Project Director (Lynchburg, VA)

PROJECT DIRECTOR ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Project Ownership (Write + Run Your Own Work)

• Visit new assignments, document full scope, and ensure the scope is clearly understood by the customer.
• Create accurate estimates and budgets to ensure completion at targeted gross margins.
• Assume full responsibility for your project financials including pricing, costs, margins, and budget creation.
• Establish payment terms, including progress billings and deductible collection, in accordance with company standards.
• Manage and collect all outstanding A/R for your assigned projects—directly or through internal partnerships with the Accounting team.
• Establish a completion schedule that is achievable and clearly communicated to the customer.
• Acquire, direct, and manage subcontractors; prepare and negotiate subcontractor agreements within company guidelines.
• Provide detailed quality control through frequent jobsite visits and monitoring of subcontractor work.
• Manage project deadlines on multiple projects simultaneously, adjusting as needed to protect margin and customer experience.
• Prepare and execute all change orders and supplements.
• Manage jobsite safety in alignment with OSHA and Merit safety policies.
• Prepare and complete punch list items; secure certificate of satisfaction at project completion.
• Resolve conflicts, warranty concerns, and other complaints as needed.
• Uphold all company policies, procedures, and safety standards at all times.

Player–Coach Responsibilities (Mentoring + Elevating Core Claims PMs)

• Support CCPMs in achieving strong TPA program compliance and POM scores.
• Assist PMs with difficult customers, escalations, or complex job scenarios when appropriate.
• Partner with the Branch Manager to strengthen accountability, job readiness, and PM performance across the office.
• Help identify training, development, and skill-building opportunities for PMs.
• Provide ongoing guidance on documentation, budget creation, scheduling, and margin protection.
• Work alongside Branch Manager to setup joint job walks to coach on scoping, estimating, and customer communication
• Review CCPM job financial performance and provide coaching improvement insights

Operational & Quality Leadership

• Review and inspect work performed to ensure Merit standards are met.
• Minimize Merit’s exposure to risk by enforcing quality, documentation, and contract compliance.
• Track project budgets and expenses to protect and exceed margin targets.
• Interpret and relay building plans and specifications accurately.
• Manage inspection processes to ensure compliance with local/national codes and other building details.
• Participate in company-sponsored marketing functions and events when needed.
• Communicate throughout the project with the customer, the assigned PMs, Accounting, and internal stakeholders.

Client Management

• Manage day-to-day client interaction and communication.
• Set and manage realistic customer expectations.
• Communicate effectively with clients to identify needs and evaluate solutions.
• Resolve or escalates issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Communicate difficult or sensitive information tactfully.
• Build alliances and relationships with adjusters, carriers, and key partners to improve performance and referral flow.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Confident to speak candidly, assume roles and tasks, and report back clearly on outcomes and impact.
• Able to make professional decisions in a fast-paced environment and own the results.
• Strong leadership instincts with the ability to mentor and uplift developing PMs.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Capable in both a leadership and team-player role.
• Three years of insurance restoration experience preferred; commercial a plus.
• In-depth understanding of the company, our values, and our position in the industry.
• Experience in construction, restoration, or related trades preferred but not required.
• Knowledgeable in reading and interpreting building plans and specifications.
• Strong subcontractor bid solicitation and negotiation skills.
• Working knowledge of Xactimate preferred; proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) required.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and time-management skills with the ability to communicate professionally with all stakeholders.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development