Senior Project Director

Vanir Construction Management, Inc.•Chicago, IL

6d•$210,000 - $250,000

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Director to lead the successful delivery of large-scale capital improvement programs/projects (CIP) for public agencies utilizing multiple delivery methods including Design-Build (DB) and Progressive Design-Build (PDB). This role requires a strategic leader with deep expertise in complex infrastructure or facilities projects, strong stakeholder management skills, and a proven ability to guide projects from early preconstruction through final delivery. The Senior Project Director will be responsible for overall project performance, including scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk management, while fostering collaboration among owners, designers, contractors, and key stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field
Minimum of 15+ years of experience delivering large-scale capital projects ($250M+), with at least 7 years in a leadership role for design & construction phases
Demonstrated experience delivering projects using Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build and similar alternative delivery methods (CM/GC, CMAR, etc.)
Strong understanding of preconstruction services, Open book GMP development, Target Value Design, cost modeling, value engineering, and constructability reviews
Experience with public agencies, federal, state, and local municipal sectors
Proven leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills

Nice To Haves

Professional licensure (PE, RA, CCM); DBIA Certification
Experience campus builds, such as corrections, higher education, healthcare, etc.
Familiarity with collaborative delivery tools and digital project management systems (e.g., PMIS, BIM, integrated project controls)
Experience with Power BI, development, and communication of KPIs and project metrics
Experience working with public agencies or large institutional clients

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership for all phases of a project, from procurement and preconstruction through construction, commissioning, closeout, and activation
Serve as the primary point of contact for the Owner, ensuring alignment with project goals, expectations, and governance requirements
Lead and manage integrated project teams, including design partners, construction teams, consultants, and internal staff
Oversee development and validation of project scope, cost estimates, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies during Phase 1 (Preconstruction)
Guide transition into Phase 2 (Final Design & Construction), ensuring seamless execution and adherence to agreed-upon Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) or equivalent
Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships across all stakeholders, promoting transparency and accountability
Drive decision-making processes and facilitate resolution of complex technical, contractual, and organizational challenges
Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, regulatory standards, and organizational policies
Monitor project performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain project objectives
Provide regular executive-level reporting on project status, risks, and financials