Director - SPG Construction Projects

About Us: Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly, LLC is a fourth-generation family-owned construction company and a recognized industry leader. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, Washington, and Milwaukie, Oregon, we specialize in commercial and heavy industrial projects. Our exceptional team, honored with national safety and quality control awards, thrives in a dynamic and family-oriented work environment. Explore our legacy, projects, and opportunities at

Summary: JH Kelly has grown into one of the largest mechanical contractors in the Pacific Northwest. The Director of Special Projects Group (SPG) is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of specialized construction projects, focusing on tenant improvements and the renewal of building components that have reached the end of their serviceable life. This role involves providing engineered solutions tailored to the unique needs of these projects, ensuring that all desired outcomes are met and exceeded.

The director acts as a resource for the project team, offering executive-level oversight throughout the project lifecycle, from planning and design through execution and closeout. The successful candidate will be strategic, decisive, collaborative, and possess strong leadership skills, with a focus on driving excellence, fostering client relationships, and ensuring operational efficiency.

Salary Range: $145,000 - $176,000 per year, depending on experience (DOE). This is an exempt position.

JH Kelly offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) retirement plans.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the executive team to develop and implement strategic plans that align with the company’s objectives for the Seattle Special Projects Group.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the special projects team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the planning, scheduling, and execution of all special projects, with a focus on tenant improvements and the renewal of building components.
• Serve as an executive-level resource for project teams, offering expertise and guidance to ensure all project outcomes are met and exceeded.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure customer satisfaction and foster repeat business.
• Monitor project performance metrics, including timelines, budgets, safety records, and client feedback, and implement strategies to optimize project efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure that project teams adhere to industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies, maintaining a high level of compliance and risk management.
• Implement best practices in project management, including resource allocation, risk management, and quality control, to enhance operational efficiency and project outcomes.
• Collaborate with other department leaders to standardize processes and procedures that improve project delivery and profitability across the organization.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, and innovation within the Seattle Special Projects Group.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing team of project managers and support staff, fostering a culture of professional growth and operational excellence.
• Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and project excellence throughout the Seattle Special Projects Group.
• Collaborate with the finance team to develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports for all special projects.
• Analyze project financial performance, identify trends, and implement strategies to maximize profitability and return on investment (ROI).
• Represent the Seattle Special Projects Group in executive meetings, providing insights and recommendations to drive business growth and success.

Relationships:

• Maintain proactive and positive relationships within the JH Kelly operating groups and teams, including shop and field craft personnel.
• Foster positive relationships with customer representatives, vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, safety, CAD/BIM, accounting, IT, and all project teams.

Experience / Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in managing specialized construction projects, with at least 5 years in a leadership or senior management role.
• Proven track record of successfully leading tenant improvement projects and the renewal of building components, including design, procurement, construction, and closeout.
• Must be willing to travel as required for project sites, client meetings, and company-related activities. Travel frequency and duration depend on project demands.

Necessary Skills:

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain…