Director of Projects

Orizon, a Spitzer company under the Race Rock platform is seeking a Project Director to lead the overall project management function in support of structural steel fabrication operations. This role is responsible for driving execution across multiple projects, ensuring alignment between project management, engineering, estimating, procurement, and shop operations.

This is a production-driven leadership role. Success is measured by delivering projects safely, on schedule, within budget, and with fabrication-ready engineering outputs that minimize rework and maximize shop efficiency.

The Project Director will lead project teams, interface with clients and EPC contractors, and ensure all project processes align with company objectives, customer requirements, and operational capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead and manage the company’s project management function across multiple projects and teams 
• Provide direction to Project Managers, Coordinators, and Administrators 
• Ensure projects are executed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with contract requirements 
• Drive job profitability, cost control, and overall financial performance 
• Identify and proactively resolve risks before they impact schedule, cost, or fabrication 

Change Order Management

• Lead and standardize the change order process across all projects 
• Ensure all scope changes are identified early, documented, priced, and submitted in a timely manner 
• Drive alignment between project management, engineering, and estimating to ensure accurate change order development 
• Review and approve pricing to protect margin and ensure full cost recovery 
• Interface with clients and EPC contractors to negotiate and close change orders 
• Track, forecast, and report change order status, exposure, and recovery against project financials 
• Ensure no work is performed without proper authorization unless strategically approved 

Cross-Functional Alignment

• Ensure alignment between project management, engineering, fabrication, and operations 
• Drive coordination between engineering deliverables and fabrication sequencing, shop capabilities, and production schedules 
• Support estimating during the bid phase and ensure proper project setup for execution 
• Partner with department leaders to ensure overall project success 

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary management interface with clients and EPC contractors 
• Attend client meetings and maintain strong, long-term relationships 
• Ensure clear and consistent communication of project status, risks, and deliverables 
• Support negotiation and resolution of commercial and technical issues 

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop project management teams 
• Manage employee performance, productivity, and professional growth 
• Foster a strong team culture focused on accountability, execution, and results 

Required Experience 

• Structural steel fabrication or heavy industrial environment 
• Proven leadership experience managing project management teams across multiple projects 
• Strong understanding of: 
  • Fabrication workflows and shop operations 
  • Project scheduling, cost control, and profitability 
  • Change order management and contract execution 
  • Engineering deliverables tied to production and execution 
• Experience working with EPC contractors (e.g., Fluor, Bechtel, etc.) 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field 
• 10+ years of experience in project management, engineering, or fabrication 
• Experience in AISC-certified environments 
• Familiarity with Tekla Structures, BIM workflows, and automated fabrication systems 
• Strong commercial acumen, including contracts, T&Cs, and change management 

Operational Expectations

• Projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget 
• Change orders are captured, priced, approved, and converted to revenue efficiently 
• Engineering and fabrication remain fully aligned and production-ready 
• RFIs, rework, and production delays are minimized 
• Project financial performance meets or exceeds targets 
• Strong client relationships are maintained and expanded 
• Teams operate with high accountability, communication, and execution discipline