsible for overseeing reconstruction projects while mentoring Project Managers. You will manage project financials, ensure quality control, and facilitate client communications. The ideal candidate should possess leadership skills and experience in insurance restoration or construction. This hybrid position offers a comprehensive benefits package including health care and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership instincts with the ability to mentor others.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage project financials and operational excellence.
• Support, mentor, and train project managers.
• Ensure client satisfaction and manage expectations.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Time-management

Mentoring

Education

3 years of insurance restoration experience

Experience in construction, restoration, or related trades

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Tools

Xactimate

Job description

PROJECT DIRECTOR ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

As a Project Director for Merit Restorations, you will be working directly for the Branch Manager. This hybrid position functions as a player–coach, responsible for writing and running your own reconstruction projects (typically up to $250,000, with exceptions approved by the Branch Manager) while also supporting, mentoring, and elevating Core Claims Project Managers. You will own project financials, drive operational excellence, and strengthen the performance and readiness of our project management team.

This position manages deadlines, progress, talent development, and quality across multiple projects simultaneously.

Project Ownership (Write + Run Your Own Work)

• Visit new assignments, document full scope, and ensure the scope is clearly understood by the customer.
• Create accurate estimates and budgets to ensure completion at targeted gross margins.
• Assume full responsibility for your project financials including pricing, costs, margins, and budget creation.
• Establish payment terms, including progress billings and deductible collection, in accordance with company standards.
• Manage and collect all outstanding A/R for your assigned projects—directly or through internal partnerships with the Accounting team.
• Establish a completion schedule that is achievable and clearly communicated to the customer.
• Acquire, direct, and manage subcontractors; prepare and negotiate subcontractor agreements within company guidelines.
• Provide detailed quality control through frequent jobsite visits and monitoring of subcontractor work.
• Manage project deadlines on multiple projects simultaneously, adjusting as needed to protect margin and customer experience.
• Prepare and execute all change orders and supplements.
• Manage jobsite safety in alignment with OSHA and Merit safety policies.
• Prepare and complete punch list items; secure certificate of satisfaction at project completion.
• Resolve conflicts, warranty concerns, and other complaints as needed.
• Uphold all company policies, procedures, and safety standards at all times.

Player–Coach Responsibilities (Mentoring + Elevating Core Claims PMs)

• Support CCPMs in achieving strong TPA program compliance and POM scores.
• Assist PMs with difficult customers, escalations, or complex job scenarios when appropriate.
• Partner with the Branch Manager to strengthen accountability, job readiness, and PM performance across the office.
• Help identify training, development, and skill-building opportunities for PMs.
• Provide ongoing guidance on documentation, budget creation, scheduling, and margin protection.
• Work alongside Branch Manager to setup joint job walks to coach on scoping, estimating, and customer communication
• Review CCPM job financial performance and provide coaching improvement insights

Operational & Quality Leadership

• Review and inspect work performed to ensure Merit standards are met.
• Minimize Merit’s exposure to risk by enforcing quality, documentation, and contract compliance.
• Track project budgets and expenses to protect and exceed margin targets.
• Interpret and relay building plans and specifications accurately.
• Manage inspection processes to ensure compliance with local/national codes and other building details.
• Participate in company-sponsored marketing functions and events when needed.
• Communicate throughout the project with the customer, the assigned PMs, Accounting, and internal stakeholders.

Client Management

• Manage day-to-day client interaction and communication.
• Set and manage realistic customer expectations.
• Communicate effectively with clients to identify needs and evaluate solutions.
• Resolve or elevate issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Communicate difficult or sensitive information tactfully.
• Build alliances and relationships with adjusters, carriers, and key partners to improve performance and referral flow.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Confident to speak candidly, assume roles and tasks, and report back clearly on outcomes and impact.
• Able to make professional decisions in a fast-paced environment and own the results.
• Strong leadership instincts with the ability to mentor and uplift developing PMs.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Capable in both a leadership and team-player role.
• Three years of insurance restoration experience preferred; commercial a plus.
• In-depth understanding of the company, our values, and our position in the industry.
• Experience in construction, restoration, or related trades preferred but not required.
• Knowledgeable in reading and interpreting building plans and specifications.
• Strong subcontractor bid solicitation and negotiation skills.
• Working knowledge of Xactimate preferred; proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) required.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and time-management skills with the ability to communicate professionally with all stakeholders.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development