Div./Dept.: Industrial Automation Group – Project Management
Location: Temecula, CA
Position Overview
The Director of Project Management is a senior leadership position responsible for the successful delivery of ATSI’s systems integration and automation projects. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role leads the Project Management Team (PMT), overseeing a team of Project Managers and supporting staff who manage schedules, budgets, client communications, and execution across all project phases.
Working in close collaboration with the Directors of Engineering and Operations, the Director of Project Management ensures alignment between project scope, technical requirements, field deployment, and client expectations. The role is both strategic and execution-focused, requiring a leadership style that balances high-level oversight with hands-on problem-solving and active engagement in critical project decisions.
Success in this role requires deep expertise in project lifecycle management, exceptional communication, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a dynamic and technical environment. The ideal candidate brings strong organizational instincts, technical literacy, and a commitment to continuous improvement in project delivery outcomes.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
General Duties
- Lead and develop the PMT team, providing coaching, mentorship, and directions to Project Managers handling SCADA, controls, and automation projects.
- Partner with executive leadership to define and refine project delivery standards, reporting mechanisms, and client engagement strategies.
- Actively participate in project planning, budgeting, and kickoff meetings to ensure alignment between stakeholders, scope, and technical execution.
- Champion process improvements that drive schedule adherence, cost control, and enhanced project transparency.
- Represent the PMT in executive and interdepartmental meetings, providing input on resource planning and strategic initiatives.
Supervision and Coordination
- Oversee workload distribution, project assignments, and performance management across the project management team.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Operations leadership to align schedules, resourcing, and field readiness with project milestones.
- Resolve interdepartmental bottlenecks and prioritize initiatives to maintain on-time, on-budget project execution.
- Ensure project managers maintain strong client relationships, clear communication, and timely responsiveness throughout the project lifecycle.
- Facilitate cross-functional team meetings to assess progress, identify risks, and reinforce accountability at every project phase.
Project Oversight
- Ensure project scopes are clearly defined, thoroughly estimated, and communicated to both internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Monitor project schedules, budgets, and deliverables using ATSI’s ERP system, proactively addressing risks and deviations.
- Oversee project documentation, submittal tracking, change order management, and closeout procedures.
- Lead regular project reviews and post-mortem evaluations to extract lessons learned and enhance future delivery practices.
- Maintain visibility into critical path activities and ensure timely handoffs between engineering, procurement, and field services.
Project Management Leadership
- Standardize project management practices, templates, and reporting structures to promote consistency across all projects.
- Drive adoption of project management software tools and digital workflows that enhance collaboration, data integrity, and decision-making.
- Provide executive reporting on portfolio performance, including financial metrics, earned value, and schedule health.
- Serve as a mentor and escalation point for complex project issues, offering solutions that balance risk, opportunity, and client satisfaction.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning, team development, and ownership across the project management organization.
Strategic Execution & Performance Optimization
- Develop KPIs and dashboards to measure PMT effectiveness and identify areas for tactical improvement and strategic investment.
- Align project management workflows with evolving business goals, customer needs, and market conditions.
- Conduct portfolio analysis to inform resource forecasting, hiring needs, and operational capacity planning.
- Support proposal development and contract review processes to ensure clarity of terms and alignment with project delivery capabilities.
Certifications & Qualifications (Required)
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field from an accredited institution (master’s degree preferred).
- Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in good standing.
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional technical teams in SCADA, industrial controls, or systems integration projects within water/wastewater, energy, or manufacturing sectors.
- Advanced proficiency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, project scheduling tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera, Smartsheet), and collaborative platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive).
- Strong working knowledge of California public works contracting, prevailing wage compliance, and applicable safety and labor regulations governing engineering and construction activities.