Senior Project Director

The Senior Project Director is the top individual contributor in the project management function, responsible for leading the delivery of the organization’s most complex, high-value, and strategically critical projects, typically exceeding $70–100M in scope. This executive-level role requires exceptional leadership, cross-functional insight, and the ability to drive results in high-stakes environments.

The Senior Project Director combines mastery of project management methodologies with expertise in stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and change leadership. A key focus is cultivating strong, trust-based relationships with clients while ensuring project outcomes align with strategic objectives.

Operating without direct supervisory responsibilities, the Senior Project Director leverages influence, credibility, and domain expertise to:

• Navigate teams through ambiguity and complexity.

• Align project execution with organizational strategy and business goals.

• Ensure delivery excellence—on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Project Leadership

• Provide expert guidance to executive leadership on high-impact initiatives.

• Define project goals and objectives, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.

• Conduct detailed project assessments and feasibility analyses.

• Recommend optimal project management methodologies for complex initiatives.

Complex Project Execution & Governance

• Lead planning and execution of high-visibility, cross-functional projects.

• Develop detailed project plans covering scope, budget, risk management, and timelines.

• Ensure adherence to organizational policies, procedures, and governance standards.

• Mentor project managers and teams on best practices and execution excellence.

• Proactively identify and mitigate project risks, issues, and dependencies.

• Implement communication strategies to keep stakeholders informed.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, executives, business owners, and project teams.

• Serve as a trusted advisor on project-related challenges.

• Facilitate effective collaboration between internal teams and external partners.

• Influence project decisions through data-driven insights, expertise, and persuasive communication.

Project Portfolio Management & Optimization

• Contribute to project portfolio roadmap development, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

• Identify opportunities to improve portfolio efficiency and value.

• Support project prioritization, resource allocation, and performance evaluation.

Knowledge Sharing & Best Practices

• Document and share project management guidelines and lessons learned.

• Develop and deliver training programs to enhance project management capabilities across the organization.

Qualifications

• Experience:

  • 10+ years of progressive project management experience.

  • 5+ years in a senior leadership role guiding large, complex projects.

  • Proven success delivering multi-million-dollar projects on time and within budget.

• Skills:

  • Exceptional leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills.

  • Expertise in detailed project scheduling, budget planning, risk management, and contract management.

  • Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, SAP).

  • Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management capabilities.

• Education & Certifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.

  • Master’s degree or advanced certifications preferred.

  • PMP certification highly preferred; additional project management methodology certifications a plus.

• Industry Knowledge: Experience in logistics, material handling, or manufacturing is a plus.