Director of Project Management

Progressive Machine & Design • Victor, NY

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Progressive Machine & Design (PMD) is seeking a Director of Project Management to lead its project management function and oversee the successful execution of complex custom automation projects from kickoff through delivery. The director will lead and develop Project Managers, Documentation professionals, and project support personnel while overseeing project performance, resource planning, scheduling, budgets, and customer communication.

Working with Engineering, Fabrication, Purchasing, Finance, Sales, and other operational teams, the director will balance customer commitments, project profitability, and organizational capacity. The role includes strengthening operational execution, establishing consistent and accountable practices, improving project management processes and reporting, and developing the team and capabilities needed to support PMD’s growth. This is a hands-on leadership role combining strategic thinking with project execution in a growing organization.

Requirements

• 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 in 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop 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.
• Provide leadership and oversight for multiple complex custom automation projects, ensuring delivery 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 resolution of project challenges involving scope, resources, schedules, commercial matters, and customer commitments.
• Promote proactive communication and strong customer relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead project resource and capacity planning for 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 timely visibility into project status, delivery schedules, capacity, and potential risks.
• Facilitate cross-functional planning and project performance discussions to support informed business decisions.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director