Project Executive - Industrial & Manufacturing

Appleton Finn; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Appleton Finn is seeking an experienced Project Executive to lead large and complex industrial and manufacturing projects from pursuit and preconstruction through final closeout. The role requires strategic leadership, deep client development, and a strong focus on profitability and risk management.

The ideal candidate will manage multiple projects, mentor Project Managers and Engineers, and drive business growth across industrial, manufacturing, distribution, and mission-critical facilities.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive construction experience
• Experience leading large and complex projects in industrial/manufacturing sectors
• Ability to operate at Project Executive/senior leadership level
• Strong project financial management and forecasting experience
• Proven track record in budgets, profitability and risk management
• Experience leading projects from preconstruction through closeout
• Proficiency in contract negotiation and risk mitigation
• Experience developing and mentoring project teams

Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight across large and/or multiple projects
• Lead projects from pursuit through final closeout
• Develop preconstruction strategies focused on constructability and profitability
• Act as primary executive liaison with owners and clients
• Oversee project planning, procurement and execution
• Develop and monitor project financial plans, budgets and cash flow
• Review financial performance and take corrective action as needed
• Oversee owner and trade partner contracts and change orders
• Identify and mitigate project risks including schedule and procurement

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Forecasting

Preconstruction

Budget management

Negotiation

Risk management

Team development

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Procore

Microsoft Project

Job description

Project Executive – Industrial & Manufacturing

Our client is a highly respected and growing General Contractor with a strong presence across the Midwest and Texas, delivering complex industrial, manufacturing, distribution and mission‑critical projects across multiple markets.

With a substantial pipeline of upcoming work, they are looking to add an experienced Project Executive to provide senior‑level leadership across large and complex projects, while developing client relationships, leading preconstruction and driving continued business growth.

The business is seeking an experienced construction leader who can operate at an executive level with limited operational oversight, taking overall accountability for project success, profitability, client relationships, team development and winning future work.

The Opportunity

The Project Executive will act as the overall project and client executive, leading large and/or multiple projects while providing strategic direction to project teams from pursuit and preconstruction through final closeout.

The role will have significant involvement in preconstruction, financial management, risk mitigation, client development and business development, while mentoring Project Managers, Superintendents and other project team members.

Projects include:

• Industrial & Manufacturing – Manufacturing facilities, advanced manufacturing, industrial facilities and complex production environments
• Distribution & Logistics – Large‑scale warehouses, distribution centers and logistics facilities
• Mission Critical – Data centers and other technically complex facilities

• Provide executive oversight and leadership across large and/or multiple projects
• Take overall accountability for project success, profitability, safety and client satisfaction
• Lead projects from pursuit and preconstruction through final closeout
• Develop preconstruction strategies focused on constructability, risk reduction and profitability
• Act as the primary executive liaison with owners and clients throughout the project lifecycle
• Lead project teams through project setup, planning, procurement and execution
• Develop and oversee project financial plans, budgets, forecasts and cash flow
• Review project financial performance and implement corrective measures where required
• Lead contract development, negotiation and risk mitigation strategies
• Oversee owner and trade partner contracts, change orders and pay applications
• Identify and mitigate project risks, including schedule, procurement, contractual and trade partner risks
• Provide executive oversight of project schedules, critical milestones and recovery strategies
• Establish project logistics, self‑perform and equipment strategies to maximize project performance
• Ensure projects meet company standards for safety, QA/QC and risk management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, architects, engineers and trade partners
• Mentor and develop Project Managers, Project Engineers and other project team members
• Participate in proposals, interviews, RFPs and RFQs to help secure new work
• Develop existing client relationships and identify opportunities for repeat business
• Represent the company within relevant industry and professional associations
• Drive successful project closeout, warranty and final financial completion

Industrial & Manufacturing Experience

Candidates should ideally have experience delivering large, complex industrial or manufacturing projects, with exposure to sectors such as:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Industrial Facilities

Experience with design‑build, early contractor involvement, complex logistics, long‑lead procurement and technically demanding environments is highly desirable.

What We're Looking For

• 15+ years of progressive construction experience preferred
• Proven experience leading large and complex projects, ideally across industrial, manufacturing or related sectors
• Demonstrated ability to operate at a Project Executive / senior leadership level
• Strong project financial management and forecasting experience
• Proven track record of successfully managing project budgets and profitability
• Strong contract negotiation and risk management capabilities
• Experience leading projects from preconstruction through closeout
• Ability to successfully oversee multiple projects and project teams
• Strong client relationship and executive communication skills
• Demonstrated involvement in business development, pursuits and winning work
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred
• Proficiency with Procore, Microsoft Project or similar project management platforms
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation and problem‑solving skills

Leadership & Business Development

This is more than a traditional project management position. The successful candidate will act as the overall account and client executive, providing strategic leadership while helping grow the company's industrial and manufacturing business.

The ability to develop existing client relationships, identify new opportunities, participate in pursuits and interviews, and generate repeat business will be a key component of the position.

Candidates should be comfortable operating with senior owners, executives, design partners and trade partners while simultaneously developing and mentoring high‑performing project teams.