Project Executive - Industrial

Overview

Lead industrial projects, drive business growth, oversee from acquisition to delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• business development
• rfq response
• cost management
• risk mitigation
• client management
• project oversight

Tasks

As a Project Executive, you will be instrumental in driving business success within the Industrial Business Unit, overseeing multiple high-profile projects from acquisition through execution. Acting as the “executive in charge,” your primary objectives will be to secure new business, maintain strong client relationships, and ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest safety standards. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to win business, foster client satisfaction, and deliver exceptional project outcomes. -Industrial Business Unit Business Plan. Proactively engage in networking, industry events, and targeted marketing to build new client relationships. -Operational Oversight: Collaborate with operations teams on critical activities, including major trade buyouts and early design-phase tasks. Ensure proactive management of construction costs, risk mitigation, and field execution. -Strategic Input: Contribute to the broader strategic goals of the Industrial Business Unit by identifying opportunities for innovation, cost savings, and project delivery improvements. -Team Development: Mentor and inspire teams of construction professionals, fostering leadership growth and creating a high-performing, knowledgeable workforce. -Project Acquisition: Lead the RFQ/RFP response process, including developing pursuit strategies, managing design and preconstruction efforts, overseeing communication and marketing, and presenting to clients. Ensure strategic alignment in deal negotiations, scope definition, and contract administration. -Client Management: Serve as the primary executive contact for clients, ensuring satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle and fostering long-term relationships that lead to repeat business. -Project Leadership: Identify and recruit top talent for project teams and ensure proper scope education and smooth transitions from design to construction. Provide executive oversight during construction to ensure adherence to schedules, budgets, and quality standards.

Requirements

• bachelor's degree
• cost management
• leadership
• strategic thinking
• problem solving
• 20+ years

What You Bring

You are a natural leader with experience managing large and complex design-build projects. You bring an entrepreneurial mindset to your work, thriving in a Seller/Doer role with a nationwide reach. Your passion for business growth, combined with a strong background in leading construction teams, makes you an ideal fit to help grow Clayco’s presence in the Industrial sector. -Physical Requirements: Ability to physically navigate job sites, including climbing ladders and multi-floor scaffolding. Able to lift up to 50 lbs. -Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to scope management and cost control, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of project execution. -Business Acumen: Entrepreneurial drive with a passion for business development, coupled with a keen understanding of customer decision-making processes. -This position is classified as a safety-sensitive role in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Candidates selected for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check, which includes mandatory drug testing. -Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of construction costs and cost drivers, both at the project and unit level. Proficient in contract negotiation and administration. -Experience: 20-25 years of progressive experience in construction, with a strong track record managing individual projects valued at $50M or more. -Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams, with a focus on mentoring and developing talent. Strong ability to navigate complex challenges, resolve conflicts, and motivate teams to achieve exceptional results. -Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to anticipate future trends, adapt to changing circumstances, and continuously seek ways to improve project outcomes and client satisfaction. -Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. -Problem-Solving: Ability to break down complex problems into manageable components, identify core issues, and develop innovative solutions. Skilled in prioritizing critical details and managing multiple projects concurrently. -Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver impactful presentations and build consensus across internal and external teams. -Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required.

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Benefits

-2024 Best Places to Work – Crain’s Chicago Business, St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal. -Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more! -Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.

About Clayco

-Founded in 1984 by Bob Clark in St. Louis, the company grew rapidly with integrated design‑build services. -Moved headquarters to Chicago in 2013, expanding reach across North America. -Launched Clayco Compute in 2025, focusing on mission‑critical data center construction with 57 active projects. -Specializes in Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Residential & Hospitality, Life Sciences, Data Center and Manufacturing sectors. -Typical projects include large‑scale data centers, life sciences facilities, manufacturing plants and hospitality developments. -Known for pioneering fast‑track, tech‑enabled design‑build methods—using BIM, drones and modular solutions. -Integrated subsidiaries cover architecture (Lamar Johnson Collaborative), concrete (Concrete Strategies), and façade systems (Ventana). -Handles end‑to‑end delivery—from site acquisition and financing through design, engineering and self‑performed construction. -Stands out for fully integrated project delivery, overlapping design and build phases to boost efficiency and innovation.

Sector Specialisms

Security Clearance

-comprehensive background check with mandatory drug testing.