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Project Director Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Support Program Managers/Directors in maintaining strong cost and schedule performance. * Risk & Issue Management * Proactively identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies. * Track ...

... directing the execution of external subcontracted teams and internal matrixed teams. This role ... Manage the development of the project baseline documentation (project budget, schedule, project ...

... directing the execution of external subcontracted teams and internal matrixed teams. This role ... Manage the development of the project baseline documentation (project budget, schedule, project ...

Director of Construction

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

Director of Construction Join us in our mission to commercialize fusion energy. About Type One ... Project Controls & Performance * Monitor construction progress against project schedules, budgets ...

The Director of Construction - Infinity One is responsible for supporting the VP - Construction in ... Project Controls & Performance * Monitor construction progress against project schedules, budgets ...

Director of Construction

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

The Director of Construction - Infinity One is responsible for supporting the VP - Construction in ... Project Controls & Performance * Monitor construction progress against project schedules, budgets ...

Leading and directing cross-disciplinary development and execution of short-term (project specific) and long-term (account specific) creative strategies for a variety of clients across various ...

Project Controls Manager

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Manage, lead direct reports, and mentor. Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree in Project Management, Engineering or related field * Minimum 10 years project cost management or related work experience ...

Project Manager- TN

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Lead and direct on-site project teams, including engineers, foremen, and subcontractors. * Foster a high-performance, collaborative team environment. * Client & Stakeholder Coordination: * Liaise ...

Showing results 21-40

Project Director information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$38.2K

$95.1K

$171.3K

How much do project director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for project director in Oak Ridge, TN is $95,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,200.00 and $125,400.00 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.

Is a project director a stressful job?

A project director role can be stressful due to responsibilities such as managing teams, budgets, and deadlines. The level of stress often depends on project complexity, organizational support, and experience in leadership and time management. Effective communication and planning skills help mitigate stress in this position.

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.

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.

How much do project directors make in the US?

Project directors in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $90,000 to $150,000, depending on industry, experience, and location. Senior project directors or those in specialized fields can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually. Compensation may also include bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project jobs in Oak Ridge, TN? The most popular types of Project jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What job categories do people searching Project Director jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Project Director jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Project Director jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Project Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Project Director job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,056 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Project Manager

Mesa Accosiates

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

PDS General / Power Delivery Substation
This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.
Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our "mesainc.com" domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.
Mesa Associates, Inc. is seeking an experienced Project Manager with substation expertise to join our Power Delivery team. This role is ideal for a driven leader who understands the technical and operational demands of utility substation planning, engineering & construction projects and can confidently guide multidisciplinary teams from project initiation through closeout.
You will lead high voltage power delivery substation projects, ensuring safety, quality, budget, and schedule objectives are consistently achieved while maintaining exceptional client satisfaction. With the full support of our Project Support Office (PSO), you'll play a central role in delivering successful outcomes across a program of substation projects. Candidate must be within 4 hours of Knoxville, TN or Louisville, KY.
What You'll Do
  • Project Leadership & Execution
    • Lead cross-functional planning/engineering/construction teams in the execution of utility substation design & construction projects.
    • Develop and manage key project planning documents, including:
      • Project Execution Plans
      • Project Initiation Documentation
      • Communication Plans
      • RFI logs
    • Drive accountability to scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives.
    • Ensure all Mesa & assigned client business processes and procedures are followed.
  • Schedule & Budget Management
    • Monitor and control project schedules and budgets.
    • Identify, document, and manage scope changes affecting cost and timeline.
    • Partner with associate project managers, coordinators, schedulers, analyst and controllers to forecast spending, accruals, and financial performance.
    • Support Program Managers/Directors in maintaining strong cost and schedule performance.
  • Risk & Issue Management
    • Proactively identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
    • Track, assign, and resolve issues to minimize impact.
    • Maintain accurate and current project status reporting systems.
  • Technical & Client Coordination
    • Support design teams in resolving technical challenges.
    • Coordinate design and construction activities to ensure efficient information flow.
    • Communicate effectively with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders across multiple programs.
    • Participate in client meetings and substation site visits while adhering to all safety requirements.

What You Bring
  • Required Qualifications
    • Bachelor's degree in project management, engineering, construction management, or related field.
    • Minimum 6 years of relevant project experience which should include:
      • Heavy industrial construction, preferably related to high voltage substations.
      • Electrical design & construction activities.
      • Engaging with and leading engineering/design projects.
    • PMP Preferred, but not required.
    • Understanding of PMI Project Management Methodologies and Processes is a plus.
    • Demonstrated experience managing power utility substation design projects.
    • Ability to manage multiple projects or a program simultaneously.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and project scheduling software.
    • Working knowledge of corporate accounting practices and business operations.
  • Core Competencies
    • Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
    • Independent judgment with minimal supervision.
    • Ability to interpret and apply scopes of work, technical criteria, and design requirements.
    • Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills.
    • Professional presence and stakeholder management capability.
    • Proven ability to manage emergent or fast-track projects.

Work Environment & Requirements
  • Willingness to attend meetings at substation sites and client facilities, including occasional travel up to 5-10% to client locations mostly in middle and eastern Kentucky.
  • Commitment to following all Mesa and client safety protocols.
  • Ability to work effectively with remote and distributed teams.

Additional Requirements
  • Willingness to travel to client sites as needed to support project alignment and execution.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required (per 10 C.F.R. Part 810).
  • Mesa Associates is unable to sponsor or transfer work visas for this position.

Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.
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