Project Director

KION•Grand Rapids, MI

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Project Director is the most senior individual contributor role within the project management function, entrusted with leading the delivery of the organization’s most complex, high-value, and strategically critical project, typically exceeding $70–100M in scope. This expert-level position demands exceptional project leadership, deep cross-functional insight, and the ability to navigate high-stakes environments with precision and influence. The Project Director will bring expertise in project management methodologies, stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and change leadership. A key focus of this role is building and sustaining strong, trust-based relationships with customers. This role will serve as a strategic partner who ensures alignment between project outcomes and client expectations. Operating without direct supervisory responsibilities, the Project Director leverages influence, credibility, and deep domain knowledge to: o Guide project teams through ambiguity and complexity. o Align project execution with organizational strategy and business goals. o Ensure delivery excellence—on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. o Champion a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. This role is instrumental in shaping the organization’s reputation for project excellence and customer-centric delivery. This is a US-based remote role requiring over 70% travel. We offer: Career Development Competitive Compensation and Benefits Pay Transparency Global Opportunities Learn More Here: https://www.dematic.com/en-us/about/careers/what-we-offer/ Dematic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Chart your path! Whether you are an engineer, customer service agent, supply chain expert, or salesperson, Dematic has a role for you. Tasks and Qualifications: The Project Director role at Dematic Corp. offers a chance to lead ambitious projects. This position is crucial for flawless execution and strategic direction.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience in project management.
5+ years of experience in a leadership role, managing a team of project professionals.
Proven track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
Strong team building and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team of project professionals.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to develop detailed project schedules inclusive of all in-scope engineering, manufacturing, installation, and integration schedule activities.
Experience with manpower planning, budgeting/forecasting, project planning, document control, materials management, and contract management.
Experience in using project management software and tools, such as MS Project, Smartsheet, and SAP.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Project Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration).

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the material handling industry is a plus.
Master's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field is preferred.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly preferred.
Additional certifications in project management methodologies are a plus.

Responsibilities

Offer expert project management mentorship and support to executive leadership in planning and completing central initiatives.
Aid in establishing project goals and objectives, guaranteeing alignment with organizational strategy and business priorities.
Perform detailed project assessments and feasibility studies to identify potential risks and challenges.
Advise on the efficient project management methodology and approach for specific initiatives.
Lead the planning and execution of the most complex, high-visibility, and cross-functional projects and programs.
Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope definition, work breakdown structures, prioritization, budget management, and risk management strategies.
Coordinate project governance, ensuring adherence to established policies, procedures, and standards.
Serve as a mentor and advisor to project managers and project teams, offering support and assistance on project management standards.
Identify and proactively handle project risks, issues, and dependencies, advancing as needed.
Develop and implement effective communication plans to keep collaborators informed of project progress and status.
Develop and maintain positive connections with essential collaborators across all levels of the organization, including customers, executive leadership, business owners, and project team members.
Serve as a reliable consultant to collaborators, offering expert mentorship and assistance on project-related issues.
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between project teams and external customers.
Influence project decisions and outcomes through expert knowledge, data-driven analysis, and persuasive communication.
Participate in the creation and upkeep of the project portfolio roadmap, guaranteeing it aligns with organizational objectives and priorities.
Find opportunities to enhance the project portfolio, improving efficiency and increasing value.
Participate in project prioritization and resource allocation decisions.
Analyze project performance data and identify areas for improvement across the portfolio.
Identify, document, and share project management guidelines throughout the organization.
Develop and deliver training programs to boost the skills and knowledge of project management professionals.