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Project Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Direct and authorize project activities from conception, through design, fabrication, construction management, and project close-out. * Develop complete installation and modification scope. * Design ...

At Terracon, we're looking for a Construction Materials Testing Project Manager / Engineer who wants ownership of their projects, direct client interaction, and a clear path for continued ...

At Terracon, we're looking for a Construction Materials Testing Project Manager / Engineer who wants ownership of their projects, direct client interaction, and a clear path for continued ...

Direct and authorize project activities from conception, through design, fabrication, construction management, and project close-out. * Develop complete installation and modification scope. * Design ...

The Project Manager acts as the primary client interface, maintaining clear communication, transparency, and responsiveness to ensure client satisfaction. In addition, this role contributes to the ...

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Project Director information

See Iowa salary details

$41.3K

$102.9K

$185.5K

How much do project director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for project director in Iowa is $102,909.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $135,700.00 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 4 types of project managers?

Project managers can be categorized into four main types: functional, project-oriented, matrix, and program managers. Functional managers oversee specific departments, while project managers lead individual projects. Matrix managers work across departments with shared authority, and program managers coordinate related projects to achieve strategic objectives.

How much does a project director get paid?

The average salary for a project director typically ranges from $90,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on industry, experience, and location. Senior project directors with extensive experience and certifications can earn higher compensation, often exceeding $160,000 per year.

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?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior executives, investment bankers, specialized surgeons, and certain technology executives can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities, with compensation including base salary, bonuses, and stock options.

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 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 using project management tools and requiring leadership skills. The role typically requires experience in project management and relevant certifications such as PMP.

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Project jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Project Director jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Project Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Project Director job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,909 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Facility Project Engineer

ssab

Montpelier, IA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


SSAB rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

POSITION PURPOSE

Develop and manage a range of engineering projects from major to minor, for all operating, maintenance, and support departments. Maintain, improve, and upgrade buildings and equipment to maximize production capabilities, and to correct equipment and manufacturing problems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform Equipment & Facility Design Projects

    • Become familiar with equipment, components, and systems throughout the Montpelier Facility.
    • Utilizing Computer Aided Design 2D and 3D software model and design new equipment, within the confines of existing equipment and systems.
    • Make drawings of these designs.

Manage Capital Projects.

Manage numerous, diverse Capital Projects. Coordinate the various project disciplines and activities to make significant progress toward completing these in a timely manner, on budget.

Develop complete project scope, including:

      • Overall layout and planning.
      • Equipment design and development.
      • Sufficient engineering to develop project scope and costs.
      • Any required technical specifications, bid documents, and commercial contract processes.
      • Capital appropriation requests including developing and articulating project justifications.

Write all purchase requests to issue purchase orders.

      • Work with Purchasing and Legal Department during the procurement process as required, for the proper development of purchasing and contract documents.

Manage and supervise all technical personnel, outside contractors, vendors, and suppliers, installation labor, for project execution.

      • Develop realistic implementation schedules. Keep project work on track to execute the full scope of work and equipment startup.
      • Hold regular project and scheduling meetings with involved parties.
      • Track project costs.

Implement Capital Projects:

      • Direct and authorize project activities from conception, through design, fabrication, construction management, and project close-out.
      • Develop complete installation and modification scope.
      • Design equipment changes and Supervise internal and external design and engineering personnel to develop complete project drawings and documentation.
      • Direct the activities for design engineers, designers and draftsmen, contractors, suppliers, and vendors to bring everything together to execute the project.
      • Develop complete implementation and installation plan, including schedule, installation downtime requirements, labor, equipment requirements, etc. to install the complete project scope.
      • Develop and implement startup plan. Inform all concerned parties as to changes involved and new procedures needed.
      • Control spending and labor hours to within 10% of approved budgets (or $10,000 maximum). Keep track of budget and spending, and approve all invoices.
      • Project review, financial check, and closeout.
        • Ensure that the project was completed, that the budget was maintained, and work order is closed.
        • Add all drawings and manuals to engineering document management system.

 

Develop and Manage solutions to Manufacturing Operating Problems and Improvements to the Processes.

    • Lead teams to perform problem solving analysis to solve operating and equipment problems.
    • Review equipment design and use to improve equipment, allowing it to perform better, and reduce operating and maintenance costs.
    • Develop changes to equipment that allow increased production, reduced delays, improved quality, and/or enhanced operations throughout the facility.

 

Provide technical advice and engineering support to Upper Management, Mill Superintendents, Mill Engineers and other plant personnel.

    • Manage the resources of outside engineering and consultants to perform large-scale engineering analysis and studies that otherwise could not be performed by SSAB Internal resources.
    • Perform feasibility studies and analysis, conceptual planning, and designs that aid management in making decisions.  Make necessary engineering calculations for strength and durability of equipment and systems.
    • Perform Value Engineering to allow Value Purchasing of major equipment, buildings, machines, components, and spares.
    • Utilizing experience in all aspects of operations, environmental requirements, safety, and engineering provide insights and analysis on a wide-range of issues facing SSAB.

 

Liaison and interface for outside resources.

    • Utilizing experience and job knowledge make use of outside resources, peers, and others to then evaluate, interpret, extrapolate, and then share this knowledge and insight, as appropriate, for the betterment of operations at SSAB.
QUALIFICATIONSCompetencies and ExperienceRequired:
  • 5 to 10 years’ experience in Plant Operations and Design, Engineering, Project Management, and Construction. Management Skills, Strong Leadership Ability. Interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication.
  • Financial and planning acumen to plan, estimate, and execute projects on budget and on schedule.
  • Using computer-based CAD programs for drawings and design, both 3D and 2D programs.
  • Specific background including heavy manufacturing environment.
  • The ability to handle multiple projects concurrently.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office software: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TEAMS

 

Preferred:
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
  • 5 to 10 years’ experience in Plant Operations and Design, Engineering, Project Management, Supervision, and Construction. Management Skills, Strong Leadership Ability.
  • Specific background including: Electric Furnace Shops, Ladle Metallurgy Facility; Continuous Casters: Steckel Rolling Mills: Pollution and Environmental Control; and Safety.
  • Experience with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, RasterCAD
EducationRequired:
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field.
Preferred:
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES / DIRECT REPORTS
  • There are no direct reports to this position. Though there are numerous interfaces throughout the organization during the development, management, and implementation of duties and the execution of projects.
  • Supervise the activities of outside engineering consultants, contractors, and trades.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Work in office setting with frequent trips to the manufacturing facility.
  • Able to climb stairs and ladders, wear fall protection and ascend tall structures and up on overhead cranes.
  • Significant design, drawings and planning work.
  • Write scopes of work, bid documents, and engineering documents.
  • Work with other engineers, designer/draftsmen, and operating and maintenance personnel.
POSITION TYPE – WORK HOURS - TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
  • Position is full time, exempt
  • Travel up to 25% of time in the field or at other SSAB locations, though majority of time in Montpelier facility.

 

OTHER DUTIES

Update information in the drawing and manual systems to record and track all changes made and keep them up to date.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SSAB BENEFITS – starting at hire!

 Excellent Pay with Additional Bonus  

 Very Affordable Health Insurance

üBlue Cross/Blue Shield Medical

ü CVS/Caremark Prescription

ü  Delta Dental

ü  Superior Vision

 401(k) with Employer Match – 5%

  Profit Sharing

 10 Paid Holidays

 Vacation

 Company Paid Life Insurance - and STD and LTD*

 Optional Life, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness

 Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Tuition Reimbursement

 Employee Assistance Program


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