MICHAEL DISTELHURST
Emerson,NJ
Summary
Accomplished project operations director with a record of scaling business volume from small mid-size projects over 1 million through strategic leadership and team excellence. Expert in developing high-performing teams and implementing effective project management processes that drive operational success and client retention
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director - Project Operations
RSM
Paramus, New Jersey
02.2025 - Current
- Directed project teams to achieve strategic goals and operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented project management processes and standards, leading to successful project completion.
- Coordinated resource allocation to enhance team performance and ensure timely deliverables.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders to ensure project alignment and support.
- Conducted regular meetings with stakeholders to keep them informed of project progress and address any issues or concerns.
- Monitored progress of projects against established milestones to identify any potential problems or delays in completion.
- Analyzed systems and procedures to identify improvement areas, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.
- Developed training programs for staff on new project methodologies and technologies.
- Built and established strong partnerships with teams, vendors and contractors.
Senior Manager - Projects
RSM
Paramus, New Jersey
09.2022 - Current
- Scaled annual business volume from approximately $3–4M to over $13M (2024) through strategic leadership and team expansion
- Spearheaded key projects, achieving high customer satisfaction and driving significant revenue growth.
- Established best practices for managing complex projects successfully.
- Implemented best practices for risk management and mitigation strategies.
- Built high-performing operational team, enhancing overall productivity and collaboration.
- Mentored junior project managers to enhance team capabilities and skills.
- Delivered exceptional service to clients, strengthening relationships and fostering opportunities for additional projects.
- Received internal recognition/awards for leadership and operational excellence
- Managed changes to project scope, project schedule, and project costs using appropriate verification techniques.
Senior Project Manger
RSM
Paramus, New Jersey
10.2016 - Current
- Managed project scope, timeline, and budget to align with company objectives and ensure project success.
- Managed project execution and delivery to meet client expectations.
- Led cross-functional teams to effectively execute strategic project plans, enhancing collaboration and accountability.
- Developed comprehensive project timelines and schedules for efficient progress tracking.
- Managed changes to project scope, schedule, and costs using verification techniques to maintain project integrity.
- Delivered high level of service to clients to extend relationship and encourage further projects.
- Oversaw daily business operations to ensure efficiency and productivity.
- Managed submittals and processing of Requests for Information between general contractor, owner, and owner's consultants.
Partner/Project Manager
West Ridge Management Inc.
Park Ridge, NJ
11.2001 - 01.2014
- Chief operational manager for various large strip malls and commercial office buildings
- Oversee and complete $500,000.00 construction projects from 1000 sq. ft.-100,000 sq. ft.
- Lead and direct team of contractors to effectively fulfill quality work orders and ongoing daily projects
- Negotiate terms and conditions to secure profitable contracts for company
- Led fiscal initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness and reduce costs
- Generated year-over-year ROIs through targeted strategic planning and consulting
- Consulted with business investors and partners, leveraging expertise to strengthen client relations
- Continually building relationships between tenants and owners to maintain world-class reputation
Principle/Senior Operational Supervisor
Integrated Facility Services Inc.
Park Ridge, NJ
07.1998 - 10.2011
- Managed multi-million dollar accounts for various associations across Northeast, ensuring budget adherence and optimizing resource allocation.
- Developed and implemented preventative maintenance services for over 2500 units, improving service reliability and tenant satisfaction.
- Led daily leadership and development efforts for team of 30 employees, fostering skill growth and enhancing team cohesion.
- Oversaw the completion and deployment of handyman services for scheduled maintenance.
- Project managed on-site maintenance requests for homeowners associations throughout northeast
- Collaborated with engineering associates to analyze repair protocols and capital improvement plans
- Analyzed afforded budgets for continuation of responsible deployment and utilization of funds
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Urban Planning
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI05-2025
Skills
- Project management
- Operations management
- Construction Management
- Project coordination
- Budget development
- PN&L analysis
- Contract Negotiations
- Contracting
- Strategic Planning
- Turnaround Planning
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Team leadership
- Employee training
- Strong Communication Skills
- Client Relations
- Analysis
- Problem Solving
- Organizational Leadership
- Project Software Utilization
- Project coordination
Professional Leadership Skills
- Strong Communication Skills
- Client Relations
- Strategic Visionary
- Operations and Project Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Detail-Oriented
- Accountability
- Self-Directed
- Interdepartmental Collaboration
- Results-Focused
- Budget Planning and Development
- Problem Solving
- Analysis
- Construction Management
- Contract Negotiations
- Contracting
Timeline
Director - Project Operations
RSM
02.2025 - Current
Senior Manager - Projects
RSM
09.2022 - Current
Senior Project Manger
RSM
10.2016 - Current
Partner/Project Manager
West Ridge Management Inc.
11.2001 - 01.2014
Principle/Senior Operational Supervisor
Integrated Facility Services Inc.
07.1998 - 10.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Urban Planning
University of Rhode Island