Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
Original posting from SSA Marine
SSA Marine is a Seattle-based global operator of marine terminals and stevedoring services, specializing in the movement and handling of cargo across major ports worldwide. As part of Carrix, the company manages container, bulk, and breakbulk operations, as well as intermodal and rail logistics that connect port activity to inland transportation networks. SSA Marine supports the efficient flow of goods across global supply chains, working with shipping lines, ports, and logistics partners to move a wide range of cargo, including containers, automobiles, and industrial materials.
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.
Location: This position supports a long-term, multi-phase project across several locations. During the initial phase of the project (estimated to last 2–3 years), employees may either work from our Seattle, WA office or travel from Southern California to the Seattle office at least once per month. For the following phase of the project, candidates must be willing to relocate to or reside near Long Beach, CA.
Salary range: $200,000-$250,000yr
Relocation available: yes
Essential Job Responsibilities:
- 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.
- Supervise a team of 7, including Deputy PD, Contract & Claim Manager, Project Controls Manager, Document Controller, HSE Manager, Engineering Manager, and Construction Manager.
- 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 under
Source: SSA Marine careers