Crunchbase

Director of Projects

Crunchbase$125K — $150K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years in project management, particularly in structural steel fabrication or heavy industrial settings
  • Experience leading project management teams across multiple projects
  • Deep understanding of fabrication workflows and shop operations
  • Strong grasp of project scheduling, cost control, and profitability management
  • Expertise in change order management and contract execution
  • Familiarity with EPC contractor environments, such as Fluor or Bechtel
  • Preferred bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, plus 10+ years of relevant experience

Responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee project management functions for structural steel fabrication operations
  • Direct Project Managers and coordinators to ensure effective project execution
  • Ensure projects adhere to safety standards, schedules, and budgets
  • Drive profitability and manage cost control measures
  • Identify and address project risks proactively to avoid delays and cost overruns
  • Standardize and manage change order processes across projects
  • Maintain strong client relationships and communicate project status effectively

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Supportive team culture emphasizing accountability and results
  • Strong focus on safety and efficiency in the workplace
Full Job Description
Orizon, a Spitzer company under the Race Rock platform is seeking a Project Director to lead the overall project management function in support of structural steel fabrication operations. This role is responsible for driving execution across multiple projects, ensuring alignment between project management, engineering, estimating, procurement, and shop operations.

This is a production-driven leadership role. Success is measured by delivering projects safely, on schedule, within budget, and with fabrication-ready engineering outputs that minimize rework and maximize shop efficiency.

The Project Director will lead project teams, interface with clients and EPC contractors, and ensure all project processes align with company objectives, customer requirements, and operational capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Execution
  • Lead and manage the company's project management function across multiple projects and teams
  • Provide direction to Project Managers, Coordinators, and Administrators
  • Ensure projects are executed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with contract requirements
  • Drive job profitability, cost control, and overall financial performance
  • Identify and proactively resolve risks before they impact schedule, cost, or fabrication

Change Order Management
  • Lead and standardize the change order process across all projects
  • Ensure all scope changes are identified early, documented, priced, and submitted in a timely manner
  • Drive alignment between project management, engineering, and estimating to ensure accurate change order development
  • Review and approve pricing to protect margin and ensure full cost recovery
  • Interface with clients and EPC contractors to negotiate and close change orders
  • Track, forecast, and report change order status, exposure, and recovery against project financials
  • Ensure no work is performed without proper authorization unless strategically approved

Cross-Functional Alignment
  • Ensure alignment between project management, engineering, fabrication, and operations
  • Drive coordination between engineering deliverables and fabrication sequencing, shop capabilities, and production schedules
  • Support estimating during the bid phase and ensure proper project setup for execution
  • Partner with department leaders to ensure overall project success

Client & Stakeholder Management
  • Serve as the primary management interface with clients and EPC contractors
  • Attend client meetings and maintain strong, long-term relationships
  • Ensure clear and consistent communication of project status, risks, and deliverables
  • Support negotiation and resolution of commercial and technical issues

Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop project management teams
  • Manage employee performance, productivity, and professional growth
  • Foster a strong team culture focused on accountability, execution, and results

Required Experience
  • Structural steel fabrication or heavy industrial environment
  • Proven leadership experience managing project management teams across multiple projects
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Fabrication workflows and shop operations
    • Project scheduling, cost control, and profitability
    • Change order management and contract execution
    • Engineering deliverables tied to production and execution
  • Experience working with EPC contractors (e.g., Fluor, Bechtel, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
  • 10+ years of experience in project management, engineering, or fabrication
  • Experience in AISC-certified environments
  • Familiarity with Tekla Structures, BIM workflows, and automated fabrication systems
  • Strong commercial acumen, including contracts, T&Cs, and change management

Operational Expectations
  • Projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget
  • Change orders are captured, priced, approved, and converted to revenue efficiently
  • Engineering and fabrication remain fully aligned and production-ready
  • RFIs, rework, and production delays are minimized
  • Project financial performance meets or exceeds targets
  • Strong client relationships are maintained and expanded
  • Teams operate with high accountability, communication, and execution discipline

About Crunchbase

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