Role: Project Director - Material Handling environment is highly preferred.
Location: MAtlanta, Grand Rapids, Dallas,Rochester or Milwaukee - Onsite must
Full Time
Job Description Summary: The Project Director (Expert Level PM) is the most senior individual contributor role within the project management function, entrusted with leading the delivery of the organization’s most complex, high-value, and strategically critical project, typically exceeding $70–100M in scope. This expert-level position demands exceptional project leadership, deep cross-functional insight, and the ability to navigate high-stakes environments with precision and influence.
The Project Director brings expertise in project management methodologies, stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and change leadership. A key focus of this role is building and sustaining strong, trust-based relationships with customers. This role will serve as a strategic partner who ensures alignment between project outcomes and client expectations.
Operating without direct supervisory responsibilities, the Project Director leverages influence, credibility, and deep domain knowledge to:
Guide project teams through ambiguity and complexity.
Align project execution with organizational strategy and business goals.
Ensure delivery excellence—on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Champion a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
This role is instrumental in shaping the organization’s reputation for project excellence and customer-centric delivery.
Strategic Project Leadership:
Provide expert project management guidance and support to executive leadership in the planning and execution of strategic initiatives.
Assist in defining project goals and objectives, ensuring they are aligned with organizational strategy and business priorities.
Conduct thorough project assessments and feasibility studies to identify potential risks and challenges.
Advise the optimal project management methodology and approach for specific initiatives.
Complex Project Execution & Governance:
Lead the planning and execution of the most complex, high-visibility, and cross-functional projects and programs.
Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope definition, work breakdown structures, resource allocation, budget management, and risk management strategies.
Oversee project governance, ensuring adherence to established policies, procedures, and standards.
Act as a mentor and advisor to project managers and project teams, providing guidance and support on project management for best practices.
Identify and proactively manage project risks, issues, and dependencies, escalating as necessary.
Develop and implement effective communication plans to keep stakeholders informed of project progress and status.
Key Responsibilities
Stakeholder Engagement & Influence:
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including customers, executive leadership, business owners, and project team members.
Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, providing expert guidance and support on project-related matters.
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between project teams and external customers.
Influence project decisions and outcomes through expert knowledge, data-driven analysis, and persuasive communication.
Project Portfolio Management & Optimization:
Contribute to the development and maintenance of the project portfolio roadmap, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
Identify opportunities to optimize the project portfolio, improving efficiency and maximizing ROI.
Participate in project prioritization and resource allocation decisions.
Analyze project performance data and identify areas for improvement across the portfolio.
Knowledge Sharing & Best Practices:
Identify, document, and disseminate project management best practices across the organization.
Develop and deliver training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of project management professionals.
Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and lead project teams and stakeholders.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership and board members.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve complex project issues.
Deep understanding of financial management principles and practices.
Ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions to project challenges.
Proven ability to mentor and coach project managers and team members.
Deep understanding of organizational governance and decision-making processes.
Ability to analyze complex situations, develop innovative solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Deep understanding of risk management principles and practices, with the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.
Deep understanding of project budgeting, forecasting, and financial management principles.
Demonstrated expertise in the principles and practices of change management.
Expert proficiency in using project management tools.
Experience Desired:
Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in project management, with a focus on leading highly complex, strategic projects and programs.
Proven track record of successfully managing complex, high-impact projects with significant organizational impact.
Demonstrated expertise in stakeholder management at all levels of the organization, including executive leadership.
Experience developing and implementing project management standards and methodologies.
Experience managing project budgets and financial performance.
Experience negotiating complex contracts and managing vendor relationships.
Experience managing project risks and issues.
Experience with project management methodologies.
Experience working in a matrixed environment with cross-functional teams.
Experience managing projects in a Material Handling environment is highly preferred.
Education & Certifications:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Project Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration).
Master's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field is highly desired.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly preferred.
Additional certifications in project management methodologies are a plus.
Direction and Key Working Relationships:
Works independently, providing expert guidance and support to project teams and stakeholders. Operates with a high degree of autonomy and accountability.
Internal: Executive Leadership, Senior Management, Project Managers, Project Teams, and Stakeholders across all departments.
External: Interacts with external vendors, consultants, and clients, independently managing those relationships within the scope of assigned projects. Represents the organization in external project-related meetings and communications.
Travel: Up to 40% travel may be required to support project execution.
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