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. This position reports through the Des Moines, IA branch operations. The role offers ownership of complex projects from planning and construction through commissioning and final closeout, leading teams toward exceptional safety, quality, financial, schedule, operational, and client satisfaction outcomes. The Project Executive will work 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: Leads financial planning and establishes accountability for the financial performance of assigned projects. Evaluates estimates, forecasts, leading indicators, and project results with project teams to support informed decisions and timely corrective action. Owns project performance and ensures financial risks, opportunities, and performance gaps are identified, communicated, and addressed promptly.
• Operations Management: Maintains executive accountability for project safety, quality, financial performance, schedule execution, operational readiness, and client satisfaction. Ensures established practices are applied consistently and improved when needed. Provides project teams with direction, resources, organizational support, and coordination to achieve objectives.
• Project Oversight: Provides executive oversight for complex projects and the project leaders responsible for their delivery. Establishes clear expectations, monitors project health, removes barriers, and directs resolution of issues affecting outcomes. Ensures alignment with organizational and client objectives and accountability for performance and outcomes.
• Client Relationship Ownership: Develops and maintains relationships with key client decision-makers and serves as a connection between client and organizational leadership. Coaches project leaders in building strong client relationships and partners with leadership to identify opportunities and pursuits supporting a strong pipeline of work.
• Risk Management: Oversees contract review, risk identification, and mitigation activities for assigned projects and teams. Provides direction on contract requirements, supports negotiation and resolution of complex contractual matters, and ensures timely communication and action to protect organizational and client commitments.
• Team Development: Develops project leaders by sharing knowledge, experience, and proven practices. Establishes accountability, promotes collaboration, and supports an effective environment for office and field teams. Identifies development needs and partners with leadership to address training, performance, staffing, and succession priorities. Promotes continuous improvement and professional development.
• Business Growth and Organizational Development: Supports business growth through strategic initiatives, process improvement, organizational development, and client growth opportunities. Contributes as both 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 related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Availability to relocate to the project location after a brief training period.
• The project will be a large-scale, mission-critical project located in the Midwest.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Growth potential with a stable company
• 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 insurances
• Prepaid Legal