Mission Critical Project Executive - Mechanical Construction

About the role

The Waldinger Corporation is seeking an experienced Mission Critical Project Executive to provide executive leadership for large‑scale, mission‑critical construction projects in the Midwest. Reporting through the Des Moines, IA branch operations, the Project Executive will own complex projects from planning and construction through commissioning and final closeout, driving safety, quality, financial, schedule, operational, and client‑satisfaction outcomes. The role sits at the intersection of project leadership, client relationships, financial performance, risk management, and team development, removing barriers, developing project leaders, strengthening operational practices, and positioning the organization for continued growth.

Responsibilities

• Financial Planning: Lead financial planning and establish accountability for project financial performance; evaluate estimates, forecasts, leading indicators, and results with teams; identify, communicate, and address financial risks, opportunities, and performance gaps.
• Operations Management: Maintain executive accountability for safety, quality, financial performance, schedule execution, operational readiness, and client satisfaction; ensure consistent application and improvement of established practices; provide direction, resources, and coordination needed to achieve objectives.
• Project Oversight: Provide executive oversight for complex projects and their leaders; set clear expectations, monitor project health, remove barriers, and direct issue resolution; align activities with organizational and client objectives and hold teams accountable for performance and outcomes.
• Client Relationship Ownership: Develop and maintain relationships with key client decision‑makers; act as a liaison between client and organizational leadership; coach project leaders in relationship building; partner with leadership to identify opportunities and build a strong pipeline of work.
• Risk Management: Oversee contract review, risk identification, and mitigation; give clear direction on contract requirements; support negotiation and resolution of complex contractual matters; ensure timely communication and action on risks to protect organizational and client commitments.
• Team Development: Develop project leaders by sharing knowledge and proven practices; establish accountability, promote collaboration, and support effective office and field environments; identify development needs and partner with leadership on training, performance, staffing, and succession; promote continuous improvement and professional development.
• Business Growth and Organizational Development: Support business growth through participation in strategic initiatives, process improvement, organizational development, and client growth opportunities; contribute as a leader and hands‑on participant to establish new capabilities, strengthen operations, and drive results.

Requirements

• 10+ years of project management experience, including 5–7 years of prior mission‑critical project management or senior leadership experience in construction or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, building construction, business, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Availability to relocate to the project site after a brief training period.
• Project will be large‑scale, mission‑critical, and located in the Midwest.
• Travel will be required.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation
• Health club reimbursement
• Wellness plan with lifestyle spending account
• 401(k) with company match and profit‑sharing
• Continuing education and advancement opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Term, AD&D, and dependent life insurance
• Prepaid legal services