What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Special Projects Group position at W.E. O'Neil Construction Company?
Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and entrepreneurial Manager to lead our Special Projects Group (SPG) — focused on projects up to $10 million in value. This role is ideal for a construction professional who enjoys a fast-paced environment, takes ownership of their work, and thrives on managing projects from concept through closeout.
The SPG Director will be responsible for developing client relationships, securing new opportunities, estimating, and managing projects from start to finish. This is a hands-on leadership role offering the opportunity to build and grow a specialized division within a respected construction firm.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all aspects of special projects (typically under $10M), from preconstruction through closeout.
- Develop and maintain client relationships to generate repeat and new business opportunities.
- Identify, pursue, and secure new work, including preparing proposals and presentations.
- Estimate projects — develop scopes, budgets, and pricing.
- Oversee project management, including scheduling, subcontractor management, quality control, and financial performance.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to company quality standards.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment of resources, staffing, and project delivery.
- Mentor and support team members as the group grows.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum 8 years of commercial construction experience, including estimating and project management.
- Proven track record of developing client relationships and securing work.
- Experience managing multiple concurrent projects up to $10M across diverse market sectors.
- Strong understanding of construction means and methods, contracts, scheduling, and cost control.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Benefits
- 100% ESOP
- Competitive Pay
- Bonus Program
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- PTO/Sick
- 100% Life Insurance
- 401(K) with Match
- Student Debt Program
Physical Demands:
Performance of the required duties will require physical ability to use construction personnel hoists, ability to climb ladders and negotiate work areas under construction, when visiting a WEO job site. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Performing this job requires use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, sit, talk and hear and stand throughout the workday.
Performance of the required duties will require physical ability to use construction personnel hoists, ability to climb ladders and negotiate work areas under construction, when visiting a WEO job site. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Performing this job requires use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, sit, talk and hear and stand throughout the workday.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in one of WEO’s California regional offices and on occasion may be required to visit the construction work site where the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock. The noise in these work environments is usually moderate to very loud.
These are considered the core responsibilities of the position. Employees are encouraged to reach beyond their current responsibilities in an effort to foster professional growth, but only as they are able to remain accountable for their core responsibilities.
Equal Employment:
W.E. O’Neil is committed to an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or veteran status.
About W.E. O'Neil Construction
Building Great Relationships since 1925! 100% employee-owned general contractor. We build nationally, with locations in AZ, CA, CO, IL, TN, and TX.
W.E. O'Neil Construction has seen steady growth since its founding in 1925 in Chicago by the O'Neil family. Now 100% employee-owned (ESOP), we embrace people as our number one asset.
Our award-winning teams are recognized as industry leaders. Our longevity can be attributed to our excellent staff of professionals, our integrity, our commitment to customer satisfaction, and our ability to embrace technology. Our combination of the financial strength of a large national contractor and the responsiveness of a small company brings the best of both worlds to our clients.
Our experience covers virtually every commercial market sector using a broad range of project delivery methods including design-build, design assist, construction management at risk and lump sum bid.
W.E. O'Neil Construction has seen steady growth since its founding in 1925 in Chicago by the O'Neil family. Now 100% employee-owned (ESOP), we embrace people as our number one asset.
Our award-winning teams are recognized as industry leaders. Our longevity can be attributed to our excellent staff of professionals, our integrity, our commitment to customer satisfaction, and our ability to embrace technology. Our combination of the financial strength of a large national contractor and the responsiveness of a small company brings the best of both worlds to our clients.
Our experience covers virtually every commercial market sector using a broad range of project delivery methods including design-build, design assist, construction management at risk and lump sum bid.