Project Director

What we need  

Symbotic is seeking a dynamic Project Director to lead the planning and execution of large-scale automation projects at customer sites. In this role, you will manage a team of project managers overseeing a portfolio of $250M+, while partnering closely with cross-functional leaders and customers to deliver high-quality, revenue-generating solutions. You will serve as the single point of accountability for your portfolio - ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of safety and quality.  

This is both a delivery role and a build role. You will inherit an established team of project managers with projects already in flight, grow that team as program demand increases, and drive the standardization and continuous improvement of project delivery across your program and region.  

What we do   

Our Project Management team plays a critical role in technical automation projects, ensuring that the project is successfully executed, on time, and within budget. They serve as a key liaison between technical teams, stakeholders, and management, ensuring that the project is executed smoothly and successfully, meeting its objectives and delivering value to the organization.  

What you’ll do  

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of project managers in executing complex automation programs managing a portfolio of $250+ million.   

• Build and scale your organization as program demand increases, including hiring, onboarding, and developing project managers.  

• Oversee project delivery performance - managing scope, schedule, budget, risk, safety, and customer satisfaction.   

• Act as the primary escalation point for customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders regarding cost, schedule, quality, or safety issues.   

• Drive continuous improvement and standardization of project delivery across your program and region in partnership with the PMO.  

• Anticipate risks, identify opportunities, and drive proactive action plans to keep projects on track.   

• Provide clear communication and weekly updates on progress, risks, and wins to Symbotic leadership and customer executives.   

• Champion consistency by ensuring compliance with Symbotic’s project delivery standards and best practices.   

• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and growth within your team.  

What you’ll need 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, supply chain, business administration, or a related field; an MBA or relevant master’s degree is preferred. 

• Minimum 10 years of project or program management experience in large-scale, cross-functional environments integrating hardware, software, and controls. 

• Minimum 5 years of direct people leadership experience, including building, scaling, mentoring, and developing project management teams. 

• Demonstrated ownership of programs exceeding $200M, with multiple complex projects running concurrently. 

• Experience delivering large capital projects in highly matrixed, customer-facing, general contractor, or design-build environments. 

• Ability to engage customer executives, negotiate effectively, and align competing priorities across technical and business teams. 

• Background in material handling, industrial automation, robotics, AS/RS, goods-to-person, micro-fulfillment, e-commerce fulfillment, or cold storage environments. 

• Strong analytical skills with experience using metrics and data to drive accountability, visibility, and continuous improvement. 

• PMP certification preferred; Lean or continuous improvement experience is a plus. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word; familiarity with Smartsheet, Jira, and Teamcenter is preferred. 

• Collaborative, motivational leadership style with the ability to perform effectively in fast-paced, evolving environments. 

Our Environment   

• Remote, field-based position. Travel is required up to 50% of the time.   

• Employee must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive and/or fly to client and other customer locations.  

• Employees may be required to use a personal credit card for business travel expenses, which are reimbursed based on the program guidelines. Eligible employees may receive a corporate credit card based on role and travel requirements, but a personal credit card may be needed during onboarding until the corporate card is issued. 

• The employee is frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms   

• Must comply with all safety requirements and protocols, including without limitation Lock out tag out safety protocols and fall protection safety protocols.   

• There will be steep stairs to climb into the structure. You may be required to routinely walk up and down stairs to navigate the automation structure.  

• Subject to environmental conditions, protection from weather conditions but not necessarily temperature changes. Must be capable of working in temperatures ranging from 105° to 32° Fahrenheit.