Project Director (Construction Management)

Vanir is a proud minority- and woman-owned company, recognized as a national leader in program, project and construction management (PMCM) and real estate development. Since 1964, we have consistently exceeded client expectations. Ranked as a top PMCM firm by Engineering News-Record (ENR) for more than three decades, our award-winning team provides a full range of services to public and private sector clients in the aviation; healthcare; education (K-12 and higher); justice and essential services; science and technology; state and local government; transportation; water and wastewater; energy; and commercial, residential and nonprofit markets.

The Project Director provides strategic leadership across project management and operations, guiding one or more project teams. This role is responsible for client engagement, business development, internal operations, financial oversight, and team development. As a senior leader, the Project Director plays a key role in identifying and securing new business opportunities and may serve as a proposal champion or capture manager.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

This position may oversee Project Managers, Construction Managers, and other staff, acting as the senior field representative with accountability for scope, schedule, budget, and client satisfaction.

Business Development & Client Relations

Serve as both Business Developer and Project Director, identifying opportunities and cultivating relationships with current and prospective clients.

• Lead proposal development, including writing, staffing, teaming strategies, and interview preparation.
  
• Represent the company and clients in public meetings, presentations, and forums.
  
• Act as the primary contact for contracts, staffing, and issue resolution.
  
• Maintain strong, proactive client relationships and ensure satisfaction.
  
• Keep Area Manager and SoCal leadership informed of client needs and relationship status.

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Oversee multiple projects across various sectors (Healthcare, Education, Justice).
• Prepare staffing plans, fee proposals, and negotiate contract terms.
  
• Monitor budgets and ensure alignment with client expectations and financial goals.
  
• Deliver high-quality services that meet or exceed performance and profitability targets.
  
• Lead construction efforts in accordance with client policies and procedures.
  
• Ensure timely completion of deliverables and accurate documentation.
  
• Provide financial reporting to clients and oversight committees.
  
• Collaborate with client senior management on all project matters.

Program & Construction Management

• Manage program controls including cost, schedule, performance, and risk.
  
• Generate and present reports to internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Resolve design and construction disputes and recommend corrective actions.
  
• Oversee logistics, safety, and manpower utilization.
  
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations by contractors, architects, and engineers.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide senior-level technical expertise and internal consulting.
• Support training and professional development initiatives.
  
• Supervise, mentor, and coach assigned staff; conduct evaluations and manage staffing transitions.
  
• Interview and onboard new project team members.
  Construction Oversight
  
• Manage construction from pre-design through occupancy, including:
  
• Delivery methods and procurement strategy
  • Contract administration and change management
    
  • Scope development, budgeting, estimating, and cost control
    
  • CPM scheduling and schedule management
    
  • Safety compliance, reporting, and field operations

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture.
• Experience
• 10+ years in senior project/program management for public sector/agency projects.
• 3+ years in a seller-doer role contributing to business development.
• 2+ years as a Project Director leading capital improvement projects for public sector clients.
• Proven success managing full construction lifecycle, including pre-construction, design reviews, construction, and close-out.

Technical Skills

• Expertise in estimating, cost control, scheduling, and documentation.
• Strong knowledge of engineering and construction principles and practices.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with scheduling tools such as MS Project or Primavera.

Preferred Qualification

• Experience with Design-Build and Progressive Design-Build delivery methods.
• Familiarity with BIM and LEED standards.
• Professional registration as a licensed Architect or Professional Engineer.
• CCM, DBIA, LEED Certifications

Offered rate of compensation will be based on a variety of non-discriminatory factors, including education, qualifications, experience, and geographic location. The Salary range for this position is $165,000 - $200,000.

Benefits

Vanir offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that includes 401(k) Savings with employer matching contributions, medical, dental, vision, health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions, life, AD&D and disability benefits, flexible spending account (FSA), voluntary benefits, Teladoc, pet insurance, paid time off, national employee assistance program (EAP) and employee referral program.

If you're interested in working for Vanir please visit our website to learn more and to apply online at www.vanir.com.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor

Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals

EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Contact Email: careers@vanir.com

Persons with medical limitations may, with reasonable accommodations, be capable of performing the duties of this position. Such a determination must be made on an individual basis considering the person's limitations, the requirements of the position, and the company's ability to make reasonable accommodations to the person's limitations.

We Participate in E-Verify

Pursuant to the Ban The Box Act/Fair Chance Initiative, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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