Senior Director (Public Sector)

Turner & Townsend; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Director to oversee design and construction projects in Atlanta. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of project management, financial acumen, and the ability to foster strong client relationships. The successful candidate will drive business growth through strategic planning, ensuring high-quality service delivery, and managing large teams effectively. If you are a self-starter with a passion for the built environment and a proven track record in public sector projects, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a collaborative and dynamic setting.

Benefits

Flexible Working Environment

Health and Wellness Programs

Professional Development Opportunities

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in project management and construction.
• Strong financial acumen and P&L management experience.
• Ability to build strong client relationships and drive business growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational management and support strategic goals.
• Manage budget, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Develop and implement strategies to expand client base.

Skills

Project Management

Business Development

Client Relations

Analytic Skills

Financial Acumen

Leadership

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Construction Management, or Engineering

Master's Degree in Business or AEC Field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

MS Project

Project Management Software

Data Management Software (Excel)

Job description

Founded in 1952 and formerly known as Heery International Inc., Turner & Townsend Heery operates throughout the United States as part of Turner & Townsend. It specializes in project and program management for public sector organizations, with industry-leading experts in corporate, cultural, healthcare, justice, sports, K-12 education, higher education, aviation, and government facilities.

Recognized for service excellence by a broad spectrum of professional organizations and industry publications, the talented multidisciplinary team at Turner & Townsend Heery exceeds client expectations — adding value, best practice, and expertise at every turn. The team's unique client-centric culture is integrated into each project and reflects a passion for the built environment and staying true to the client’s vision.

From the inception of a project through to completion and beyond, Turner & Townsend Heery helps to deliver the outcomes that matter through transformational programs covering the full spectrum of consultancy, project delivery and post-project operations.

Job Description

Turner & Townsend Heery is seeking a Senior Director with knowledge of design, construction, and operations; understanding of owner representation and requirements; knowledge of scheduling, cost control and project control techniques; must have excellent written, verbal, and analytic skills; understands the dynamic and enjoys working in collaborative team project environments. The purpose of this position is to monitor design and construction projects for clients, with direct accountability for project delivery. This role will oversee and manage the operations of the Atlanta office, representing Turner & Townsend Heery and ensuring its successful performance.

The ideal candidate will possess strong financial acumen, with previous experience in P&L (Profit and Loss) management and a general understanding of fee schedules, profitability, and financial performance metrics.

The ideal candidate must demonstrate substantial experience in business development, client strategy, and client relations, showcasing a proven track record of successfully building and maintaining strong client relationships, developing strategic plans, and driving business growth.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience working for public or governmental entities delivering capital improvement programs and projects. Experience with K-12 school districts, higher education, or state, county and local municipality projects is preferred. This individual should be a self-starter, and able to take initiative and drive activities with limited oversight, while having extensive experience leading large teams.

We are seeking a candidate that has experience of leading work streams and has the desire to support the growth of our business with our fast-paced environment. This role will be expected to support executive leadership and take the lead role when delivering scope with some of our major clients.

Furthermore, the Senior Director must be experienced in the coordination of predesign, design, procurement, preconstruction, construction, and close-out activities of a Project and Program, and previously held executive point of contact positions between the Client, the Architect, the Contractor, and other Consultants. This position establishes positive client relationships and is responsible for ensuring all aspects of services are delivered at the highest level to ensure the Client’s needs are addressed. The Senior Director is responsible for total management of Turner & Townsend Heery programs, including the complete financial management of projects and the achievement of a profitable outcome. The successful applicant will have a proven track record dealing with new, ground-up construction, as well as additions and interior renovations.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day operational management duties, as part of the leadership team you will be required to support the achievement of our strategic goals.
• Be responsible for the financial performance of the team, including budget management, cost control, and financial reporting: Develop and manage budgets effectively; Understand financial reports and metrics to make sound business decisions; Monitor and control costs to maximize profitability.
• Identify and attract top talent. Effectively onboard new hires to ensure smooth integration. Evaluate and manage employee performance, provide constructive feedback, and support professional growth.
• Act as or support the commission leads on our programs including managing client relations and commercial contractual arrangements.
• Support the development of program processes and systems that enable efficient data collection, management, and benchmarking.
• Lead and motivate others to deliver excellent client service, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities with potential and existing clients.
• Develop and implement strategies to expand client base and enhance market presence.
• Understand, identify, and develop cross-divisional ideas into value opportunities that drive business growth.
• Lead and coordinate bid writing activities, ensuring compelling and competitive proposals.
• Establish and maintain strong client relationships, understanding their needs, and delivering tailored solutions.
• Extensive understanding of project and program management principles, methods, and techniques. Ensure all services are delivered at the highest level to address client needs.
• As per the role requirement, manage the project activities and resources to ensure projects and programs are proceeding according to scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards.
• Manage project and program issues and risks to mitigate impact to baseline.
• Develop and deliver progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation, and presentations to various audiences.
• Provide leadership for project team by communicating objectives and motivating team members to meet project goals, adhering to their responsibilities.
• Work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment demonstrating teamwork, innovation, and excellence.
• Position has frequent interaction with the Owner/Client, consultants, design professionals, and contractors.
• Complete any other job-related duties as assigned.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• A college degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field required, and master’s in business or AEC field preferred.
• 15+ years of applicable architectural / engineering / construction management experience, including tracking and planning of projects.
• Registered architect, CCM, PMP or other Design or Construction certification is a plus.
• Membership in relevant professional organizations.
• Leadership experience in the conception, development and implementation of large programs would be beneficial.
• Demonstrably excellent analytic and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in managing the creation and oversight of departmental and organizational budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Attention to detail in service delivery, communications, and collaboration with others.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with clients and cross-functional team members.
• Business development experience, in the context of identifying opportunities with existing and new clients, and a proven track record in business development.
• Commercial awareness including the ability to articulate business decisions within the wider context and market trends.
• Possess the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects/tasks simultaneously and identify priority activities.
• Analyze problems logically and develop effective solutions. Adapt to changing circumstances and find innovative solutions.
• Ability to advise at a strategic level during the project stages, including providing advice on the different approaches that can be adopted to successfully achieve the client’s overall objectives.
• Experience managing demanding stakeholders and work stream managers.
• Excellent skills with Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge in MS Project, contracts, project management software, and construction practices.
• Competent user of data management software (for example Excel) and systems for data cleansing, management, analytics, and quality assurance.
• Familiarity with construction best practices, general building codes, and various building types and systems.
• Knowledge of construction estimation and scheduling.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and plan documents, develop contracts, request for proposals, or other project related documents.

Additional Information

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client's needs

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/