Project Executive

Wharton Smith•Sanford, FL

17h•Onsite

About The Position

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking a Project Executive for its Water/Wastewater work, based in Sanford, Florida. The Project Executive is a senior operational leader responsible for portfolio oversight, strategic growth, operational leadership, and organizational performance across multiple projects and business initiatives. The role provides executive direction to operational teams and drives business development, client relationships, financial performance, risk mitigation, and organizational excellence. The position contributes to long-term company growth, operational strategy, leadership development, and market expansion. It serves as a primary executive liaison among company leadership, clients, consultants, regulatory agencies, and project teams, with a focus on operational consistency and successful project delivery. The role may require regular travel to project sites and regional offices, as well as extended hours, evenings, and weekends when project schedules and operational demands require.

Requirements

At least 15 years of progressive leadership experience in construction operations and project management.
Proven success leading operational teams and overseeing financial performance, strategic growth, and client development initiatives.
Advanced understanding of construction operations, project delivery methods, project finance, risk management, and organizational leadership.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong presentation and negotiation abilities.
Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with clients, consultants, subcontractors, regulatory agencies, executive leadership, and project teams.
Proven ability to develop and maintain strong, long-term professional and client relationships.
Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and driving operational performance.
Strong strategic planning, organizational, and decision-making capabilities.
Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced construction environment.
Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex operational, contractual, and project-related challenges.
Strong leadership presence, integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
Proven experience mentoring, coaching, and developing operational leaders and project teams.
Advanced knowledge of construction processes, means and methods, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Extensive experience with Design-Bid-Build, Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), and Design-Build delivery methods.
Ability to interpret and analyze civil, mechanical, electrical, and structural drawings, technical specifications, and contract documents.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to anticipate project and operational risks and implement effective solutions.
Client-focused mindset and commitment to exceptional service and successful project delivery.
Ability to travel regularly to project sites and regional offices as needed.
Ability to occasionally lift and move office products and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to work extended hours, evenings, and weekends as required by project schedules and operational demands.

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.
Support business development, market expansion, and project pursuit strategies, including presentations, negotiations, contract development, and participation in industry conferences, networking events, and professional functions.
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.