Project Executive

At NewGround, we believe the right environment can change how people work, connect, and succeed. As a leading design and delivery firm, we partner with financial institutions, healthcare providers, and corporations to turn vision into reality. Our work is powered by clear communication, true collaboration, bold innovation, service-driven thinking, and a commitment to excellence, all centered in our defining core values. In the role, Project Executive, you’ll be a key contributor to that mission, helping shape projects, teams, and experiences that truly make a difference.

The Project Executive is responsible for the overall performance and successful delivery of assigned projects from early project development through construction and closeout. Serving as a senior point of contact for clients and a leader of the project team, this position coordinates internal teams, consultants, contractors, and other project stakeholders while overseeing project financial performance, schedules, contracts, risk, quality, and deliverables. The Project Executive works closely with the Director of Build Operations and partners across NewGround to maintain alignment, resolve issues, develop team members, and ensure NewGround delivers on its commitments to clients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership and oversight for multiple assigned projects, maintaining accountability for scope, schedule, budget, profitability, quality, risk, and client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
• Establish, develop, and maintain strong client relationships, serving as a senior point of contact and trusted resource while ensuring client expectations, project requirements, and NewGround commitments remain aligned.
• Lead and coordinate project teams, establishing clear objectives, responsibilities, milestones, communication expectations, and accountability while creating a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Direct, mentor, and develop Construction Project Managers and other assigned project personnel, providing guidance, performance oversight, and support throughout project delivery.
• Partner with Business Development and other internal teams during project pursuits as needed, providing construction and project delivery expertise, supporting proposals and interviews, and helping evaluate project opportunities.
• Support the development, review, presentation, and negotiation of project proposals, Project Development Agreements, contracts, and related project documents within established authority.
• Develop and oversee project execution plans, schedules, milestones, staffing requirements, budgets, forecasts, and project controls to ensure work progresses in alignment with contractual commitments and financial expectations.
• Monitor project financial performance, including fees, costs, forecasts, commitments, change orders, and other financial indicators, taking appropriate action to address variances and protect project profitability.
• Proactively identify project risks, constraints, and potential impacts to scope, schedule, cost, quality, or client expectations and coordinate appropriate mitigation and resolution strategies.
• Oversee contractual administration for assigned projects, including subcontracts, purchase orders, change orders, contractual modifications, and other agreements affecting project scope, budget, or schedule.
• Provide oversight of project due diligence, permitting, entitlements, jurisdictional requirements, external consultants, and other development or regulatory activities required to advance assigned projects.
• Coordinate and direct external consultants, contractors, design professionals, and other project partners to ensure responsibilities, deliverables, schedules, and contractual requirements are understood and fulfilled.
• Oversee project deliverables and ensure documentation, communications, decisions, and reporting remain current, accurate, and aligned with project requirements and contractual obligations.
• Conduct and support project kickoff, progress, client, and coordination meetings to maintain alignment, resolve issues, advance decisions, and keep project stakeholders informed.
• Monitor construction activities and project performance to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, contracts, applicable codes, safety requirements, and NewGround quality expectations.
• Work with owners, contractors, trade partners, design professionals, consultants, and internal teams to resolve construction issues, project challenges, complaints, delays, and other matters affecting successful delivery.
• Support projects through completion, punch list, turnover, warranty, and closeout, ensuring contractual obligations and client expectations are fulfilled.
• Maintain effective communication with the Director of Build Operations regarding project performance, significant risks, client concerns, resource needs, financial issues, and other matters requiring leadership awareness or support.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen client relationships and expand the value NewGround provides, coordinating with Business Development and other internal leaders as appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

EXPECTATIONS

• Lead through a servant leadership approach that motivates, supports, develops, and holds project team members accountable while putting the success of the client, project, team, and NewGround first.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, accountability, and a solutions oriented approach when navigating complex project challenges and making project decisions.
• Build trusted, collaborative relationships with clients, employees, contractors, trade partners, consultants, and other project stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly, proactively, and professionally, ensuring project teams and stakeholders have the information needed to make timely decisions and successfully advance projects.
• Demonstrate strong business and financial acumen with an understanding of how project decisions affect scope, schedule, cost, profitability, risk, and client satisfaction.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable project environment that reinforces NewGround's core values and commitment to excellence.
• Navigate conflict, difficult conversations, and challenging project situations with confidence, professionalism, respect, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, organization, and the ability to effectively manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities.
• Maintain a strong commitment to safety, quality, client service, and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.
• Exhibit integrity, credibility, professionalism, and a commitment to NewGround's mission and core values.
• Travel 30% to 50%, or as needed, to support clients, projects, project teams, and business needs.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE PREREQUISITES

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in construction management, design and construction, project delivery, or an owner's representative environment.
• Significant experience leading complex commercial construction projects through the full project lifecycle.
• Demonstrated experience leading project teams and developing Construction Project Managers or other construction professionals.
• Strong knowledge of commercial construction means, methods, best practices, plans, specifications, contracts, and related building systems.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, forecasts, cost controls, schedules, staffing requirements, contract modifications, and change management.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, evaluate, and manage CPM and critical path project schedules.
• Strong understanding of project risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and resolution.
• Experience working with clients, owners, contractors, trade partners, architects, engineers, consultants, and other project stakeholders.
• Proficiency with construction management and reporting technology, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Procore, or similar project management platforms.
• Working knowledge of Revit, AutoCAD, and other design technology platforms preferred.

At NewGround, we believe in investing in our people. That commitment shows up in competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and company initiatives like our Sabbatical Program. We offer a collaborative, values-driven environment with a strong emphasis on volunteerism and community engagement, meaningful opportunities to shape the future of our industry, and supportive colleagues and leaders who are invested in your growth.

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Retirement savings plan
• Sabbatical program
• Hybrid work schedule
• Employee referral bonuses

NewGround International helps brands plan, design, and build innovative spaces that drive growth. With 100+ years of experience and an all-in-house team, we deliver Strategy, Design, Build, and Interiors from start to finish. Headquartered in St. Louis with offices in Chicago and Waterloo, Ontario.