Director of Project Operations, Industrial Systems

As a Lead Project Portfolio Manager, you will oversee the strategic execution of complex system upgrades and retrofits within active industrial environments. You will drive operational excellence by mentoring high-performing teams, managing multi-million dollar budgets, and ensuring that all project milestones are met with precision and safety. Responsibilities

• Direct the end-to-end lifecycle of a diverse project portfolio, optimizing resource allocation and scheduling to ensure timely delivery.
• Provide leadership and professional development to a team of Site Project Managers and Field Technicians to foster a culture of accountability.
• Act as the primary executive liaison for key clients, managing expectations and resolving high-level project escalations.
• Maintain rigorous financial oversight, including budget forecasting, cost control, and the application of stage-gate governance.
• Collaborate with sales and account teams during the pre-contract phase to validate project scope, timelines, and technical feasibility.
• Develop and refine standardized operational playbooks to improve efficiency and safety protocols in live, commissioned environments.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts between regional execution teams to ensure seamless integration of major system modifications.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 8+ years of experience in project or program management within industrial, manufacturing, or automation sectors.
• 3+ years of direct people leadership experience with a focus on team development.
• Proven track record of managing complex project schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Proficiency in enterprise project management software such as Smartsheet or SAP.
• Ability to travel up to 50% to support on-site project execution and stakeholder meetings., * PMP or PgMP certification.
• Deep technical understanding of mechanical and electrical systems in complex environments.
• Experience scaling new teams or establishing standardized project delivery frameworks.