Description:
J. A. Watts, Inc. (JWI) is a woman-owned professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we're known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That's how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, which makes us stronger together.
This position will support our growing Specialty Projects practice by overseeing staff and engaging in all Specialty Project efforts. This Director level will manage staff utilization between projects ensuring that projects are completed on time and budget. This role is responsible for leading, managing, and communicating all aspects of the assigned project(s), including but not limited to design, planning, implementation, cost efficiency, and client satisfaction. The Project Director is also responsible for the ultimate success of the project team members. Current projects for this role are located in the Chicago area. This position will be a part time role with the expectation of 20hrs/week.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintain and build relationships of new and existing clients as the primary JWI contact
- Oversee and manage the project team through the entire project process
- Establish project objectives, goals, procedures and performance standards within boundaries of company policy and contract specifications
- Ensure effective and positive communication as the point of contact between the client and company
- Define the client's project scope, budget and schedule. Consult or negotiate as needed to finalize project specifications
- Review and approve technical documents, designs plans, specifications, proposals and cost estimates
- Responsible for ensuring project deliverables are on time, within budget, and at the required level of quality
- Manage approved budget and monitor actual expenses to ensure project remains within budget
- Analyze out of budget expenses and confirm they are offset in other areas of the project, unless justified
- Communicate project details, including plans, progress, issues, and concerns to senior leadership team on a regular basis
- Evaluate team adherence to the JWI Playbook and ensure consistent application of project management processes
- Effectively communicate the business value to prospective clients and partners through presentations, meetings and proposals
- Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships to support and cultivate business opportunities
- Attend and participate with various industry and professional groups and networking associations
- Communicate with senior leadership team about future partnerships and projects
- Coach, mentor, and develop team by providing oversight, training, direction, and performance feedback in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
- Contribute to a workplace culture that is consistent with the company's mission, vision, and core values in every internal and external interaction
- Perform other duties as required/directed
Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, other Engineering or Construction Management degrees, equivalent work experience considered
- 20-35 years of relevant design and/or construction project/program management experience
- Rail and/or Transit experience is a plus
- PMP certification is a plus
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective solutions addressing process efficiency, project costs, budget parameters and customer demands to achieve desired results
- Ability to balance multiple priorities, work under pressure and communicate effectively in a team environment and meet deadlines
- Evidence of a high level of ethical behavior in exercising judgment and discretion in matters of significance
- Capable of researching and presenting info/data to facilitate informed management or client risk assessment and decision making
- Capable of engaging in Business Development activities and show a willingness to grow the Department
- Capable of creating and managing teams for the execution of long- and short-term plans, including setting targets for milestones, managing production, and meeting or beating deadlines
- Capable of serving as a point of contact for JWI teams when multiple employees are assigned to the same project to ensure team actions remain in synergy
- Advanced organizational and management skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; a persuasive communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
Company Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employee and family
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available
- Company-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life options
- Matching 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off and holidays
- Student debt repayment resources available
- ID Theft protection
- Professional development and tuition assistance
- Company-sponsored social events
Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
PI238798972
