Project Executive

Project Executive Merric Millwork & Seating O'Fallon, MO Job Details Full-time 1 day ago Qualifications Fabrication Customer communication Budget management Strategic management Customer relationship building Construction schedule coordination Construction project management Client relationship development Risk mitigation strategy implementation Team development Schedule management Bachelor's degree Continuous improvement Decision making Staff training Millwork Mentoring Project implementation Project management software Budgeting Productivity software Manufacturing Senior level Cross-functional collaboration Cross-functional team management Leadership Manufacturing company experience Communication skills Technical Proficiency Cross-functional communication Project management in construction Senior leadership Staff development 10 years Full Job Description Position Summary The Project Executive is a senior, client-facing leadership role responsible for leading Merric's most complex projects, elevating project execution standards, and reinforcing Merric's position as a leader in the architectural millwork industry. This position sits above the Senior Project Manager level in experience, judgment, and influence. While the Project Executive does not directly manage the Project Management team at this time, they play a critical role in mentoring, training, and guiding Project Managers and Senior Project Managers, both internally and through direct engagement with customers. The Project Executive will typically be assigned larger, more complex projects with longer life cycles, where the ability to map out long-range timelines and carefully sequence work through Engineering, Procurement, Production, Finishing, Shipping, and jobsite activities is critical to success. The Project Executive must be capable of performing the full scope of Project Manager and Senior Project Manager responsibilities when required, while primarily focusing on strategic oversight, customer leadership, risk mitigation, and execution excellence. Core Responsibilities Senior Project LeadershipOversight Lead and provide high-level oversight on Merric's largest and most complex projects. Develop and manage long-range project execution strategies for projects with extended durations and multiple phases. Create and maintain comprehensive project timelines, sequencing work between the plant and jobsite to align fabrication, delivery, and installation interfaces. Coordinate closely with Engineering, Materials, Production, Finishing, Shipping, and Project Management to ensure work is sequenced efficiently and realistically. Identify project risks early and guide teams toward proactive solutions that protect schedule, margin, and quality. Step in directly on projects requiring elevated leadership, customer engagement, or technical judgment. Mentorship, TrainingTeam Guidance (Non-Direct Authority) Serve as a mentor and trusted resource to Project Managers and Senior Project Managers. Guide PM teams through complex decision-making, scope management, and schedule challenges. Support training and professional development through coaching, shared best practices, and example. Provide input and recommendations to the Director of Operations regarding PM performance, development needs, and resource planning. Prepare for future expansion of leadership responsibilities as the organization grows, including potential direct management of PM staff. Customer LeadershipIndustry Representation Interface directly with customers at a senior level, representing Merric's capabilities, expertise, and leadership in the millwork industry. Act as a trusted advisor to customers, helping guide decisions that achieve the best outcome both aesthetically and financially for the project and for Merric. Support and assist Project Managers in navigating complex customer conversations, scope changes, and risk-related discussions. Help set clear, realistic expectations with customers regarding scope, fabrication approach, schedule, and cost. Reinforce Merric's reputation as a collaborative, solutions-oriented partner. Project ExecutionTechnical Expertise Maintain the ability to perform all Project Manager and Senior Project Manager functions as needed, including: Project planning, scheduling, and milestone development Budget awareness and margin protection Review of shop drawings, submittals, and fabrication strategy Coordination with Engineering, Production, and Materials Resolution of scope, design, and constructability challenges Apply deep millwork and fabrication knowledge to guide decisions that balance design intent, manufacturability, schedule, and cost. OperationalCross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with the Director of Operations and department leaders to align project execution with operational capacity. Translate manufacturing and operational constraints into clear, actionable guidance for both internal teams and customers. Support continuous improvement of project execution workflows, standards, and communication processes. Assist in developing and refining Merric's project management tools, templates, and best practices. AuthorityInfluence The Project Executive does not have direct managerial authority over Project Managers or Senior Project Managers at this time. This role leads through experience, credibility, and influence, rather than positional authority. The Project Executive is expected to drive alignment and outcomes through collaboration, guidance, and leadership presence. Required SkillsAbilities Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Strong executive presence and customer-facing leadership ability. Deep understanding of architectural millwork fabrication and project execution. Strong judgment and decision-making ability in complex, high-risk project environments. Ability to mentor and guide peers without direct authority. Strong financial, schedule, and risk awareness. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management systems. EducationExperience 10+ years of experience in project management within construction or manufacturing. Extensive experience in architectural millwork or related specialty trades. Demonstrated success managing large, complex, long-duration projects. Bachelor's degree in a related discipline preferred. PMP certification preferred or willingness to pursue. PhysicalWork Requirements Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer. Ability to walk production floors and job sites as needed. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally. Travel up to 25% as required. Why This Role Exists The Project Executive role exists to: Lead Merric's most complex projects with confidence and clarity Elevate the performance and maturity of the PM organization Strengthen customer relationships through senior-level engagement Protect schedule, margin, and quality as Merric continues to grow Position Merric as an industry leader in architectural millwork This role is intentionally designed to lead through expertise and influence today, with a clear path to expanded leadership responsibilities in the future.