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Project Director

Cogent IBS, IncUnited States🇺🇸United StatesPosted 9 Sept 2026

Quick Overview

Salary
$70 - $100/hr
Seniority
Leader
Work mode
On Site
Location
United States
Posted
21 hours ago
BudgetingContinuous ImprovementForecastingPMPPortfolio ManagementRisk ManagementStakeholder Management

Job Description

Role: Project Director - Material Handling environment is highly preferred.
Location: MAtlanta, Grand Rapids, Dallas,Rochester or Milwaukee - Onsite must
Full Time 
 
Job Description Summary: The Project Director (Expert Level PM) is the most senior individual contributor role within the project management function, entrusted with leading the delivery of the organization’s most complex, high-value, and strategically critical project, typically exceeding $70–100M in scope. This expert-level position demands exceptional project leadership, deep cross-functional insight, and the ability to navigate high-stakes environments with precision and influence.
 
The Project Director brings expertise in project management methodologies, stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, and change leadership. A key focus of this role is building and sustaining strong, trust-based relationships with customers.  This role will serve as a strategic partner who ensures alignment between project outcomes and client expectations.
 
Operating without direct supervisory responsibilities, the Project Director leverages influence, credibility, and deep domain knowledge to:
  • Guide project teams through ambiguity and complexity.
  • Align project execution with organizational strategy and business goals.
  • Ensure delivery excellence—on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
  • Champion a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
This role is instrumental in shaping the organization’s reputation for project excellence and customer-centric delivery. 
Strategic Project Leadership:
  • Provide expert project management guidance and support to executive leadership in the planning and execution of strategic initiatives.
  • Assist in defining project goals and objectives, ensuring they are aligned with organizational strategy and business priorities.
  • Conduct thorough project assessments and feasibility studies to identify potential risks and challenges.
  • Advise the optimal project management methodology and approach for specific initiatives.
Complex Project Execution & Governance:
  • Lead the planning and execution of the most complex, high-visibility, and cross-functional projects and programs.
  • Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope definition, work breakdown structures, resource allocation, budget management, and risk management strategies.
  • Oversee project governance, ensuring adherence to established policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Act as a mentor and advisor to project managers and project teams, providing guidance and support on project management for best practices.
  • Identify and proactively manage project risks, issues, and dependencies, escalating as necessary.
  • Develop and implement effective communication plans to keep stakeholders informed of project progress and status. 
Key Responsibilities
    Stakeholder Engagement & Influence:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including customers, executive leadership, business owners, and project team members.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, providing expert guidance and support on project-related matters.
  • Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between project teams and external customers.
  • Influence project decisions and outcomes through expert knowledge, data-driven analysis, and persuasive communication.
Project Portfolio Management & Optimization:
  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of the project portfolio roadmap, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
  • Identify opportunities to optimize the project portfolio, improving efficiency and maximizing ROI.
  • Participate in project prioritization and resource allocation decisions.
  • Analyze project performance data and identify areas for improvement across the portfolio.
Knowledge Sharing & Best Practices:                      
  • Identify, document, and disseminate project management best practices across the organization.
  • Develop and deliver training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of project management professionals. 
  • Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and lead project teams and stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership and board members.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve complex project issues.
  • Deep understanding of financial management principles and practices.
  • Ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions to project challenges.
  • Proven ability to mentor and coach project managers and team members.
  • Deep understanding of organizational governance and decision-making processes.
  • Ability to analyze complex situations, develop innovative solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
  • Deep understanding of risk management principles and practices, with the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.
  • Deep understanding of project budgeting, forecasting, and financial management principles.
  • Demonstrated expertise in the principles and practices of change management.
  • Expert proficiency in using project management tools.
Experience Desired:                           
  • Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in project management, with a focus on leading highly complex, strategic projects and programs.
  • Proven track record of successfully managing complex, high-impact projects with significant organizational impact.
  • Demonstrated expertise in stakeholder management at all levels of the organization, including executive leadership.
  • Experience developing and implementing project management standards and methodologies.
  • Experience managing project budgets and financial performance.
  • Experience negotiating complex contracts and managing vendor relationships.
  • Experience managing project risks and issues.
  • Experience with project management methodologies.
  • Experience working in a matrixed environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Experience managing projects in a Material Handling environment is highly preferred. 
Education & Certifications: 
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Project Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration).
  • Master's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field is highly desired.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly preferred.
  • Additional certifications in project management methodologies are a plus.
Direction and Key Working Relationships:
  • Works independently, providing expert guidance and support to project teams and stakeholders. Operates with a high degree of autonomy and accountability.
  • Internal: Executive Leadership, Senior Management, Project Managers, Project Teams, and Stakeholders across all departments.
  • External: Interacts with external vendors, consultants, and clients, independently managing those relationships within the scope of assigned projects. Represents the organization in external project-related meetings and communications.
  • Travel: Up to 40% travel may be required to support project execution. 
 

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