Project Director - Construction

At CRB, we design and build some of the most powerful facilities in the world — those that change people's lives. We are the leading provider of sustainable Engineering, Architecture, Construction and Consulting solutions to the global life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our employees provide best-in-class solutions that drive success and positive change for our clients, our people and our communities.

About the role

The CRB Project Director (PD) develops and implements a plan to deliver required projects and services in the most effective and efficient manner possible, overseeing a single large project or multiple projects. This position supports business operations, negotiates contracts, works with estimating and bidding, manages profit/loss of assigned projects, and supervises project staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement execution strategies for successful project delivery.
• Establish CRB culture and core values; communicate with stakeholders and business leaders.
• Provide leadership and direction to the project team, fostering a "One Team" and "Lean" mindset.
• Build and maintain a healthy, high-performing team (CRB, sub-consultants, owner, and trade partners).
• Monitor team health and intervene as needed for internal and external teams.
• Manage end-to-end delivery of projects, including chartering, safety, design, pre-construction, permitting, construction, document control, procurement, C&Q, automation, consulting, and warranty periods.
• Ensure adherence to CRB’s Standard of Care, client policies, and all applicable laws.
• Set up and utilize management tools, systems, and best practices to meet KPIs (safety, pre-planning, execution, customer satisfaction, quality, schedule, profitability).
• Lead the CRB team and owner through Business Case Alignment and Chartering Phases.
• Develop and maintain project execution plans (PEP) and partner with preconstruction for constructability, procurement, logistics, scope reviews, and budgeting.
• Develop, manage, and maintain schedules, timelines, and financial forecasts.
• Monitor and approve costs, provide cost forecasting input, and authorize expenses/workflows.
• Negotiate project costs to ensure profitability and success.
• Ensure seamless transition from pre-construction to field activities, including pre-mobilization tasks (PEP, BEP, site requirements, permitting).
• Create a coordinated procurement plan, including LLE, trade partners, and subcontractors.
• Encourage early development of ETOP (Early Turnover Package) to ensure timely project completion.
• Lead estimate development, facilities reviews, and control scope creep.
• Spot-check quality documents, field reports, and logs for completeness and accuracy.
• Participate in site safety walks and ensure tracking software is used; establish rapport with client safety representatives.
• Develop project-specific quality management plans, monitor work sites, and address quality concerns.
• Complete quality documentation to ensure contract compliance.
• Participate in Pull Planning sessions to create clarity and common understanding.
• Validate financial forecasts for upcoming activities and protect CRB’s financial interests while maintaining client relationships.
• Build and maintain positive client relationships; manage client interactions and resolve conflicts.
• Conduct regular Principal-level meetings focused on KPIs and mutual success.
• Solicit client feedback on CRB performance and follow through as needed.
• Negotiate and manage client prime contracts, subcontracts, and vendor agreements.
• Identify business growth opportunities with new and existing clients using market knowledge.
• Participate in major pursuits as pursuit lead, developing and implementing strategies and action plans.
• Understand client negotiating strategies to maximize CRB’s position and leverage.
• Lead RFP responses, ensuring key differentiators and project-specific details are included.
• Prepare and coach presentation teams for client meetings.
• Maintain connections with CRB site teams and ensure planned resources are available.
• Identify team/project inefficiencies and address them with the project team.
• Monitor individual and team performance, provide coaching, and course-correct, including re-staffing as necessary.
• Promote high-performing team behaviors (respect for people, value-focused).
• Back up Senior PMs/PMs during PTO and support the team as needed.
• Hold team members accountable; issue Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) with HR/SDO involvement when necessary.
• Mentor, coach, and train team members; share construction knowledge and execution approaches.
• Create and maintain a supportive yet accountable environment.
• Support team members in achieving development goals and provide constructive feedback during review cycles.
• Ensure clarity on priority hiring needs related to project demands.
• Utilize network to identify and recruit candidates; participate in interviews to assess fit.
• Contribute to offer formulation (when hiring manager) and collaborate with Talent Acquisition throughout the hiring process.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum ten years of experience in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) Industry.
• Industry-specific certification, including but not limited to PMP and AECPM.
• Demonstrated success managing single large projects or a portfolio of smaller projects.
• Advanced understanding of core engineering disciplines, project execution, and delivery in design and construction.
• Experience managing the design process and relationships between design and construction to ensure quality, budget-conscious, and timely document delivery.
• Team-oriented individual capable of leading and managing integrated teams, including subcontractors.
• Understanding of integrated project delivery, including design, procurement, CQV (Commissioning, Qualification, Validation), and construction processes.
• Proficient in typical software tools (Microsoft Suite), safety, and scheduling.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Benefits

CRB offers a complete and competitive benefit package designed to meet individual and family needs.