Project Director - Engineering - Seattle, WA

The Project Director is responsible for the overall leadership, delivery, and governance of the Cruise Terminal Project from early design development (FEL1-FEL4) through EPC execution, commissioning, and handover to SSA Marine's Cruise Operations.

This role ensures the project is executed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in full compliance with SSA's CAPEX stage‑gate process, sustainability goals, and stakeholder expectations.

Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President, Chief Engineer, the Project Director will coordinate a multi‑disciplinary execution team, external consultants and key stakeholders, including the Port authorities, regulatory agencies, and SSA's Cruise Division leadership.

Location: 1131 SW Klickitat Way, Seattle, Washington 98134, United States.

Onsite Status: This role is fully onsite.

Compensation

$200,000 - $250,000 per year.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall project execution strategy across FEL, EPC, commissioning, and handover.
• Develop and implement the project execution plan in collaboration with Engineering, Procurement, Quality, HSE, Construction, Commissioning, and Operations.
• Provide clear leadership to the project execution team, ensuring alignment with SSA's values and objectives.
• Own and manage the integrated master schedule and CAPEX budget from development through operational start‑up.
• Lead project resource planning to ensure adequate staffing and capability throughout all phases.
• Establish robust monitoring systems for progress, cost, schedule, and risks.
• Report regularly on physical and financial progress to senior leadership and the Board.
• Chair project governance forums, ensuring decisions follow SSA's stage‑gate process.
• Ensure strict application of QEHS policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Oversee permitting and regulatory compliance during development and execution.
• Ensure robust compliance with U.S. permitting and environmental processes (NEPA/CEQA), as well as port and municipal regulations.
• Manage and supervise critical project activities to ensure timely delivery of milestones.
• Ensure alignment of contracting models with SSA's risk‑management policies and incentive structures.
• Manage and oversee all third parties, including engineering contractors, EPC firms, consultants, and regulators.
• Lead change management processes, ensuring rigorous follow‑up of change orders with customers and suppliers.
• Act as the key SSA representative to executive leadership, government authorities, and community stakeholders.
• Lead construction, commissioning, and start‑up activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality delivery.
• Ensure operational readiness, testing, and turnover to Cruise Operations.
• Quantify, monitor, and mitigate project‑related risks, updating analyses and escalating "red flags" promptly.
• Capture and report project lessons learned, ensuring feedback is integrated into SSA's portfolio.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or related discipline).
• Advanced degree (PMP, MSc in Project Management, or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum 10‑15 years of progressive project leadership experience in large‑scale infrastructure, marine terminal, cruise, or port redevelopment projects.
• Proven track record of managing projects with a total installed cost exceeding USD 500M, ideally with direct EPC and commissioning exposure.
• Demonstrated success delivering complex brownfield projects in regulated U.S. environments (e.g., ports, airports, or transportation hubs).
• Demonstrated success in end‑to‑end project delivery, from early‑stage feasibility through engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Significant experience with contract strategy, negotiation, and administration, including EPC, EPCM, and hybrid delivery models.
• Solid understanding of U.S. construction codes, environmental permitting, ADA compliance, sustainability, and LEED standards.
• Strong understanding of QEHS standards and implementation of safety and environmental compliance programs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Board and executive levels.
• Deep knowledge of project controls, cost forecasting, and risk management for megaprojects.
• Ability to structure and lead cross‑functional project execution teams across engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations.
• Strong negotiation and problem‑solving skills to resolve contractor claims, regulatory challenges, and execution risks.
• Fluency in English required; Spanish proficiency an asset.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes. Indicate employees supervised: Deputy PD, Project Controls Manager, Document Controller, HSE Manager, Construction Manager.

Travel to project sites and multiple regions, attend required meetings including extended off‑site stays when required.

Benefits

Eligible employees (and their families) may qualify for medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as basic life and accidental death insurance, paid disability insurance, paid parental leave if eligible, and an Employee Assistance Program. Employees will receive paid sick and vacation time, and company holidays if eligible. The company also offers paid bereavement leave, paid jury duty, and the ability to enroll in a 401(k) and retirement plan. Employees may receive discretionary and/or metric‑based bonuses depending on their position.

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