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Project Director Jobs in Mankato, MN (NOW HIRING)

PROJECT MANAGER

New Ulm, MN · On-site

$90K - $115K/hr

Plan and direct improvement projects. Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner by gathering and analyzing information skillfully. Lead group problem solving situations. * Work with management ...

New

Direct and compile capital budgeting; collect future capital project requirements from factory departments and compile into a final five-year capital budget. Control the currently fiscal year budget ...

Design/Project Engineer

Saint Peter, MN · On-site

$98K - $137K/yr

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Public Works Director/Assistant County Engineer, the Design/Project Engineer performs and manages skilled professional engineering work in the surveying ...

Assistant Project Manager

Mankato, MN · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Assistant Project Manager Department: Project Management Employment Type: Full Time Location ... direct and indirect components. We understand that your experience and value may fall outside of ...

The Project Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing capital improvement projects from concept through completion within the facility. This position manages project scope ...

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Project Director information

See Mankato, MN salary details

$43.6K

$108.6K

$195.8K

How much do project director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for project director in Mankato, MN is $108,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,400.00 and $143,200.00 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 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 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 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.

How much does a project director make in the US?

The average salary for a project director in the US is approximately $100,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on industry, experience, and location. Senior project directors or those in specialized fields can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000 annually. Strong leadership, project management skills, and relevant certifications like PMP can influence compensation levels.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project jobs in Mankato, MN?

The most popular types of Project jobs in Mankato, MN are:

What cities near Mankato, MN are hiring for Project Director jobs?

Cities near Mankato, MN with the most Project Director job openings:

PROJECT MANAGER

New Ulm, MN • On-site

Associated Milk Producers
Retail • 1 - 5K employees

$90K - $115K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

AMPI owns six Midwest-based manufacturing plants where 10 percent of the nation’s American-type cheese and processed cheese is produced. The cooperative’s award-winning cheese and powdered dairy products are marketed to foodservice, retail and food ingredient customers. In 2019, the co-op launched its Dinner Bell Creamery brand and accompanying Co-op Crafted promise, highlighting more than 50 years of dairy farm families partnering with skilled cheesemakers.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time:

  1. Develop and manage projects in areas that pertain to the processing of raw milk, secondary processing of milk products, and other non-operational areas.
  2. Plan and direct improvement projects. Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner by gathering and analyzing information skillfully. Lead group problem solving situations.
  3. Work with management, employees and corporate functions on project planning involving business growth, process improvement, innovation, quality improvement, and safety.
  4. Lead cross functional teams comprised of various departments to gain consensus and execute on business projects.
  5. Facilitate training as necessary. Conduct assessments to identify asset deficiencies; execute corrective action as required.
  6. Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports and cost tracking reports. Closely manage project budgets to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
  7. Perform cost and benefit analysis for various design alternatives.
  8. Communicate professionally with all staff to share and develop technical knowledge.
  9. Maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers to evaluate material, software, program and equipment selections.
  10. Provide regulatory updates and technical information in all areas pertaining to equipment design, Food Safety and packaging to AMPI’s processing centers.
  11. Develop and assist management in written cost justifications of capital expenditure projects.
  12. Provide assistance in solving operational and non-operational problems.
  13. Trouble shoot equipment and controls systems.
  14. Evaluate equipment design and fabrication to ensure compliance with state, federal, environmental and safety regulations.
  15. Understand and comply with all Quality Assurance policies. Immediately report and take action on any potential food safety issues.
  16. Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
  17. Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, Business, Construction Management or related field preferred, equivalent experience may be considered.
  • 3 years of related work experience required.
  • Prior experience in food and dairy manufacturing is required.
  • Prior experience in project management, estimating, or design is required.
  • Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMP’s, OSHA and loss control programs preferred.

BENEFITS/REWARDS

AMPI offers competitive starting pay, PTO, 401k, short-term disability, health, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs and more.

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Military service members, veterans, and qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.