Project Director

Role overview

Kitchell is looking for a seasoned Project Director to support its California region in the Greater Los Angeles area. This role is suited to someone who wants to grow with a progressive construction services organization and lead a long-term portfolio of public-sector work.

The position focuses on director-level construction management services across a regional program with multiple locations, centered on modernization and tenant improvement work for civic and public facilities. The projects are generally smaller in size but many will run at the same time. The role requires experience leading managers, strong contract expertise, and advanced working knowledge of MS Project. Because the job is heavily weighted toward preconstruction, scope definition, design review, contract review, and budget control, site visits are only occasional.

Key responsibilities

• Provide leadership and overall accountability for every project stage.
• Make sure project work follows client and company procedures, policies, and delivery standards.
• Help prepare and negotiate owner contracts, then ensure contractual obligations are met throughout delivery.
• Support the owner in selecting design professionals and consultants, and manage those contracts.
• Build project budgets, track costs, identify potential overruns, and recommend corrective actions.
• Create the master schedule, coordinate construction scheduling, review delay impacts, and drive schedule compliance.
• Lead the design review workflow and take part in value engineering discussions.
• Encourage bidder participation, run pre-bid meetings, review bid submissions, and recommend the preferred contractor.
• Plan and direct preconstruction work.
• Monitor preconstruction and construction progress, as well as team performance, to keep scope, schedule, budget, and contract requirements aligned.
• Ensure construction observation notes, progress updates, schedules, pay applications, and cost reports are completed and distributed.
• Guide project closeout, organize project records, and coordinate warranty-related follow-up.
• Handle other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a closely related discipline is preferred.
• 10 to 15+ years of experience in project and construction management within the public sector is required.
• Experience with judicial-sector work, the California Department of General Services (DGS), or city/county public works departments is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with clients and managing many different stakeholders is required.
• Previous experience as a Project Director is required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are required, along with the ability to build and sustain positive working relationships.
• Solid understanding of the architecture, engineering, and construction management industry, including current market conditions and professional networks, is required.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Project is required.
• Proficiency with Procore is preferred.
• CCM certification, DBIA certification, and/or LEED Professional Accreditation is strongly preferred.
• A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record without suspensions or restrictions are required.
• The role includes a larger-than-usual remote component, with occasional site visits across Southern California.
• The work setting includes both office and active construction environments, with possible exposure to outdoor conditions, heat, cold, wet weather, noise, atmospheric conditions, and confined spaces.
• The job is moderately physical and may require sitting, standing, walking, reaching, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting up to 20 pounds.

About Kitchell

Founded in 1950, Kitchell started as a commercial contracting company and expanded over time into a broader organization with multiple businesses serving the built environment. Its services include general contracting, construction management, development, facilities management, engineering, architecture, and other related disciplines. The company operates from major offices in Arizona, California, and Texas.

Kitchell emphasizes internal advancement, career development, and an entrepreneurial workplace. Employees have access to in-house learning, formal and informal mentoring, and cross-training opportunities. The company also offers a broad benefits package designed to support physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being.

Compensation and benefits

The annual base salary for this position is $173,000 to $217,000. Pay is determined by role level, location, market data, skills, education, experience, and internal equity, and the range may change at the company’s discretion.

• Company performance bonuses
• Discretionary stock options
• Incentive bonuses
• Health and life insurance
• Health savings accounts with wellness incentives
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) plan with a 4% company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Weight loss programs
• Discounted auto insurance
• Identity theft protection
• Rewards programs
• Additional employee benefits

Equal opportunity statement

Kitchell is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Additional information

This is an at-will employment relationship. The role has a strong remote component, but occasional travel for site visits is expected within the Southern California project area.

The company’s salary range information is based on market alignment and is subject to change at any time.