Project Executive- path to VP/COO

An established and growing general contractor based in Oak Brook is looking to appoint a Project Executive or Director of Project Management to join its senior leadership team.

The company has been operating successfully for 30 years and delivers projects across light industrial, mixed-use, commercial, corporate interiors, hospitality, retail and restaurants.

Projects range from smaller, fast-paced assignments to complex builds valued at up to $50M.

This is much more than a traditional Project Executive position. The successful candidate will initially learn the company, its clients, people and project delivery processes before progressing into a VP or COO-level role with responsibility for day-to-day operations and the entire project management function.

The long-term objective is for this person to take ownership of operational performance, freeing the President to focus on strategic growth, client development and the continued expansion of the business.

The Opportunity

• Join the senior leadership team of a stable, established and profitable contractor
• Oversee a diverse portfolio of projects valued at up to $50M
• Lead, mentor and develop the project management team
• Work directly alongside the President and learn every aspect of the business
• Influence operational strategy, processes, hiring and future growth
• Progress into a VP or COO position with responsibility for day-to-day operations
• Play a central role in shaping the next stage of a 30-year-old business
• Combine the stability of an established contractor with the opportunity and ambition of a growing company

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight across multiple active projects
• Support Project Managers and Senior Project Managers with planning, execution and problem-solving
• Monitor project financials, schedules, risk, quality and client satisfaction
• Establish consistency and accountability across the project management function
• Review project performance and intervene early when additional support is required
• Partner with preconstruction and field leadership to ensure smooth project handoffs and delivery
• Develop and mentor the next generation of project management leaders
• Strengthen operational systems and processes as the business continues to grow
• Maintain and expand relationships with key clients, architects, consultants and subcontractors
• Assist with recruiting, resource planning and team development
• Gradually assume responsibility for the company’s day-to-day project operations
• Work closely with the President on long-term business planning and growth strategy

Project Portfolio

The company delivers a varied mix of work across:

• Light industrial
• Mixed-use
• Commercial
• Corporate interiors
• Hospitality
• Retail
• Restaurants

Projects range in size up to approximately $50M and are primarily located throughout the Chicagoland market.

What They Are Looking For

• Significant project management and operational leadership experience with a general contractor
• A strong track record of delivering commercial construction projects
• Experience overseeing multiple projects and leading project management teams
• Strong financial, contractual and operational knowledge
• The ability to mentor people, establish accountability and improve performance
• A collaborative leadership style and the confidence to make difficult decisions
• Strong client-facing and relationship-building capabilities
• The ambition to progress beyond a Project Executive position
• Someone who wants to learn the business thoroughly before ultimately helping lead it

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a rare opportunity for a construction leader who wants genuine influence, autonomy and long-term career progression.

The company already has 30 years of history, approximately $200M in annual revenue and a strong foundation. The next step is to bring in a senior operational leader who can help professionalize and scale the business while protecting the culture and relationships that made it successful.

For the right person, this offers a defined opportunity to move from Project Executive or Director of Project Management into a VP or COO position and become one of the most important leaders in the company.