Project Director (Lynchburg, VA)

Merit Restorations•Lynchburg, VA

4h•Hybrid

About The Position

Merit Restorations specializes in mitigating and rebuilding residential and commercial properties damaged by fire, water, storms, and other disasters, partnering with leading insurance carriers. The company handles everything from emergency cleanup to complete rebuilds, focusing on safety, integrity, and advocacy. Merit's purpose is to change lives through teamwork, delivering the best service and extraordinary experiences. The company operates with values such as servant leadership, innovation, gratitude, growth, impact, honor, and grit, emphasizing radical clarity and transparency. The Project Director role is a hybrid position, functioning as a player-coach. This individual will work directly for the Branch Manager, responsible for writing and running their own reconstruction projects (typically up to $250,000) while also supporting, mentoring, and elevating Core Claims Project Managers. The role involves owning project financials, driving operational excellence, and strengthening the performance and readiness of the project management team, managing deadlines, progress, talent development, and quality across multiple projects simultaneously.

Requirements

Confident to speak candidly, assume roles and tasks, and report back clearly on outcomes and impact.
Able to make professional decisions in a fast-paced environment and own the results.
Strong leadership instincts with the ability to mentor and uplift developing PMs.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Capable in both a leadership and team-player role.
In-depth understanding of the company, our values, and our position in the industry.
Knowledgeable in reading and interpreting building plans and specifications.
Strong subcontractor bid solicitation and negotiation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) required.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and time-management skills with the ability to communicate professionally with all stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Three years of insurance restoration experience preferred; commercial a plus.
Experience in construction, restoration, or related trades preferred but not required.
Working knowledge of Xactimate preferred

Responsibilities

Visit new assignments, document full scope, and ensure the scope is clearly understood by the customer.
Create accurate estimates and budgets to ensure completion at targeted gross margins.
Assume full responsibility for your project financials including pricing, costs, margins, and budget creation.
Establish payment terms, including progress billings and deductible collection, in accordance with company standards.
Manage and collect all outstanding A/R for your assigned projects—directly or through internal partnerships with the Accounting team.
Establish a completion schedule that is achievable and clearly communicated to the customer.
Acquire, direct, and manage subcontractors; prepare and negotiate subcontractor agreements within company guidelines.
Provide detailed quality control through frequent jobsite visits and monitoring of subcontractor work.
Manage project deadlines on multiple projects simultaneously, adjusting as needed to protect margin and customer experience.
Prepare and execute all change orders and supplements.
Manage jobsite safety in alignment with OSHA and Merit safety policies.
Prepare and complete punch list items; secure certificate of satisfaction at project completion.
Resolve conflicts, warranty concerns, and other complaints as needed.
Uphold all company policies, procedures, and safety standards at all times.
Support CCPMs in achieving strong TPA program compliance and POM scores.
Assist PMs with difficult customers, escalations, or complex job scenarios when appropriate.
Partner with the Branch Manager to strengthen accountability, job readiness, and PM performance across the office.
Help identify training, development, and skill-building opportunities for PMs.
Provide ongoing guidance on documentation, budget creation, scheduling, and margin protection.
Work alongside Branch Manager to setup joint job walks to coach on scoping, estimating, and customer communication.
Review CCPM job financial performance and provide coaching improvement insights.
Review and inspect work performed to ensure Merit standards are met.
Minimize Merit’s exposure to risk by enforcing quality, documentation, and contract compliance.
Track project budgets and expenses to protect and exceed margin targets.
Interpret and relay building plans and specifications accurately.
Manage inspection processes to ensure compliance with local/national codes and other building details.
Participate in company-sponsored marketing functions and events when needed.
Communicate throughout the project with the customer, the assigned PMs, Accounting, and internal stakeholders.
Manage day-to-day client interaction and communication.
Set and manage realistic customer expectations.
Communicate effectively with clients to identify needs and evaluate solutions.
Resolve or escalate issues in a timely and professional manner.
Communicate difficult or sensitive information tactfully.
Build alliances and relationships with adjusters, carriers, and key partners to improve performance and referral flow.