POSITION SUMMARY
The Director serves as a senior project delivery and client leadership resource responsible for the successful execution of an assigned portfolio of projects within the Business Unit. Working closely with Project Managers, Team Leaders, Division Leaders, Practice Leaders and Business Development staff, this position ensures projects and proposals are delivered safely, profitably, on schedule, within scope, and in accordance with Thompson Engineering's quality standards. While this position will have no staff directly reporting, the Director shall work to influence, guide and mentor staff throughout the Business Unit, promoting consistency in project management practices and technical delivery.
The Director serves as a trusted advisor to project teams and mentors project managers through influence rather than direct supervision, and acts as the primary relationship manager for designated clients. The position is accountable for portfolio performance, project assurance, risk management, client satisfaction, and supporting strategic growth initiatives. The Director shall report directly to the Business Unit Manager.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Project Portfolio Leadership
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Oversee the successful delivery of an assigned portfolio of projects across multiple markets, including municipal, state, federal, commercial, and industrial clients.
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Lead the design and delivery of project assurance reviews. Identify the requirements for and participate in the selection of internal or external participants, as required, to perform the quality review of project documents.
- Partner with Project Managers, Team Leaders and Division Leaders to establish project execution strategies that achieve scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and client satisfaction objectives.
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Review and approve project budgets, schedules, contracts, staffing plans, and significant project modifications consistent with delegated authority.
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Monitor project financial and operational performance, including backlog, utilization, profitability, schedule adherence, and client satisfaction.
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Provide guidance to project recovery efforts and corrective action planning for projects experiencing delivery, financial, resource, or client challenges.
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Promote effective management of project scope, risk, change orders, contract compliance, and resource utilization.
Project Manager DevelopmentMentorship
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Mentor and develop Project Managers by reinforcing company standards, project management best practices, and performance expectations.
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Provide guidance related to project planning, scope development, pricing strategies, scheduling, staffing, and risk management.
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Promote accountability and consistency in project management processes across the Business Unit.
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Share lessons learned and support the professional growth of emerging project leaders.
Client Relationship Management
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Serve as the primary relationship manager and senior point of contact for designated municipal, state, federal, commercial, and industrial clients.
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Maintain awareness of all active and proposed projects associated with assigned clients, regardless of project manager or discipline.
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Act as the escalation point for sensitive project issues, allowing project teams to remain focused on execution and delivery.
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Foster strong relationships with clients and identify opportunities to expand services and strengthen long-term partnerships.
Quality, RiskProject Assurance
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Serve a resource on project health assessments and project assurance reviews to verify projects are positioned to meet scope, budget, schedule, and quality objectives.
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Coordinate project reviews involving internal Practice Leads and external advisors when appropriate.
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Assist in identifying project risks, issues, dependencies, and constraints and ensure mitigation strategies are implemented.
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Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and quality management standards.
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Support the development and implementation of project management processes, quality procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Business DevelopmentStrategic Support
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Partner with Business Development staff, Practice Leaders, and operational leadership on major pursuits and strategic client initiatives.
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Contribute to go/no-go decisions, proposal strategies, scope development, fee estimates, staffing plans, potential teaming partnerships, and risk assessments.
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Participate in client presentations, interviews, and strategic planning discussions.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
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Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field required.
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Minimum fifteen (15) years of progressive experience in engineering, project management, project delivery, and client relationship management.
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Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and mentoring project managers.
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Experience serving municipal, governmental, commercial, industrial, or federal clients. Proven record of managing client relationships and achieving successful project performance outcomes.
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Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
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Ability to obtain licensure in additional states.
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Strong understanding of project management principles, financial performance metrics, contract administration, and risk management.
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Advanced knowledge of engineering design, construction practices, and project delivery methods.
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Strong leadership, mentoring, and organizational skills.
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Ability to influence project outcomes without direct supervisory authority.
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Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
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Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trusted client relationships.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
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Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and working at a computer.
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Ability to review plans, reports, specifications, and technical documents in electronic and printed formats.
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Ability to travel to client offices, project sites, and company locations as needed.
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Ability to navigate active construction sites and field environments while complying with applicable safety requirements.
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Ability to occasionally lift and carry documents, plans, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
CAREER PATH
This position represents a senior project delivery and client leadership role within Thompson Engineering.
Typical Career Progression:
Director Business Unit Leader Chief Operating Officer Chief Executive Officer
Founded in 1953, Thompson Engineering provides quality assurance and professional services for
construction projects supporting industrial, infrastructure, and community development. Our services
include drilling, materials testing, construction inspection, chemistry laboratory services, engineering
design, environmental assessments, surveying, geotechnical studies, and construction management.
Today, Thompson Engineering is recognized for leadership on projects that define skylines, coastlines, and
transportation networks across the Southeast. From project planning and design through construction and
completion, we deliver innovative solutions to complex infrastructure and building challenges for
industrial, commercial, transportation, federal, and municipal clients.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age,
disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or
local law.
