Project Lead

Job Title

Project Lead

Department

Project Operations

Location

Chennai

Reporting To

COO

Job Summary

The Project Lead is responsible for providing overall leadership and strategic direction for large-scale commercial interior fit-out projects. The role oversees project planning, execution, stakeholder management, commercial performance, quality, safety, and successful project delivery. Acting as the primary owner of project outcomes, the Project Lead ensures alignment between project objectives and business goals while coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence, client satisfaction, and profitability. The position typically manages multiple Project Managers or large complex projects and serves as the key escalation point for project-related matters.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Governance

• Provide overall leadership for commercial interior fit-out projects from award to final handover.
• Establish project execution strategies, delivery frameworks, and governance structures.
• Ensure projects are delivered in line with contractual, commercial, quality, and operational objectives.
• Lead project review meetings and drive decision-making across project functions.
• Act as the primary escalation point for critical project issues and risks.

Project Planning & Execution Oversight

• Oversee project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and execution activities.
• Monitor project progress against approved baselines and delivery milestones.
• Ensure coordination between Project Management, Design, Procurement, Planning, MEP, QA/QC, and Commercial teams.
• Drive timely resolution of project constraints and execution challenges.
• Ensure adherence to approved project schedules and delivery commitments.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Monitor project profitability, cost performance, and financial health.
• Review budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections, and resource utilization plans.
• Ensure effective management of variations, claims, change orders, and contractual obligations.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization and operational efficiency.
• Support achievement of business revenue and profitability targets.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, and key stakeholders.
• Lead client engagement activities and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Conduct executive-level project reviews and progress presentations.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and facilitate timely issue resolution.
• Ensure contractual commitments and client requirements are fulfilled.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify project risks and establish mitigation strategies.
• Monitor compliance with contractual, legal, safety, and quality requirements.
• Ensure project governance standards and company procedures are followed.
• Support resolution of commercial, technical, and operational disputes.
• Escalate significant business risks to senior management when required.

Quality & Safety Leadership

• Ensure implementation of QA/QC processes across all project activities.
• Promote a culture of quality excellence and continuous improvement.
• Drive compliance with EHS standards and safe work practices.
• Monitor quality performance, safety metrics, and corrective action plans.
• Ensure successful project handover with minimal defects and outstanding issues.

Team Leadership & People Management

• Lead Project Managers, Site Teams, and multidisciplinary project functions.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and professional development support.
• Monitor team performance and drive accountability across project teams.
• Foster collaboration and alignment between internal departments.
• Support succession planning and talent development initiatives.

Project Close-Out & Handover

• Oversee testing, commissioning, snag closure, and final handover activities.
• Ensure completion of all contractual deliverables and project documentation.
• Review project performance, lessons learned, and post-project evaluations.
• Ensure successful commercial and operational closure of projects.
• Drive customer satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.

Any Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities assigned by management to support organizational and business objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's Degree in Project Management, Construction Management, or Business Administration is preferred.

Experience

• 10 - 15 years of experience in project execution and management.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading large Commercial Interior Fit-Out projects.
• Proven experience managing multiple projects or large-scale high-value projects simultaneously.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams across Design, Procurement, Planning, MEP, Commercial, and Site Operations.
• Strong track record of delivering projects within budget, schedule, and quality requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in commercial interior fit-out project execution.
• Advanced knowledge of project planning, project controls, and resource management.
• Strong understanding of contracts, commercial management, procurement, and project finance.
• Ability to review technical drawings, specifications, and project documentation.
• Proficiency in MS Project, Primavera, AutoCAD, and project management software.
• Knowledge of quality systems, EHS requirements, and industry best practices.

Travel Requirements

• Extensive travel and relocation to project sites across India as per project requirements.