Job Description
The Project Director is responsible for the overall leadership, delivery, and governance of the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) Cruise Terminal Redevelopment 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.
Location: This position supports a long-term project occurring in multiple phases and locations. For the first phase of the project (estimated for 2-3 years), the employee may either work from our Seattle, WA office or travel to this office location at a minimum once per month. Candidates must be willing to relocate to the Los Angeles, CA area for the subsequent phase of the project.
Salary range: $200,000-$250,000yr
Relocation available: yes
Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President, Chief Engineer, the Project Director will coordinate a multi-disciplinary execution team, external consultants (AECOM, BBA, and others), and key stakeholders, including the Port of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles, regulatory agencies, and SSA’s Cruise Division leadership.
- 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 the 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 issues promptly.
- Capture and report project lessons learned, ensuring feedback is integrated into SSA’s portfolio.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes