Project Director - Baggage Handling Systems

J. A. Watts, Inc. (JWI) is a woman-owned professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we’re known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That’s how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, which makes us stronger together.  

The Project Director role is responsible for the overall operational, budgetary, and financial responsibilities and activities of the assigned project team(s) or department. The Project Director oversees and leads all activities of the designated project(s) to ensure goals and objectives are fully executed within the required timeframe and budget while exceeding client expectations and optimizing team performance. The Project Director shall lead by example and personify the Company’s Mission, Vision, and Values; taking ownership of their assigned project(s) or program. The Project Director will support baggage work at the Orlando International Airport and other airports, with travel anticipated up to 40% depending on those projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain relationships and drive development of new and existing client relationships with the clients as the primary JWI contact. Responsible for growing team through business development opportunities
• Responsible for the adherence and utilization of the JWI Playbook in delivering all projects
• Oversee and manage the project team through the entire project process
• Responsible for high level planning and programming analysis work including preparation of technical documents, testing plans, and proposals
• Serve as a positive and professional ambassador of JWI, fostering strong relationships with clients and strategic partners
• Drive strategic growth, lead capture plans, and manage high-level partnerships
• Own client/partner relationships 
• Own proposal process including the creation of proposals and staff plans
• Define the client’s project scope, budget, and schedule. Consult or negotiate as needed to finalize project specifications
• Contribute to strategic project planning discussions and meetings providing budget, staffing, and cost
• Manage the effective and positive communication between the client and Company
• Review and approve technical documents, design plans, cost estimates, and proposals
• Responsible for ensuring that project deliverables are on time, within budget, and at the required level of quality
• Manage approved budget and monitor actual expenses to ensure project stays within budget
• Communicate project details, including plans, progress, issues, and concerns to executive leadership team on a regular basis
• Responsible for the adherence and utilization of the JWI Playbook in delivering all projects
• Develop strategic client capture plan(s) to advance existing and new client relationships
• Secure new business by gathering client intel, identifying opportunities to submit on RFPs/RFQs, developing and negotiating contracts, and integrating contract requirements with business operations
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships to support and cultivate business opportunities by effectively communicating the business’s value to prospective clients and partners through presentations, meetings, and proposals
• Oversee project budgets, create and manage project forecasts, schedules and expenses; anticipate potential changes to budget, schedule, and expenses and provide guidance and analysis of changes
• Contribute to the pursuit process by providing a staff plan, project approach, schedule, and fee proposal as well as any additional operational requirements requested in the RFP/RFQ
• Partner with internal teams including Sales and Marketing, Human Resources, Accounting/Finance, Contracts Administration, and Safety, to augment and facilitate business development and operational practices to effectively lead, staff, and execute project(s) successfully
• Assist with succession planning, team training, employee reviews and development, talent acquisition (including interviews) and support the Human Resources function for department
• Manage the design process, review design submissions, and ensure compliance with project requirements
• Schedule and facilitate project meetings
• Timely submission, review and approval of timesheets and expense reports
• Coach, mentor, and develop employees by providing oversight, training, direction, and performance feedback in accordance with organizational policies and procedures
• Contribute to a workplace culture that is consistent with the company’s mission, vision, and core values in every internal and external interaction
• Contribute to the development and implementation of corporate policies and procedures
• Attend events and participate in various industry, professional, and networking associations
• Participate in and lead JWI Internal groups 
• Ensure the timely submission, review and approval of timesheets and expense reports
• Perform other duties as required/directed

• A bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering or equivalent work experience is required
• An advanced degree (MBA) is a plus
• Current OSHA30 certification required or ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire
• 15+ years of experience, most recently in a senior management role in project or construction management; aviation industries preferred
• 10+ years of relevant baggage handling project experience
• Excellent and timely oral and written communication skills. Proficient electronic communication skills (email, chat. etc.), a persuasive communicator with excellent interpersonal skills 
• Executive presence and stakeholder engagement 
• Excellent problem solving and strategic decision-making skills 
• Invoice process ownership and contract management skills 
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop a high-performance team, including negotiating and effectively resolving conflict
• Experienced on project budget development; understanding of JWI contract, responsible for JWI invoice, assist in proposal fee development 
• Strong ability to balance multiple priorities 
• General knowledge of various employment laws and practices; employee relations skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective solutions addressing process efficiency, project costs, budget parameters, team development, and client needs to achieve desired results
• Strong ability to work under pressure and communicate effectively in a team environment
• Ability to meet deadlines while remaining time conscious 
• Proven success in effectively using industry and professional network(s) to prospect, pursue, and secure new business and partnerships 
• Evidence of a high level of ethical behavior in exercising judgement and discretion in matters of significance
• Proficient using MS Office Suite and industry related project management software (e.g. Procore, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, MS Project, Excel)
• Familiarity with technological strategy and digital transformation tools 
• Ability to lead a program or multiple medium-sized projects, or part of one large project/program
• Experienced managing a portfolio
• Travel may be required depending on specific project needs or company business

Company Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employees and family
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available
• Company-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life options
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible work schedules
• Student debt repayment resources available 
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• ID Theft protection
• Company-sponsored social events

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.