Traveling Project Director (Aviation)

Position Overview

The Project Director provides executive-level leadership for large, complex construction programs and projects from preconstruction through completion. This role is responsible for overall operational performance, financial oversight, strategic planning, risk management, team development, and stakeholder engagement. The Project Director works closely with internal teams, ownership groups, design professionals, and trade partners to ensure project objectives are achieved while maintaining strong safety, quality, and financial performance standards.

Decision-Making Authority: Operates with a high degree of independence, making critical project and business decisions while collaborating with senior leadership on key strategic matters.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Program Management

• Provide overall direction and leadership across all phases of project delivery.
• Develop and execute project and program strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead multiple large-scale or highly complex construction projects simultaneously.
• Establish performance expectations and hold project teams accountable for results.
• Support organizational initiatives, operational improvements, and best practices.

Safety & Quality Leadership

• Champion a culture centered on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Promote proactive safety planning and ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Lead incident investigations, implement corrective actions, and drive ongoing safety education.
• Ensure quality control processes are effectively implemented throughout project execution.

Financial & Operational Oversight

• Maintain accountability for project financial performance, budgets, profitability, and forecasting.
• Review project costs, schedules, productivity metrics, and overall program performance.
• Oversee contractual obligations and ensure projects remain aligned with financial and operational objectives.
• Evaluate and approve significant project changes, contingency allocations, and major expenditures.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary executive contact for project stakeholders.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with owners, consultants, industry partners, and key project participants.
• Support business development efforts by fostering repeat opportunities and strengthening industry relationships.
• Provide leadership during high-level meetings, presentations, and negotiations.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational, financial, contractual, and project-related risks.
• Lead resolution efforts for complex project challenges and escalated issues.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and implement strategies to minimize exposure.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements and organizational risk management practices.

Preconstruction & Planning

• Lead preconstruction efforts including budgeting, scheduling, constructability reviews, staffing plans, and project execution strategies.
• Collaborate with project teams and external partners to establish project objectives and delivery plans.
• Review estimates, risk assessments, procurement strategies, and resource allocation plans.

Workforce & Resource Leadership

• Oversee staffing strategies to ensure projects are properly resourced.
• Mentor and develop project leadership teams.
• Assist with succession planning and leadership development initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance work environment.

Industry Engagement

• Represent the organization within industry associations, professional organizations, and community initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strategic industry relationships that support future growth opportunities.
• Promote a positive organizational presence within the construction industry.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong leadership and organizational management abilities.
• Advanced verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of commercial construction project delivery processes.
• Experience with project management, scheduling, budgeting, and financial reporting systems.
• Strong understanding of contract administration and risk management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, teams, and priorities simultaneously.
• Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and profitability management.
• Experience with estimating, productivity analysis, and project performance metrics.
• Knowledge of supplier diversity programs, including MBE, WBE, and small business participation requirements.
• Strong ability to build relationships and collaborate across teams and organizations.
• Experience implementing Lean construction principles and continuous improvement initiatives preferred.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent industry experience may be considered in place of formal education.

Experience Requirements

• 15+ years of commercial construction management experience preferred.
• 5+ years of leadership and people management experience required.
• Proven success leading multiple large-scale or highly complex construction projects simultaneously.
• Experience managing aviation construction projects exceeding $75 million required.
• Demonstrated expertise in project delivery from preconstruction through closeout.

Work Environment

• Ability to work in both office and active construction site environments.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Flexibility to work outside traditional business hours based on project demands.
• Ability to perform site walks and navigate active construction environments.
• Capable of lifting up to 25 pounds when necessary.
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, and computer use.
• Occasional climbing, bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling.