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Project Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cybercoders

Project Director

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

Project Director We have been recognized in construction for 30 years now and have had a major presence in Southern California. We are continuously looking to grow our brand and we are constantly ...

Rios Inc

Project Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Description We are seeking an Interiors Project Director to coordinate and manage strategies on multiple projects. Interested applicants must be a deeply knowledgeable project delivery lead who ...

ATI Restoration

Project Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Project Director FLSA Status: Salaried, Exempt Salary range: $85,000-90,000 Status: Full-Time Position Summary The Project Director (PD) is a client-facing, revenue-generating, role responsible for ...

RCH

Project Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are seeking an Interiors Project Director to coordinate and manage strategies on multiple projects. Interested applicants must be a deeply knowledgeable project delivery lead who constantly works ...

RIOS

Project Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are seeking an Interiors Project Director to coordinate and manage strategies on multiple projects. Interested applicants must be a deeply knowledgeable project delivery lead who constantly works ...

RIOS

Project Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are seeking a Project Director to coordinate and manage strategies on multiple projects. Interested applicants must be a deeply knowledgeable project delivery lead who constantly works to improve ...

RCH

Project Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are seeking a Project Director to coordinate and manage strategies on multiple projects. Interested applicants must be a deeply knowledgeable project delivery lead who constantly works to improve ...

Rios Inc

Project Director

Los Angeles, CA

We are seeking a Project Director to coordinate and manage strategies on multiple projects. Interested applicants must be a deeply knowledgeable project delivery lead who constantly works to improve ...

KITCHELL

Project Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$173K - $217K/yr

Description Kitchell seeks an experienced and dedicated Project Director to join our California region in the Greater Los Angeles area and build a long-term career at one of the most innovative and ...

Kitchell

Project Director

Los Angeles, CA

Kitchell seeks an experienced and dedicated Project Director to join our Southern California region in Los Angeles and build a long-term career at one of the most innovative and growth-oriented ...

Kitchell

Project Director

Los Angeles, CA

Kitchell seeks an experienced and dedicated Project Director to join our California region in the Greater Los Angeles area and build a long-term career at one of the most innovative and growth ...

We Are Social

Project Director

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

THE ROLE We are looking for a Project Director to join our Agency Delivery and Operations department. This role is a hybrid of strategic leadership and tactical execution. While you will remain a ...

New

ArchKey Solutions

Project Director

San Jose, CA · On-site

PROJECT DIRECTOR This position is based out of our San Jose, CA office, reporting to local project sites. About ArchKey ArchKey is one of the nation's largest privately held specialty trade ...

Archkey Solutions LLC

Project Director

San Jose, CA · On-site

Description PROJECT DIRECTOR This position is based out of our San Jose, CA office, reporting to local project sites. About ArchKey ArchKey is one of the nation's largest privately held specialty ...

RimePro Inc

Project Director

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Position Summary The Director of Project Management is responsible for leading the overall performance of the project management team, field operations, and shop personnel. This role ensures projects ...

ArchKey Solutions

Project Director

San Jose, CA · On-site

PROJECT DIRECTOR This position is based out of our San Jose, CA office, reporting to local project sites. About ArchKey ArchKey is one of the nation's largest privately held specialty trade ...

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All JobsProject JobsProject Director JobsProject Director Jobs in California

Project Director information

See California salary details

$43.4K

$108.1K

$194.9K

How much do project director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for project director in California is $108,128.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $142,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Project Director?

A project director handles all aspects of project management for a business or organization. As a project director, your job duties may include hiring members of project teams and project managers, negotiating with contractors and vendors, overseeing budget allocations for multiple projects, making sure projects stay on schedule, and checking in with project managers regarding client and stakeholder meetings. You may also meet with management to pitch project proposals and explain how ongoing or future projects align with business goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Project Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Director, you need strong leadership, project management expertise, and a relevant degree—often in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera, or Asana, plus certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2, are typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills make candidates stand out in this role. These abilities ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

How does a Project Director typically balance strategic oversight with hands-on project involvement?

As a Project Director, you'll often need to strike a balance between providing high-level strategic direction and getting involved in the day-to-day operations of projects. While your primary focus is on aligning projects with organizational goals and ensuring resources are allocated effectively, you may also step in to resolve escalated issues, mentor project managers, and communicate with key stakeholders. This dual responsibility requires strong delegation skills and the ability to maintain clear visibility into project progress without micromanaging, ensuring teams are empowered but supported.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

For a Project Director, annual salaries of $500,000 or more are typically found in senior executive roles such as Chief Executive Officers, Chief Operating Officers, or in highly specialized industries like finance, technology, or large-scale construction. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership skills, and may include bonuses and stock options that contribute to total compensation.

