Directing large and highly complex Material Handling Systems (MHS) and Controls and Software projects is the core of this Project Director role within the Distribution & Fulfillment (D&F) team. You will be the executive leader, responsible for successful delivery from contract award through final acceptance, owning project performance across scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk management, and customer outcomes. This role serves as the primary leadership point for both the customer and the DCS project team, providing strategic direction and executive oversight across multiple functions to ensure successful project outcomes.
Responsibilities
Lead large, high-complexity distribution center and automation implementations, including greenfield and brownfield projects
Serve as the executive owner of a single large-scale project from concept through go-live and final acceptance
Own project performance across scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction
Establish project execution strategies that align customer expectations with DCS business objectives
Maintain overall accountability for successful project delivery and achievement of contractual commitments
Drive accountability across all project stakeholders and functional teams
Serve as the primary executive interface between DCS and the customer
Build and maintain strong relationships with customer leadership and key decision-makers
Lead executive project reviews, steering committee meetings, and critical escalation discussions
Provide proactive communication regarding project performance, risks, mitigation plans, and key decisions
Resolve customer concerns while balancing commercial protection and long-term partnership objectives
Own project financial performance including revenue, margin, cash flow, forecasting, and change management
Partner with Project Controls and Finance to maintain accurate project forecasts and financial visibility
Lead executive review of change orders, claims, commercial risks, and contract matters
Ensure project decisions support both customer success and DCS financial objectives
Identify project risks early and drive proactive mitigation strategies
Make timely and informed decisions to manage tradeoffs and protect project outcomes
Lead resolution of complex technical, commercial, schedule, procurement, permitting, installation, commissioning and integration challenges
Maintain executive visibility of project health through KPIs, risk registers, and governance reviews
Escalate critical issues appropriately while driving accountability for resolution
Apply expertise in Material Handling Systems, Controls, Software and Distribution Center Operations to support project execution
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Partner with Engineering, Procurement, Controls, Software, Site Operations, and Testing teams to ensure alignment and successful delivery
Define project requirements and execution strategies in collaboration with customers and internal stakeholders
Oversee major project milestones including engineering completion, equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, testing, and go-live
Manage vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, serving as the executive escalation point when required
Lead and mentor Project Managers, Site Managers, and project leadership teams
Delegate effectively while maintaining accountability for project performance
Determine resource requirements and partner with leadership to ensure projects are properly staffed
Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, safety, collaboration, and execution excellence
Support the development of future project leaders through coaching and mentorship
Drive lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the project lifecycle
Improve project delivery processes, tools, governance, and execution methodologies
Utilize data, metrics, and root cause analysis to solve problems and prevent recurrence
Promote standardization and best practices that improve project predictability and customer outcomes
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Project Management, or a related field
15+ years of experience delivering complex automation, material handling, industrial, or large-scale capital projects
Demonstrated success leading projects exceeding $50M-$100M+ in value
Strong financial, commercial, contract, and risk management experience
Proven ability to lead executive-level customer relationships and cross-functional teams
Excellent leadership, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Ability and willingness to travel 20–40% based on project and business needs
Nice to have:
PMP certification or equivalent project management credential
Experience delivering large-scale automation projects for major customers in the US
Experience with Material Handling Systems, Controls Integration, Distribution Centers, or Warehouse Automation
Benefits
Health benefits
401K program includes a 100% match up to 5%
Participation in Discretionary Profit-Sharing Program
Flexibility and autonomy
Community outreach projects throughout the year
Company events
About the Company
DCS was founded in 1982 and has grown to serve major clients in multiple industries by providing material handling, full-scale warehouse operations, and conveyor design solutions. The company prides itself on its family-like culture and commitment to creating an extraordinary employment experience, from a snack wall and casual work environment to flexible PTO and opportunities to give back within the community.
