Director of Project Management

Title: Director of Project Management
EOE Statement: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Description
About CAGE Engineering
CAGE is a highly respected leader in civil engineering, land surveying, and construction management services—renowned for our innovative approach to land development consulting. We are a team of problem-solvers who thrive on delivering high-quality, client-focused solutions that shape communities for the better.
We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where team members are encouraged to lead, grow, and innovate. If you’re ready to help shape the future of civil engineering and make a lasting impact, CAGE is the place for you.
Position Summary

The Director of the Project Management is responsible for leading the firm's project management strategy, governance, financial oversight, and operational excellence across all projects. This position partners closely with executive leadership, market leaders, project managers, finance, and operations to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with the firm's strategic objectives.

The Director of PMO establishes standardized project management processes, develops project performance metrics, improves operational efficiency, and provides leadership to project managers while driving accountability for project profitability and client satisfaction.

Essential Responsibilities

Project Management Leadership

• Lead and oversee the firm's Project Management Office.
• Develop, implement, and maintain project management standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Establish consistent project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and reporting processes.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and coach Project Managers and Project Coordinators.
• Drive adoption of project management methodologies across the organization.

• Monitor project financial performance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review project budgets, labor utilization, overhead allocation, profitability, and cash flow.
• Partner with Finance and Accounting to ensure accurate project setup, revenue recognition, invoicing, and forecasting.
• Identify projects at financial risk and develop corrective action plans.
• Monitor work-in-progress (WIP), earned revenue, backlog, AR aging and project profitability.
• Assist project managers with project budgeting and financial planning.

Resource Planning & Utilization

• Develop and oversee firm-wide resource planning processes.
• Collaborate with department leaders to optimize staff utilization.
• Balance workloads across offices and disciplines.
• Forecast staffing needs based on project pipeline.
• Monitor utilization metrics and recommend staffing adjustments.

Project Controls & Governance

• Establish project governance standards and quality controls.
• Conduct project health reviews and risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contracts, and client requirements.
• Implement project dashboards and reporting tools.
• Standardize project documentation and workflows.

Performance Metrics & Reporting

Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) including:

• Project profitability
• Gross margin
• Budget variance
• Labor utilization
• Schedule performance
• Accounts receivable aging
• Work-in-progress (WIP)
• AR Aging
• Backlog
• Project closeout performance
• Change order tracking
• Client satisfaction metrics
• Provide executive leadership with timely reporting and strategic recommendations.

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with executive leadership on strategic initiatives.
• Identify operational improvements that increase project efficiency and profitability.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, and organizational growth initiatives as needed.
• Evaluate project management software and technology enhancements.
• Lead change management efforts related to project delivery.

Client & Business Support

• Support project managers in developing project management plans.
• Participate in major client meetings when appropriate.
• Assist with contract reviews and project risk analysis.
• Help resolve project issues affecting schedule, scope, budget, or client satisfaction.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required.
• Master's degree (MBA or related discipline) preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive project management experience within the Architecture, Engineering, or Construction (AEC) industry.
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple complex projects and project teams.
• Strong understanding of professional services and financial management.
• Experience developing PMO standards and organizational processes preferred.

Preferred Skills

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Exceptional analytical and financial acumen.
• Strategic planning and organizational leadership.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to influence without direct authority.
• Strong organizational and change management capabilities.

Technical Skills

Experience with:

• Deltek Vantagepoint (preferred)
• Microsoft Office Products
• Business intelligence and reporting tool

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Increased project profitability
• Improved project delivery performance
• Higher utilization rates
• Reduced project write-offs
• Improved schedule adherence
• Improved forecasting accuracy
• Reduced WIP aging
• Increased on-time invoicing
• Standardized PM processes across the firm
• Improved client satisfaction
• Enhanced employee engagement among project managers

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Financial Management
• Operational Excellence
• Coaching & Talent Development
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Executive Communication
• Change Leadership
• Decision Making
• Accountability
• Continuous Improvement

Why Lead With Us
Strategic Growth & Impact

• Leadership development programs & mentorship opportunities
• Clear paths for advancement and influence
• Tuition reimbursement & access to executive-level training

• Inclusive, collaborative environment where leaders shape the future
• Annual all-team meeting to align, celebrate, and energize
• Team-led book clubs, social events, and cause-driven initiatives

• Compensation: $130,000-$170,000
• The salary range provided is a general guideline. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, and overall alignment with the role and company needs
• Bonus opportunities tied to individual, team, and company success

• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage (with HSA options)
• Mental wellness support & wellness reimbursement
• Work-life balance with flexible time off and hybrid work options

• Flex Time Off – no accruals
• Paid parental leave
• 30-day sabbatical after 5 years
• 7 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday

• 401(k) with and up to 4% match, fully vested from day one
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee discounts

Join Us!
At CAGE, you’ll lead with purpose, collaborate with passionate professionals, and help deliver projects that have a real impact. We take pride in developing leaders who drive innovation, prioritize client satisfaction, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
CAGE Civil Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We also do not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies without prior written approval.
Location - Lisle, IL
Full-Time