Project Director

Overall Mission

The Project Director leads and oversees a team of project managers and program managers responsible for delivering a portfolio or large-scale program.

He/She ensures excellence in project execution by driving performance across safety, quality, cost, and schedule, while providing strategic direction, governance, and operational support within a complex, multi-project environment.

This role combines portfolio leadership, team management, strategic alignment, and cross-functional coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and coordinate cross-functional teams (subject matter experts, clients, suppliers) to effectively resolve complex technical, quality, schedule, risk, and cost challenges.
• Manage priorities and workload across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring successful delivery within defined timelines.
• Define and implement project management frameworks, systems, and controls to ensure consistent, high-quality, and reliable project delivery.
• Provide strategic direction to project managers and program managers to optimize cross-functional collaboration and portfolio execution.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members (project and program managers), supporting both current performance and future growth.
• Foster a strong team culture by recognizing achievements and proactively addressing performance gaps.
• Promote identification of additional business opportunities through client interactions and project delivery.
• Ensure early identification of risks and issues, and implement effective mitigation and corrective actions before impacting project outcomes.
• Contribute to resource planning and optimization across the Business Unit to ensure efficient delivery of products and services.
• Support the development of long-term operational strategies, including partnerships with key clients.

Accountabilities

• Ensure overall excellence in project and program management across the assigned portfolio or Business Unit segment.
• Guarantee that all projects comply with contractual commitments in terms of scope, cost, schedule, and quality.
• Provide independent oversight and operational support to the full project portfolio in coordination with the EPMO.
• Contribute to short-term execution strategies while supporting long-term business objectives.
• Participate in cost estimation, strategic planning, and project setup for new business opportunities.
• Drive organizational efficiency through optimized resource allocation and execution strategies.

The Project Director operates with a high degree of autonomy, making decisions within the general guidelines set by senior leadership.

Working Relationships

Reporting to a Senior Director or Vice President, the Project Director:

• Manages a team of experienced professionals (project managers, program managers, and/or project controllers), typically up to 15 direct reports.
• Works closely with:
  • Business Unit leadership and segment managers
  • Project and program managers
  • Engineering, operations, and support functions
  • EPMO and internal governance teams
  • Clients, suppliers, and partners

The role requires strong engagement with senior stakeholders, including the ability to influence leadership decisions and secure alignment across internal and external parties.

Profile

• Master’s degree (Engineering, Business, Project Management, Construction Management, or equivalent). An MBA is a plus.
• 15+ years of experience in project and/or program management within engineering, construction, manufacturing, or nuclear environments.
• Proven leadership experience managing large, multidisciplinary, and matrixed teams.
• Strong ability to analyze complex situations and make strategic decisions.
• Demonstrated experience in driving issue resolution through to closure.
• Solid understanding of:
  • Project and program management methodologies
  • Contract management and commercial terms
  • Strategic planning and portfolio management
• Knowledge of the nuclear industry and regulatory environment is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with Westinghouse products and services is a plus.
• Strong experience in change management and driving operational improvements.
• Fluent English required; additional languages are a strong plus.
• Certifications such as PMP or PgMP are highly desirable.

Key Skills

Technical & Business Skills

• Portfolio and program management
• Project governance and control systems
• Risk, cost, and schedule management
• Contract and commercial understanding
• Strategic planning and execution
• Resource planning and optimization

Leadership Skills

• Ability to lead and influence senior stakeholders
• Strong decision-making in complex environments
• Coaching and development of managers
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Change management and transformation leadership
• Ability to operate autonomously with limited supervision

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a candidate who can:

• Lead complex project portfolios with strong operational rigor
• Provide clear strategic direction while ensuring execution excellence
• Build and develop high-performing teams of managers
• Operate effectively in matrix and international environments
• Drive performance, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Engage and influence senior stakeholders and clients
• Balance short-term delivery and long-term strategic development