Project Executive

Job Description

Project Executive

Preconstruction Through Closeout

(On-Site, Columbus, Ohio. Reports to Senior Operations Leadership)

When a project begins long before the first shovel touches the ground, someone has to carry the vision from sketch to structure. This role leads the full preconstruction journey and then guides the project through execution with clarity, relationship strength, and a calm hand on the wheel. You'll be the connective tissue between owners, designers, internal teams, and the field, ensuring alignment, transparency, and momentum.

This is the person who can interpret a client's objectives, rally a cross-functional team, shape early budgets and schedules, and then shepherd the work through construction with discipline and diplomacy. If you thrive at the intersection of strategy, communication, and hands-on problem solving, this is a place where your leadership won't just be appreciated, it will be felt.Key ResponsibilitiesPreconstruction Leadership

Serve as the primary point of responsibility from project inception, aligning owners, design partners, trade partners, and internal teams around a shared plan.

Lead internal kickoff meetings and facilitate early coordination sessions with owners, architects, and consultants.

Partner with marketing and pursuit teams to articulate the organization's preconstruction strengths during the selling phase.

Coordinate design-phase collaboration among estimating, project management, and design partners to ensure clarity and constructability.

Develop, manage, and protect the project budget; lead value-engineering discussions when needed.

Establish financial controls with the owner and ensure transparency around cost evolution.

Support the creation of conceptual and preliminary construction schedules with clear milestone expectations.

Produce monthly updates outlining schedule status, budget health, major risks, and decision points.

Provide cost-impact reviews on design alternatives and guide owners toward informed decisions.

Host in-house pre-start meetings and represent the project during OwnerArchitectContractor sessions.

Support development of project-specific contracts, forms, and process improvements.Project Executive Responsibilities (Construction Phase)

Introduce owners and design teams to internal procedures, documentation standards, and communication expectations.

Establish and communicate the full matrix of responsibilities across the project team, ensuring alignment with contractual requirements.

Define project-specific criteria (wage rates, tax considerations, escalation factors, insurance, contingencies, etc.).

Build and maintain trust-based relationships with owners and architects; actively seek visibility into future opportunities.

Conduct monthly leadership meetings with the owner and design leads to ensure schedule/financial alignment and timely issue resolution.

Provide real-time feedback to senior operations leadership on client satisfaction, risk indicators, and team performance.Relationship Building & Market Engagement

Develop strong networks with design professionals within targeted markets to support future pursuits and reinforce the organizations reputation.

Partner with marketing, estimating, and operational teams to ensure consistent messaging and strong visibility in local markets.

Maintain open communication with internal leadership to coordinate capacity planning and upcoming workloads.

Leverage knowledge of varying delivery models (GC, CM, DesignBuild, etc.) to recommend the most effective approach for each opportunity.

Share unique project conditions, constraints, or risks with estimators and project managers early and proactively.Business Development Support

Cultivate relationships with prospective and past clients to generate new work opportunities.

Support pursuit efforts and key project presentations, especially those outside traditional lump-sum environments.

Provide insight on emerging markets, client segments, and potential opportunities to business development leadership.

Help evaluate projects and clients using established selection criteria.

Participate in promotional, pursuit, and follow-up activities throughout the life of assigned projects.Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

10+ years of progressive experience in the construction industry, including 56 years in project management, preconstruction, or conceptual estimating.Skills & Strengths

Ability to influence, persuade, and align diverse stakeholders.

Strong analytical thinking, negotiation instincts, and structured problem-solving abilities.

Clear, professional communication, written and verbal across all levels and functions.

Comfortable with travel as required by project needs.

Exceptional organization, planning, and prioritization skills.

Strong interpersonal awareness and relationship-management capabilities.

Solid technical proficiency with construction software and digital tools.

Skilled at listening to client needs and translating them into practical, cost-effective solutions.

Full-time