Project Director

Job Purpose

J. A. Watts, LLC. (JWI) is a woman-owned professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we're known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That's how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, which makes us stronger together.  

This role is responsible for leading, managing, and communicating all aspects of the assigned project(s), including but not limited to design, planning, implementation, cost efficiency, and client satisfaction. The Project Director is responsible for the ultimate success of the project team members. The Project Director will be onsite support for Baggage Handling System (BHS) projects at DFW airport and future support for BHS projects in various locations. Support for future BHS projects will include travel estimated at 4-8 days per month.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Maintain and build relationships of new and existing clients as the primary JWI contact
• Oversee and manage the project team through the entire project process
• Establish project objectives, goals, procedures and performance standards within boundaries of company policy and contract specifications
• Ensure effective and positive communication as the point of contact between the client and company
• Define the client's project scope, budget and schedule. Consult or negotiate as needed to finalize project specifications
• Review and approve technical documents, designs plans, specifications, proposals and cost estimates
• Responsible for ensuring project deliverables are on time, within budget, and at the required level of quality
• Manage approved budget and monitor actual expenses to ensure project remains within budget
• Analyze out of budget expenses and confirm they are offset in other areas of the project, unless justified
• Communicate project details, including plans, progress, issues, and concerns to senior leadership team on a regular basis
• Evaluate team adherence to the JWI Playbook and ensure consistent application of project management processes
• Effectively communicate the business value to prospective clients and partners through presentations, meetings and proposals
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships to support and cultivate business opportunities
• Attend and participate with various industry and professional groups and networking associations
• Communicate with senior leadership team about future partnerships and projects
• Coach, mentor, and develop team by providing oversight, training, direction, and performance feedback in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
• Contribute to a workplace culture that is consistent with the company's mission, vision, and core values in every internal and external interaction
• Perform other duties as required/directed

• A bachelor's degree in construction management or engineering or equivalent work experience
• Project Management certification (PMP) or Professional Engineer is a plus
• 15+ years of experience in project or construction management; aviation industries preferred
• 10+ years of relevant baggage handling experience
• Ability to manage complex phasing, design-build contracts, and a desire to be both client-facing and run project job sites
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective solutions addressing process efficiency, project costs, budget parameters and customer demands to achieve desired results
• Ability to balance multiple priorities, work under pressure and communicate effectively in a team environment and meet deadlines
• Evidence of a high level of ethical behavior in exercising judgment and discretion in matters of significance
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop a team, including the ability to negotiate and effectively resolve conflict
• Advanced organizational and management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; a persuasive communicator with excellent interpersonal skills

Company Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employee and family
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending