Director-Construction Project Office

Company: Northwestern Memorial Healthcare
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 20, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Company Description At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better? Job Description The Director, Construction Project Office reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. The Director will be responsible for providing best practice project support services to the NMHC Construction division in the areas of contracting and procurement facilitation, construction project safety and life safety practices, supplier diversity management, and construction information systems that support the project delivery process. The Director will lead the execution of the project management strategy and equip project managers with a consistent methodology, documented processes and procedures, software tools, training, analysis and performance reporting. Director will establish controls and monitor the process to ensure adherence across all projects. The role will serve as a change agent for continuous improvement through enhanced processes and systems. The Project Director will serve as a liaison to Internal Audit, Finance, OGC, Supply Chain and other NM support departments to ensure that the financial and contractual needs of the division are met. RESPONSIBILITIES Continually leads improvement of construction project management related processes and information systems across the entire organization. Interfaces with leadership to provide strategic and tactical advice and support on project planning, reporting and other aspects of project execution and closeout. Responsible for the oversight of implementation of project management information systems, best practice methodologies, procedures and practices to support project managers in the effective and efficient delivery of their projects. Develops and maintains comprehensive training program for all staff responsible for managing construction projects. Provides management oversight and guidance for construction project related safety and life safety programs, policies and procedures and related management reporting systems Oversees the established plans for compliance with project safety, life safety and all regulatory requirements appropriate for each project and ensure improvement plans, as needed, are developed and executed. Maintains a master enterprise project list/ set of information that aids in ensuring project stakeholders have up-to-date and accurate project status reports. Participates in project review meetings with sponsors and stakeholders, ensuring that Project Managers and Directors are prepared to effectively lead these meetings. Maintains a performance measurement system for the portfolio of active projects directed at on-time, on-budget delivery and timely closure of projects, in addition to any other divisional performance metrics. Accountable for planning and managing the Project Office operating budget. Participates and/or leads process improvements related to the Real Estate Division, as assigned. Possesses thorough understanding of project management practices, budgeting and forecasting procurement, contracting and resource management. Demonstrated ability to ‘get things done’ and execute on stated goals and plans. Has the ability to deal with a rapidly changing environment and to lead/facilitate and manage change efficiently and effectively where appropriate. Qualifications Required: Minimum requirement of Bachelor Degree. Masters, desired. Minimum 10 years’ experience in healthcare, construction or a general management environment. Cumulative of 5 years of leadership and project management experience. Demonstrated Project Management and Finance skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to effectively establish and maintain working relationships with peers and constituents at all levels of the organization. Demonstrated analysis and problem solving skills. Demonstrated leadership capabilities. Experience working with and negotiating with external vendors Preferred: Project Management Institute, Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. Master’s Degree Additional Information Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. Background Check Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more. Sign-on Bonus Eligibility: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

Keywords: Northwestern Memorial Healthcare, Naperville , Director-Construction Project Office, Construction , Chicago, Illinois