Department Manager - Project Management

Overview

SSOE is seeking an experienced Department Manager to lead our Project Management Department focused on serving projects for a large and dynamic client base, including industrial & manufacturing facilities, semi-conductors, healthcare, institutional and commercial projects. 

As a Department Manager (DM), this position is responsible for all Project Management teams, staff, and projects across various locations, in India market and contributes to account management activities for both existing and new clients. The Department Manager also serves as coach, leader and mentor to department staff. 

The ideal candidate is a proven leader who possesses the ability to communicate effectively across disciplines and cultures and serves as the technical liaison for the design of very large industrial facilities and fast-paced, team-orientated projects that support a variety markets project needs. 

AI and Innovation

At SSOE, we don’t just talk about the future, we build it. As a leader in industry AI adoption, we empower our team to work smarter by providing responsible access to the industry leading AI Large Language Models, vibe-coding platforms, and securely integrating advanced tools into every role. From day one, you’ll receive the training and support needed to leverage AI as a core tool for enhancing productivity, sparking creativity, and streamlining complex workflows.

Responsibilities

We are looking for a leader who presents a clear vision and thoughtful plan to achieve the following: 

• Take Care of / Develop team members 

• Evolve and implement the Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) paradigm. 
• Continue the Visual Planning component of the Lean Operating Strategy and implement additional components of the Lean Operating Strategy. 

• Continue to develop teams of professionals and leaders in India. 

• Continue the Evolution of Deliverables beyond Instruments of Service, upskilling talent as needed 

In addition, the ideal leader will demonstrate the following traits: 

• Have a strong Change Agility. Change Agility is high in those who actively seek out new and first-time situations. These individuals enjoy testing new approaches and are known to set up pilots or test programs before implementing a new process. They are effective change managers and can be counted on to embrace new approaches and lead teams along the way 

• Possess strong Mental Agility. Mental agility is more about how knowledge is utilized and put to work. Mentally agile people are comfortable with complex problems and ambiguous environments. They are critical thinkers who are innately curious and can make fresh connections. 

• Commitment to People Agility, while demonstrating emotional intelligence. People agility refers to the ability to read people, understand how others feel, and what other need and how to work best with them. This leader is a good communicator, and listener and is looked to as a calming influence during a crisis. This leader also surrounds themselves with people who offer diverse opinions on all matters of professional practice. 

The following duties are typical of the position but are not all-encompassing. Responsibilities include those required to deliver quality service on schedule and within budget in a team environment. 

Leadership & Departmental Oversight  

• Build, coach, direct, and supervise a team of Section Managers and Project Management staff (APMs, PMs, SPMs, PMAs, PCs) across SSOE’s India that receives and executes projects and work packages received from SSOE’s global operations.  

• Develop and implement departmental standards, processes, and performance metrics aligned with strategic growth goals and in coordination with the Project Management Practice Group Leader.  

• Ensure technical competency and quality of work across all project management functions.  

• Champion corporate policies and procedures to the project management staff. Ensure policies or changes are implemented in a positive and supportive manner.  

• Collaborate with Global Department Managers and with Division Managers from various business units as cross-company needs arise.  

Talent Development & Workforce Planning  

• Design and execute a scalable hiring, training, and development framework for PM staff at all levels. 

• Coordinate with US operations to develop a training plan for executing US based project work with India operations. 

• Evaluate hiring trends and performance outcomes to refine recruitment strategies and ensure top-tier talent acquisition.  

• Establish structured mentorship and on-the-job training programs (e.g., tiered project staffing with SPM-PM-APM teams).  

• Collaborate with the Project Management Practice Group Leader on project management training, best practices, and skill development. Implement gate checks and readiness assessments to validate India PMs’ ability to lead projects of increasing scale and complexity.  

Project Execution & Performance Management  

• Facilitate and supervise monthly financial reviews, including but not limited to:  earned margin adjustments and revenue recognition, work-in-progress, billing, and reserves. 

• Ensure recovery plans are developed and executed for at-risk projects, with appropriate escalation to Division leadership.  

• Assist in staff development of technical and soft skills to improve performance with internal project team members and external clients.  

• Develop Project Leadership and Execution Strategies based on Lean Construction Institute practices and strategies.   

Strategic & Financial Accountability 

• Align departmental operations with corporate business objectives and financial targets.  

• Monitor and manage departmental budget, staffing plans, and workload forecasts.  

• Support business development efforts, including proposal preparation and client presentations. 

Qualifications

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering with a minimum related experience of twenty (20) with minimum of ten (10) years of leadership experience.  

• Leadership Experience 

• Ability to develop strategic plans for supporting company strategic goals and for growth in the Practice. 

• Leading diverse teams (remote teams experience, preferred)  

• Working with international workforce, required 

• Communication 

• Demonstrated skill in cross discipline and multi-national coordination and collaboration. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to lead and support multiple teams across multiple locations.