Director, Project Management

Position Information

Title: Director, Project Management

Department: Project Management

Reports To: Vice President of Shared Services

Job Summary

The Director of Project Management oversees coordination of personnel and resources required to successfully complete projects. Develops and directs the strategic planning of multiple projects. The Director of Project Management typically reports to top management and requires a bachelor’s degree.

In addition, the Director of Project Management typically requires a project management certification. The Director of Project Management manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets, policies, and procedures to support the functional infrastructure.

This position requires deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. Working as a Director of Project Management typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

• Manage large, complex projects ensuring that customer service, quality, timelines, and financial targets are met.
• Support Business Development, bids and contracts, and other Project Management staff in winning new global business.
• Lead and motivate a cross-functional project team for all assigned projects.
• Build relationships with customers to help secure new and repeat business.
• Provide line management to other Project Management staff.

Scope of Responsibility

• Actively mentor Project Leaders and other Project Staff on assigned projects.
• Represent Project Management at business meetings.
• Participate in initiatives to improve the processes and efficiency of departmental procedures.
• Act as a mentor to less experienced Project Leaders and assist in their development and training.

Major Tasks

• Maintain contact with Account Executives and Customer Service to discuss project-related activities.
• Supervise Project Managers and be directly responsible for the following activities:
  • Determine project timelines, SOPs/procedures to be followed, required documentation, and reporting needs at the start of each project, and document these requirements in the Project Operations Manual.
  • Ensure adherence to agreed contractual deadlines and commitments.
  • Utilize resources allocated to Project Management appropriately and coordinate with managers of the appropriate operational departments regarding required resources.
  • Ensure all project team members have appropriate project-related training.
  • Communicate with the project team to ensure members are informed of progress, identified issues, and any changes to procedures or timelines.
  • Ensure quality and adherence to SOPs and guidelines.
  • Track project milestones.
  • Report project status at agreed-upon intervals.
  • Manage project budgets in accordance with the approved quote.

Core Competencies

• Customer Focus: Establishes and maintains relationships with customers at an appropriate level by developing an understanding of the customer’s business needs and expectations, clarifying those needs, and providing effective solutions.
• Evaluates activities in terms of the extent to which they meet customers’ needs and responds promptly to incidents of customer dissatisfaction.
• Demonstrates effective negotiation skills to balance both internal company and customer needs.
• Disciplined Work Approach: Approaches work methodically and systematically. Plans activities considering all resources — people, time, and money — necessary to achieve project objectives.
• Proactively identifies potential risks and puts contingency plans in place.
• Establishes priorities among multiple demands and handles interruptions effectively.
• Establishes and implements systems to manage projects and project teams efficiently.
• Compares progress against the project plan and revises the plan to incorporate necessary contingencies.
• Works independently with minimal direction from management.
• Proactively identifies issues and their potential impact and recommends appropriate solutions.

Minimum Requirements

• Four-year college degree; Engineering or Business degree preferred.
• Five or more years of experience in a project management, purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management role within a manufacturing environment.

Abilities Required

• Demonstrable negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and bills of material.
• Strong knowledge of metal and wood manufacturing processes.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, perform under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability and capacity to multitask and manage multiple assignments concurrently.
• Ability to plan and manage projects by working with functional teams to obtain sales forecasts, master schedules, and inventories to prepare monthly purchase requirements.
• Ability to maintain optimized inventory for each project in order to fulfill customer needs.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making abilities.