Sr Project Manager - Mission Critical

The Waldinger Corporation; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match and profit‑n

Wellness program

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Job summary

The Waldinger Corporation, based in Des Moines, IA, seeks a Mission Critical Project Executive to lead our largest construction projects from planning through commissioning. You will own outcomes, steer teams, and build client relationships that shape future work.

This role demands accountability and a track record of delivering high-stakes facilities successfully. Expect accountability for safety, quality, schedule, and cost, with extensive travel and a path to strategic leadership within a

Qualifications

• Ten plus years in project management with five to seven years in mission critical projects or senior leadership.
• Degree in construction or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Willingness to travel extensively.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning for projects with estimates, forecasts, and leading indicators.
• Oversee safety, quality, schedule, readiness, and client satisfaction for projects.
• Set expectations, monitor health of complex projects, remove barriers.
• Foster client relationships and grow future work pipeline.
• Oversee contracts and risk mitigation; support negotiations.
• Mentor future project leaders and partner on training and staffing.
• Drive strategic initiatives and build new capabilities across the company.

Skills

Project management

Mission Critical leadership

Construction industry knowledge

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, building construction, business, or related field

Job description

Mission Critical Project Executive - Construction

The Waldinger Corporation | Des Moines, IA Office

For more than a century, The Waldinger Corporation has built, and maintained the infrastructure systems that keep facilities running. Now we're looking for a Mission Critical Project Executive to lead our largest, most demanding projects, owning them from planning and construction through commissioning and final closeout. This role is built for a seasoned construction leader who wants real ownership. You'll set the direction, develop the project leaders around you, build lasting client relationships, and help shape the processes and capabilities that drive our growth. If you thrive on accountability and want your work to have lasting impact, this is your next move.

What You'll Own

• Financial Performance: Lead financial planning for your projects, using estimates, forecasts, and leading indicators to make informed decisions and correct course early.
• Project Operations: Hold the line on safety, quality, schedule, operational readiness, and client satisfaction, and give your teams the direction and resources they need to deliver.
• Project Oversight: Guide complex projects and the leaders running them by setting clear expectations, monitoring project health, and removing barriers before they affect outcomes.
• Client Relationships: Be the trusted connection between key client decision-makers and Waldinger leadership, and help build a strong pipeline of future work.
• Risk & Contracts: Oversee contract review and risk mitigation, and steer the negotiation and resolution of complex contractual matters.
• Team Development: Grow the next generation of project leaders through mentorship, accountability, and collaboration, and partner with leadership on training, staffing, and succession.
• Business Growth: Take an active, hands-on role in strategic initiatives, process improvement, and building new capabilities across the organization.

What You'll Bring

• 10+ years of project management experience, including 5-7 years of Mission Critical project management or senior leadership in construction or a related field
• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, building construction, business, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience
• Willingness to travel extensively

What You'll Get

• Paid holidays and paid vacation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k) with company match and profit-sharing
• Health club reimbursement and a wellness plan with lifestyle spending account
• Tuition reimbursement, continuing education, and clear advancement opportunities
• Term, AD&D, and dependent life insurance, plus prepaid legal services
• Real growth potential with a stable, century-strong company

The Waldinger Corporation is an EOE, including disability/vets.

The Waldinger Corporation participates in E-Verify.