Project Director Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

The Project Director serves as the main point of contact for both new and existing clients, driving business success from project acquisition through to execution, while managing an annual portfolio exceeding $100M in revenue. This role emphasizes upholding Manhattan Guiding Principles, fostering team growth, delivering exceptional project results, ensuring high client satisfaction, and leveraging performance to secure repeat business and attract new client opportunities. The Project Director is accountable for delivering high-quality services and driving business growth through a balanced “doer‑seller” approach.

Project Directors leverage their extensive construction experience and strong interpersonal skills to effectively manage all phases of the construction process, including project pursuit, preconstruction, construction, and ongoing client engagement.

• Lead employee recruitment and retention efforts – Identify, recruit, and retain top talent.
• Develop and monitor training and education programs for employees.
• Prepare a succession plan for each client and project position – identify, mentor, and train your replacement.
• Coordinate assignment of team members to projects with the Regional VP and Operations Manager, considering employee growth and development while assembling high‑performing, efficient teams to meet client and project needs.
• Conduct employee performance reviews per Manhattan’s guidelines.
• Organize and develop high‑performing teams.
• Communicate company‑wide and local regional initiatives and updates to employees.
• Stay connected to the jobsite. Be visible, listen, and provide support.
• Be the Manhattan brand ambassador in the industry and community by serving on industry committees or boards, volunteering at key events.

• Meet with customer decision‑makers to build and maintain relationships and identify needs/opportunities.
• Manage and develop relationships with clients, designers, consultants, and internal Manhattan team members.
• Establish performance metrics and outperform targets for all projects.
• Confirm that the processes, tools, and support required to ensure operational excellence and compliance with Guiding Principles are in place and utilized.
• Promote and support the Manhattan safety and quality culture on all projects.
• Oversee the development of the project execution and quality control plans.
• Lead and set the tone for all preconstruction and planning activities, serving as the primary contact for the client from project kick‑off through completion.
• Review and assist the project team with negotiations and recommendations for all project contracts, change orders, and claims.
• Develop, implement, and monitor a project risk management plan, including SDI/Bonding, insurance/CCIPs, contract administration, project execution plans, project peer reviews, schedule control, risk mitigation, and contracting compliance.
• Oversee monthly Project Status Reports (PSRs) and financial reporting for compliance, quality, and accuracy. Review PSRs with the project team and with the Regional VP and Operations Manager.
• Attend OAC Meetings to monitor the project team’s performance in exceeding client expectations.
• Cooperate and support other Project Directors and Regional VPs – One Manhattan.
• Solicit feedback from project teams on current issues or problems and help them solve problems.
• Develop small business and minority subcontracting plans and implementation strategies.
• Prepare quarterly forecasts for project awards, revenues, and profit.
• Achieve company/regional goals for sales, revenue, and profitability.
• Manage billable time allocation for Project Director and all other project team members, ensuring full allocation to assigned projects, reimbursement by the client, and forecast inclusion in the project budget.
• Assist Regional VP in managing office SG&A.

The Project Director will report to the Regional Vice President and manage specific client accounts. The Project Director will utilize strategic thinking skills to maintain and grow relationships with existing clients in current markets while actively seeking new opportunities with new clients and markets. This position requires the ability to create innovative, project‑specific solutions that address customer needs and key issues, along with being a proactive – “out of the box” thinker and problem solver. The Project Director will also collaborate with the business development team in long‑range planning and sales efforts.

• Identification, winning, and retention of a single account or multiple accounts delivering $100M in revenue on an annual basis.
• Take primary responsibility for the overall sales process and establish and meet annual sales goals.
• Conduct marketing research – collect information regarding client operations and identify and pursue opportunities.
• Responsible for identifying and retaining key Manhattan customers.
• Collaborate and coordinate with business development for identifying new customers.
• Develop, engage, and manage relationship building activities with owners, influencers, and other pursuit stakeholders.
• Identify potential new projects and new clients and work with the Regional VP to analyze opportunities and develop sales and execution strategy.
• Develop pursuit plans in conjunction with the business development team, including preparation for proposals and presentations, while maintaining and updating the pursuit plan as activities progress. Utilize the Risk Management Platform to coordinate all pursuit activities.
• Manage collection, development, and differentiation of RFP & RFQ responses.
• Lead strategy for interview agenda and presentation materials in conjunction with business development.

• Strong understanding of the construction industry.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other relevant software.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• In‑depth knowledge of financial operations.
• Excellent leadership, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
• Ability to delegate work appropriately.
• Strategic thinking and visionary skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field.
• 18 years of extensive experience in management or construction operations.
• Proven record of managing multiple client accounts.
• At least 10 years of experience in an operations and sales leadership role.
• Ideal candidate has project experience in Aviation, Mission Critical, and/or Higher Education sectors.

• Adaptability to varying weather conditions and physical demands of construction sites (e.g., walking, climbing, bending, etc.).
• Ability to physically stand, bend, sit for extended periods, and squat throughout the day.
• Ability to repeat the same movements.
• Ability to communicate effectively to participate fully in meetings, video conferences, and phone calls.
• Ability to compose, send, and reply to emails and written correspondence.
• Must be able to lift, pull, or move up to fifty pounds at a time.
• Travel may be required, primarily in the metropolitan area but sometimes domestically (must have a valid Driver’s License).
• Exposure to characteristic construction site hazards.