Project Executive Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Pernix International is seeking a world-class Project Executive to lead the delivery of complex, high-value construction programs across international markets, with a focus on mission-critical data centers and large-scale infrastructure.

This is not a traditional project role. This is a strategic leadership position for a builder-operatorsomeone who can seamlessly move between boardroom strategy and field execution, drive performance across regions, and elevate both people and projects.

You will play a critical role in shaping how Pernix executes globally, influencing operational excellence, client partnerships, and long-term growth.

Global Project Leadership

• Provide executive oversight across multiple concurrent projects and programs spanning diverse geographies.
• Ensure delivery excellence across schedule, budget, safety, and qualitywithout compromise.
• Act as the connective tissue between corporate strategy and on-the-ground execution.

International Execution

• Lead projects across complex international environments, navigating regulatory frameworks, cultural nuances, and logistical challenges.
• Establish scalable operating models that perform consistently across regions.

Mission-Critical Expertise

• Oversee delivery of data centers and critical infrastructure (power, utilities, civil, transportation).
• Ensure alignment with high-availability, uptime, and technical performance standards expected in mission-critical environments.

Client Leadership

• Serve as the executive face of Pernix to key clients and stakeholders.
• Build long-term partnerships rooted in trust, delivery, and strategic valuenot just project completion.

Financial Performance

• Own full P&L performance across projects and programs.
• Drive disciplined execution of budgets, forecasts, cost controls, and margin optimization.

Strategic Growth & Market Expansion

• Partner with leadership on pursuits, business development, and international expansion strategy.
• Contribute to winning work in emerging and high-growth markets, particularly in infrastructure and data centers.

Risk & Governance

• Proactively identify and mitigate operational, financial, legal, and safety risks.
• Ensure adherence to global standards, local regulations, and Pernix governance frameworks.

Leadership & Culture

• Mentor and elevate senior project managers and regional leaders.
• Build high-performing, accountable teams across multinational environments.
• Champion a culture of ownership, execution, and continuous improvement.

15+ years of progressive construction experience, with 57+ years in senior leadership roles.

Proven success delivering large-scale international construction projects.

Deep experience in data centers, mission-critical environments, and/or major infrastructure programs.

Ability to operate as a true generalist leader across project types, delivery models, and geographies.

Strong command of delivery methods (Design-Build, EPC, CMAR).

Demonstrated success managing large P&Ls and complex financial structures.

Exceptional ability to influence, align, and lead senior stakeholders and global teams.

Willingness and ability to travel internationally as required.

Experience working in emerging markets or highly complex regulatory environments.

Strong understanding of mission-critical systems and uptime-driven delivery.

Multilingual capabilities and cross-cultural fluency.

Advanced expertise in contract negotiation, claims management, and commercial strategy.

You are:

• A strategic thinker who sees around corners
• A global operator who adapts quickly across environments
• A decisive leader who drives outcomes
• A trusted partner to clients and executives
• A builder of people, not just projects

This role can be based in a corporate or regional hub, with frequent international travel required. You must be comfortable operating across time zones, cultures, and fast-moving project environments.

Pernix offers a competitive executive compensation package, including:

• Base salary
• Performance-based bonus
• Long-term incentives
• Comprehensive benefits

At Pernix International, you won't just deliver projectsyou'll help define how global construction is executed at scale.

This is an opportunity to step into a role with:

• True international impact
• High visibility and influence
• Complex, career-defining projects

EEOC Disclaimer: Pernix Group is an equal opportunity employer in that our policy, in accordance with Federal and State laws, prohibits employment discrimination solely on the basis of a person's race, color, creed, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, or disability except where a reasonable, bona fide occupational qualification exists.