Director of Project Management

Description

 Location: Victor, NY | On-Site
Company: Progressive Machine & Design (PMD)
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Compensation: $140,000 - $170,000/yr

Build What’s Next. Lead What Matters.

PMD is growing, and we're looking for a leader who can grow with us.

At Progressive Machine & Design (PMD), we design and build innovative custom automation solutions for customers across a variety of industries. Our success is built on technical excellence, strong relationships, and a team that takes pride in delivering exceptional results.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for an experienced Director of Project Management who can lead our project management organization, strengthen operational execution, and help shape the future of how we deliver projects.

This is an opportunity for a hands-on, forward-thinking leader who enjoys developing people, solving complex challenges, and making a meaningful impact in a growing organization.

About the Role

The Director of Project Management is responsible for leading PMD's project management function and ensuring successful execution of complex custom automation projects from kickoff through delivery. This leader will oversee project performance, resource planning, scheduling, budgets, and customer communication while driving consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization. Working closely with Engineering, Fabrication, Purchasing, Finance, Sales, and other operational teams, the Director will play a critical role in balancing customer commitments, project profitability, and organizational capacity. We're looking for someone who can lead today's priorities while helping build the processes, capabilities, and team needed for tomorrow's growth.

What You'll Do

Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Project Managers, Documentation professionals, and project support personnel.
• Establish clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards while fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Evaluate workloads, align project assignments with team capabilities, and ensure appropriate resource coverage.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen project management skills, leadership capabilities, and team effectiveness.

Drive Successful Project Execution

• Provide leadership and oversight for the execution of multiple complex custom automation projects.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with customer expectations and PMD standards.
• Monitor project performance, identify risks early, and work with Project Managers and cross-functional leaders to implement recovery plans.
• Support the resolution of project challenges involving scope, resources, schedules, commercial matters, and customer commitments.
• Promote proactive communication and strong customer relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

Strengthen Operational Planning and Performance

• Lead project resource and capacity planning to support current commitments and anticipated business growth.
• Partner with department leaders to align project priorities, staffing, schedules, and operational capacity.
• Oversee project forecasting, financial performance, estimated costs to complete, and planned billing coordination.
• Provide leadership with accurate, timely visibility into project status, delivery schedules, capacity, and potential risks.
• Facilitate cross-functional planning and project performance discussions to support informed business decisions.

Build for the Future

• Champion continuous improvement in project management processes, systems, and reporting.
• Develop scalable practices that improve consistency, efficiency, and predictability as PMD grows.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify operational improvements and strengthen project delivery capabilities.
• Help shape the long-term development of PMD's project management organization.

Requirements

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business, Operations Management, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• Significant experience managing complex, technical projects, preferably within custom automation, machine building, engineered-to-order manufacturing, or a related industry.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing Project Managers or multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Strong understanding of project financial management, resource planning, scheduling, forecasting, and risk management.
• Ability to navigate complex technical and commercial challenges while maintaining positive customer relationships.
• Experience collaborating across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Sales.
• Proven ability to improve processes, strengthen accountability, and drive operational performance.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a dynamic, growing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with large-scale custom equipment or industrial automation projects.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management expertise.
• Experience implementing or improving project management systems, processes, and performance metrics.
• Experience supporting organizational growth, change management, or operational transformation.

Why PMD?

At PMD, you'll find the opportunity to make a real impact without getting lost in a large corporate environment.

We're a privately held company with a strong reputation, long-standing customer relationships, and a talented team committed to doing great work. As we continue to grow, we're investing in our people, leadership, and processes to support our future.

What makes PMD different?

• Meaningful Leadership Impact: Your ideas, decisions, and leadership will directly influence our success.
• Opportunity to Grow: Join an organization that's evolving, expanding, and creating opportunities for its people.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside talented engineers, manufacturing professionals, and business leaders who take pride in what they do.
• Challenging, Interesting Work: Support innovative custom automation projects where no two solutions are exactly alike.
• A Culture Built on Relationships: We value trust, technical excellence, teamwork, and providing a great personal experience for our employees and customers.

Ready to Lead What's Next?

If you're an experienced project management leader who thrives on developing teams, improving operations, and delivering results, we'd like to hear from you.

Join PMD and help shape the next chapter of our growth.