What is the difference between Project Director vs Project Manager?

AspectProject DirectorProject Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects or programs, sets strategic goals, manages senior stakeholdersManages individual projects, handles day-to-day operations, ensures project deliverables
Required CredentialsOften requires a bachelor's degree, PMP certification, and extensive experienceTypically requires a bachelor's degree, PMP or CAPM certification, and project management experience
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic planning, often in corporate or large organizational settingsOperational, team management, on-site or remote project execution
Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, government agencies, and consulting firmsWidely used across industries for project execution at various scales

The main difference between a Project Director and a Project Manager lies in scope and strategic involvement. The Project Director oversees multiple projects and aligns them with organizational goals, while the Project Manager focuses on managing individual projects to ensure successful delivery.

What is the average salary of a project director?

The average salary of a project director typically ranges from $90,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on industry, experience, and location. Senior project directors with extensive experience or working in high-demand sectors can earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and benefits.

What does the project director do?

A project director oversees the planning, execution, and completion of projects, ensuring they meet goals, deadlines, and budgets. They coordinate teams, manage resources, and communicate with stakeholders, often requiring leadership skills and familiarity with project management tools like MS Project or Primavera.

What does a Project Director do?

A Project Director is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of large or complex projects within an organization. They lead project teams, manage budgets and timelines, and ensure that project objectives align with company goals. Project Directors also communicate with stakeholders, resolve issues that may arise, and ensure that deliverables meet quality standards. Their role is critical in ensuring projects are completed successfully, on time, and within budget.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Project managers can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, certifications like PMP, and in industries such as IT, construction, or engineering. Salaries vary based on location, company size, and project scope, with senior or specialized roles typically commanding higher pay.
More about Project Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Project jobs in California? The most popular types of Project jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Project Director jobs in California? For Project Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Project Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Project Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Project Director job openings:
Project Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Director job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,128 per year, or $52 per hour.
Project Director

Project Director

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

We want someone passionate about engineering, architecture, problem solving, and people management.

We are seeking a Project Director who is passionate about technical excellence, people leadership, and trusted client relationships. The Project Director role represents a senior leadership position within SGH. The work of the Project Director will include new design and the evaluation, investigation, and design of repairs for existing buildings. This individual will independently direct many concurrent projects and manage key client relationships while mentoring staff and upholding SGH's technical, ethical, and quality standards with oversight from the Principal-in-Charge. This person must maintain professional relationships and involvement (associations, committees, etc.) in their field of technical expertise.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Lead and direct complex, high-profile projects involving new design and the evaluation, investigation, and repair of existing buildings, with delegated authority from the Principal-in-Charge.
  • Serve as a primary client contact on major projects, representing SGH professionally and effectively while managing scope, schedule, staffing, and delivery.
  • Provide technical leadership in the investigation and remediation of building envelope malfunctions and failures.
  • Direct and oversee design and construction-phase services, including consultation to engineers, architects, contractors and construction administration support.
  • Oversee and guide field investigations, water leakage testing, and component sampling of building envelope systems, including walls, roofs, windows, curtain walls, skylights, plaza waterproofing, and below-grade systems.
  • Lead the design of remedial repairs to existing building systems, ensuring constructability, durability, and risk-informed decision-making.
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development support to staff across multiple projects, reinforcing SGH's technical standards and collaborative culture.
  • Perform peer reviews of plans, specifications, and technical deliverables to ensure quality and consistency.
  • Support litigation, claims, and expert services efforts by providing senior technical insight and professional judgment.
  • Demonstrate strong risk-management judgment related to technical approach, documentation, scope definition, and client communication, in coordination with the Principal-in-Charge.
  • Assist principals with business development efforts by helping to win repeat work through excellent service delivery, long-term client relationship management, and identification of additional client needs aligned with SGH's services.
  • Maintain an active professional presence through industry involvement (associations, committees, speaking engagements, or publications) that enhances SGH's reputation and visibility.

What You'll Need

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Architectural Engineering (advanced degree preferred) with 15+ years of experience in an architectural/engineering or construction management environment.
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (RA) required.
  • Experience in any of the following areas: building facade and curtain wall design or consulting, historic preservation consulting, and building envelope roofing/waterproofing design or consulting.
  • Demonstrated multi-year experience independently directing complex projects with limited oversight and acting as a primary client contact.
  • Strong technical judgment, risk awareness, and decision-making capability aligned with SGH's standards.
  • Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff across multiple projects and teams.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
  • Proficiency with technical documentation, analysis tools, and presentation graphics.

Apply