Project Executive

Wharton Smith • Jacksonville, FL

2d

About The Position

Wharton-Smith, Inc., a general contractor serving the Southeast, is seeking a Project Executive willing to work in Jacksonville, Florida. The Project Executive is a senior operational leader responsible for oversight across multiple projects and business initiatives, strategic growth, organizational performance, and executive direction of operational teams. The role drives business development, client relationships, financial performance, risk mitigation, and consistent project delivery.

The position calls for a Doer-Seller mentality and contributes to long-term company growth, operational strategy, leadership development, and market expansion. The Project Executive acts as a key liaison among company leadership, clients, consultants, regulatory agencies, and project teams. The role is full-time and exempt, generally during standard business hours, with flexibility for extended hours, evenings, and weekends as project schedules and operational needs require. Regular travel to project sites and regional offices is expected.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in construction operations and project management.
• Proven track record managing operational leaders, financial performance, strategic growth initiatives, and client development.
• Advanced knowledge of construction operations, project delivery methods, project finance, risk management, and organizational leadership.
• Extensive experience with Design-Bid-Build, Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Design-Build, and Progressive Design-Build delivery methods.
• Strong understanding of construction processes, means and methods, and regulatory requirements applicable to project locations.
• Ability to interpret and analyze owner contracts, civil, mechanical, electrical, and structural drawings, technical specifications, and other construction contract documents.
• Extensive knowledge of project financial management, procurement strategies, contract administration, and operational risk mitigation.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee operational performance, and drive successful project outcomes.
• Strong strategic planning, organizational, and decision-making skills to support long-term business growth and operational objectives.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and critical deadlines in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Experience identifying, evaluating, and resolving complex operational, financial, and contractual challenges.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills to develop operational leaders and project teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for collaboration with clients, consultants, subcontractors, regulatory agencies, executive leadership, and project teams.
• Strong presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including anticipating project risks, evaluating potential impacts, and implementing solutions.
• Client-focused approach and commitment to exceptional service and strong client relationships.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, accountability, and leadership presence.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while communicating effectively across departments and leadership levels.
• Proficiency with standard office technology, including laptops, smartphones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and scanners.
• Ability to perform office tasks requiring close vision, focus, and regular verbal communication.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move office materials and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Availability for a full-time, exempt schedule during standard business hours, with flexibility for extended hours, evenings, and weekends based on project schedules and operational needs.
• Willingness to travel regularly to project job sites and regional offices.
• Willingness to work in Jacksonville, Florida.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight and strategic leadership for multiple projects, operational teams, and regional business initiatives.
• Lead operational planning, staffing strategies, financial performance management, and organizational development.
• Develop and maintain executive-level relationships with clients, consultants, industry partners, and regulatory agencies.
• Drive business development, market expansion, and project pursuits through client engagement, industry events, presentations, negotiations, and contract development.
• Oversee portfolio financial performance, including profitability, forecasting, budgeting, and operational risk management.
• Establish and maintain operational standards, best practices, policies, and procedures across project teams.
• Provide executive support for major contract negotiations, claims resolution, procurement strategies, and dispute management.
• Collaborate with Preconstruction and Collaborative Delivery teams on project pursuits, proposal development, client presentations, procurement strategies, and project acquisition.
• Lead mentorship, leadership development, succession planning, and organizational culture initiatives.
• Promote operational excellence, safety leadership, quality assurance, and continuous improvement throughout operations.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic planning, growth initiatives, and long-term business objectives.
• Represent the company through engagement with industry organizations, community partners, civic initiatives, and client events.

What This Job Offers

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