Project Executive

Position SummaryThe 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 ResponsibilitiesSenior Project Leadership & OversightLead 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, Training & Team 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 Leadership & Industry RepresentationInterface 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 Execution & Technical ExpertiseMaintain the ability to perform all Project Manager and Senior Project Manager functions as needed, including:Project planning, scheduling, and milestone developmentBudget awareness and margin protectionReview of shop drawings, submittals, and fabrication strategyCoordination with Engineering, Production, and MaterialsResolution of scope, design, and constructability challengesApply deep millwork and fabrication knowledge to guide decisions that balance design intent, manufacturability, schedule, and cost.Operational & Cross-Functional CollaborationWork 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.Authority & InfluenceThe 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 Skills & AbilitiesExceptional 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.Education & Experience10+ 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.Physical & Work RequirementsProlonged 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 ExistsThe Project Executive Role Exists ToLead Merric's most complex projects with confidence and clarityElevate the performance and maturity of the PM organizationStrengthen customer relationships through senior-level engagementProtect schedule, margin, and quality as Merric continues to growPosition Merric as an industry leader in architectural millworkThis role is intentionally designed to lead through expertise and influence today, with a clear path to expanded leadership responsibilities in the future.