Project Principal

Dowbuilt • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Dowbuilt is adding a Project Principal to our Austin, Texas team. This position partners with the Regional Principal to deliver an exceptional client experience, support business development, lead preconstruction efforts, and guide project teams through construction, closeout, and transition to the Service Department. As the primary senior-level representative for clients, architects, and key stakeholders, the Project Principal is responsible for ensuring exceptional project outcomes, client satisfaction, financial performance, risk management, and team success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, Building Science, or a related field; equivalent industry experience may be considered
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible construction management experience, preferably in high-end residential construction
• Demonstrated experience leading complex projects from preconstruction through closeout
• Strong understanding of architectural, engineering, and design processes
• Working knowledge of permitting, inspections, and jurisdictional approval processes
• Ability to interpret architectural drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Familiarity with accounting and ERP systems
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Strategic thinking and sound business judgment
• Financial acumen and risk management capability
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to influence and lead diverse teams across multiple projects and locations
• Commitment to accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
• Demonstrated ability to foster trust, collaboration, and positive team culture
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respectful workplace practices
• Ability to work minimum Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm, not including commute time
• Must have reliable transportation to get to/from work safely and on time
• Must comply with Dowbuilt’s drug and alcohol policy
• Must pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen
• Demonstrates discretion and treats all proprietary company information as strictly confidential outside, and in some cases within, the company
• Maintain the credibility of Dowbuilt by operating with integrity and accountability
• Lead in ways that improve and promote quality throughout the company
• U.S. work authorization

Nice To Haves

• Experience with project management and collaboration platforms such as Smartsheet, Egnyte, Slack, and Procore preferred
• Familiarity with Bluebeam and/or Adobe Acrobat preferred

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior client relationship manager and executive point of contact for project stakeholders.
• Establish and proactively communicate project objectives, success criteria, and client commitments from preconstruction through closeout.
• Maintain a visible and engaged presence with clients, project teams, and field personnel throughout project execution.
• Support Project Managers and Superintendents in managing project strategy, stakeholder communication, and issue resolution.
• Ensure project teams consistently revisit and align decisions with established project goals, budgets, schedules, and client expectations.
• Participate in project kickoff meetings, Internal Project Reviews (IPRs), milestone reviews, and project closeout activities.
• Support successful project transitions to the Service Department.
• Provide executive oversight and support across all critical project success factors, including: Preconstruction and estimating, Contract administration, Safety performance, Scheduling and resource planning, Quality assurance and quality control, Financial management, Project closeout, Stakeholder relationships.
• Lead alignment discussions between project management, field operations, and executive leadership regarding project strategy and execution.
• Conduct regular project site visits and maintain awareness of project conditions, progress, and team dynamics.
• Review project documentation, including field directives, internal project reviews (IPR’s), meeting notes, and key project communications.
• Identify and support the selection of qualified subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants.
• Promote continuous improvement through consistent use of company systems, SOPs, and best practices.
• Champion quality assurance processes focused on minimizing defects, rework, warranty claims, and client concerns.
• Support proactive problem-solving and early issue identification to protect project outcomes.
• Hold project teams accountable for delivering work consistent with company standards and client expectations.
• Lead by example by demonstrating an uncompromising commitment to safety.
• Ensure project teams prioritize safe work practices and compliance with company safety standards.
• Model company values, professionalism, accountability, and leadership behaviors.
• Collaborate with Regional Principals, Project Managers and Superintendents to identify staffing needs and resource requirements.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning efforts for assigned projects.
• Coach, mentor, and support Project Managers, Superintendents, and other team members in achieving project and professional goals.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback and support employee development.
• Conduct performance evaluations and contribute to succession planning efforts.
• Support disciplinary and performance management processes in partnership with Human Resources.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, architects, consultants, subcontractors, and industry partners Nationally – not just in assigned region.
• Collaborate with other Principals, Business Development Director and Marketing team to support business development initiatives and maintain brand consistency.
• Partner with the Regional Principal to identify, pursue, and secure qualified project opportunities.
• Participate in interviews, presentations, contract negotiations, and project acquisition efforts.
• Represent the company in professional, charitable, and community organizations.
• Maintain accurate project pipeline and opportunity information within company systems.
• Champion the company's full suite of services, including construction, millwork, and service offerings.

Benefits

• Competitive pay commensurate with skills and experience
• 100% paid Medical, Dental, Vision, short-term disability and $50k in basic life insurance for full-time employees – 1st of the month following DOH
• 35% Medical and 30% Dental + Vision coverage for eligible dependents
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with 3% employer safe harbor contribution
• 8 paid holidays each year, no waiting period
• Paid Time-Off (PTO) – 2.31 hours per week to start (120 hours annually) with an increase to this accrual each January with years of service up to max 192 hours/24 days annually
• Mentorship and career development opportunities
• Annual discretionary bonus

What This Job Offers

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