Director of Projects – Industrial Coatings

Employment Type: Full-Time Industry: Industrial Coatings / Construction

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Director of Projects to lead and grow our outside projects division. This position is responsible for developing client relationships, pursuing new project opportunities, overseeing project execution, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the industrial coatings industry, strong project management and leadership skills, and the ability to build lasting relationships with customers, vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with existing and prospective clients, positioning the company as a trusted, go-to solutions provider for outside projects.
• Receive, evaluate, and respond to requests for proposals (RFPs), bid invitations, and other project opportunities.
• Partner with the Business Development team to maintain accurate bid data, including wins, losses, future opportunities, bid results, and competitive information.
• Work with company leadership to forecast revenue, manpower requirements, and future project needs.
• Identify and bid on target project opportunities that align with company goals, capabilities, and growth strategy.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Collaborate with site supervision, Quality Assurance, Safety, and company leadership to ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, and according to schedule.
• Provide leadership and direction to site supervisors, painters, blasters, and other project personnel.
• Manage project financials, schedules, resources, and coordination with customers, support staff, and administrative teams.
• Partner with purchasing and administrative teams to coordinate materials, equipment, transportation, manpower, and other project logistics.
• Ensure projects are effectively mobilized, executed, and demobilized.
• Identify, negotiate, document, and manage project change orders.
• Work with the administrative team to prepare monthly cost-to-complete reports, project financial updates, and billings.
• Provide regular project progress reports to clients, senior management, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor project performance and proactively address scheduling, financial, staffing, quality, safety, and customer-service issues.
• Work with leadership to develop and execute long-term growth strategies for the outside projects division.
• Contribute to the continued development of processes, procedures, and best practices that improve project performance and profitability.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Building Sciences, Construction Management, or a related field; comparable industry experience will be considered.
• 5–10 years of experience in the industrial coatings industry, preferably with progressive project management and leadership responsibilities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret construction plans, specifications, scopes of work, and technical documents.
• Thorough understanding of industrial coating means, methods, materials, specifications, and applicable industry standards.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, schedules, change orders, and financial performance.
• Strong understanding of construction/project management principles and field operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project scheduling software such as Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project.
• Excellent written, verbal, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• PMP or PMDP certification is a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Good driving record.
• Consistent access to reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass background requirements necessary for access to military installations and other secured project sites.
• Relocation to Virginia 

What We Offer

• 401(k)
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

To confidentially discuss YOUR next career opportunity in more detail, feel free to email me your updated resume at Chris.fore@gogpac.com or call/text me at (980) 376-2268

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.