Director of Project Management

Description

The Director of Project Management is responsible for leading, developing, and overseeing the Project Management team to ensure consistent, high-quality execution of all client projects. This role requires deep, hands-on knowledge of construction methods, materials, fabrication, and installation processes to guide decision-making across complex builds. This role establishes standards, processes, and best practices across project delivery while serving as a senior escalation point for complex projects, client issues, budgets, timelines, and construction-related challenges.

Acting as the strategic and operational leader of the PM function, this role partners closely with Account Management, Production, Design, Detailing, Warehouse, and Executive Leadership to optimize workflows, improve efficiency, and drive profitability while maintaining exceptional client satisfaction.

In addition to leading the Project Management department, this position will actively manage a portfolio of client projects. The Head of Project Management is expected to maintain approximately a 40-60% project workload, serving as the lead Project Manager on select strategic, high-profile, or complex projects. This hands-on involvement ensures continued connection to day-to-day project execution, supports team development through example, and provides direct insight into client, operational, and construction challenges.

Requirements

Project Management Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Project Management team while simultaneously maintaining an active project portfolio. Balance departmental leadership responsibilities with hands-on project execution to ensure strong alignment between management strategy and day-to-day project delivery.
• Train and coach Project Managers on construction fundamentals, build feasibility, sequencing, and risk identification.
• Establish and enforce project management standards, workflows, and best practices across all projects.
• Ensure consistency in project execution, documentation, communication, and reporting.

Strategic Oversight & Escalation

• Oversee the full lifecycle of all projects, providing guidance and support on complex, high-risk, or high-value projects.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for project challenges related to scope, budget, timeline, quality, constructability, or client concerns.
• Review and advise construction plans, methods, and installation strategies to ensure feasibility, safety, and efficiency.
• Partner with leadership to forecast resource needs and proactively address capacity or build-related constraints.

Project Execution & Client Management

• Manage a portfolio of assigned projects while maintaining approximately a 50% project workload. 
• Serve as the lead Project Manager on strategic, high-profile, or complex projects from kickoff through closeout. 
• Maintain direct ownership of project budgets, schedules, client communications, change orders, and execution plans. 
• Model best practices in project management, communication, documentation, and financial management for the broader PM team. 
• Leverage active project involvement to identify process improvements, training opportunities, and operational efficiencies. 
• Support business development and client retention efforts by providing exceptional project leadership and execution.

Financial & Timeline Accountability

• Ensure all projects meet or exceed budget and margin expectations.
• Review project budgets, estimates, change orders, and cost tracking with a strong understanding of labor, materials, fabrication, freight, and installation costs.
• Monitor project timelines and intervene as needed to maintain on-time delivery, accounting for construction sequencing and production dependencies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a key liaison between Project Management and internal departments including Client Services, Design, Engineering/CAD, Production, Warehouse, and Installation.
• Lead cross-functional planning meetings to ensure alignment, clear accountability, and constructible design solutions.
• Collaborate with Account Managers and Executives to support client strategy, execution, and realistic build expectations.

Process Improvement & Quality Assurance

• Continuously evaluate and improve project workflows, tools, and systems with a focus on build efficiency, safety, and repeatable construction practices.
• Ensure quality assurance standards are consistently met across all deliverables, from fabrication through installation.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities for construction-driven operational improvements.

Client & On-Site Support

• Support Project Managers in high-level client communication as needed, particularly regarding build approach, materials, and installation logistics.
• Participate in on-site supervision for complex installations or critical events when required.
• Ensure post-show inspections and client reporting are completed accurately and on time.

Reporting & Performance Metrics

• Develop and maintain KPIs related to project performance, margins, timelines, construction efficiency, and team effectiveness.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to executive leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of project management experience, with significant experience in the tradeshow, exhibit, construction, or experiential marketing industry.
• Extensive hands-on construction background, including knowledge of fabrication methods, materials, structural considerations, and installation practices.3+ years of people management experience leading project management teams.
• Deep understanding of tradeshow production, construction methods, logistics, and on-site execution.
• Successfully balances departmental leadership responsibilities with an active project portfolio. 
• Serves as a role model for project management excellence through direct project execution. 
• Maintains strong relationships with clients while delivering profitable and successful projects. 
• Uses firsthand project experience to continuously improve PM processes, training, and operational effectiveness.
• Strong financial acumen with proven experience managing budgets, margins, and forecasts.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage priorities across multiple teams and projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and project management software required.
• Ability to travel up to 10% as needed.

In-Office Position

Salary: Starting at $100,000 - Based on Experience