Director of Construction

About the role

The Director of Construction reports directly to the VP of Operations and is responsible for interpreting Company design philosophy and ensuring adherence to key interior and exterior design elements—including hardscaping, landscaping, irrigation, and lighting—in project execution across a variety of construction projects related to the expansion of the Company’s initiatives. This role drives continuous improvement across all sites, ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal Environmental and Safety regulations, and provides effective construction management across the company’s growing portfolio of production, distribution, retail, and administrative facilities.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the progress of each stage of new and rehabilitative building projects (from pre-construction to post-construction close-out), including site assessment, contracts, design, contractor/subcontractor work approval, and permitting.
• Act as a liaison between the construction team, architects, designers, owners, community, regulatory, and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Drive the pre-construction phase to quantify objectives with respect to budgeting, estimating, value engineering, bidding, purchasing, contracting, and scheduling of all projects.
• Prepare detailed project plans, timelines, and cost estimates; secure all necessary permits.
• Interpret Company design philosophy and ensure adherence to key interior and exterior design elements, including hardscaping, landscaping, irrigation, and lighting in project execution.
• Lead the due diligence process for prospective projects, prepare and evaluate RFPs, drive critical design meetings, monitor design progress for compliance with approved design philosophy, construction cost budgets, development schedules, and quality criteria.
• Review schematic, design development, and construction documents; visit prospective project sites to assess existing conditions and account for site-specific factors.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers and contractor/subcontractor selection; review and approve bid spreadsheets and change orders during construction.
• Manage and direct general contractors and consultants during pre-construction and construction; check work progress to ensure compliance with construction documents and schedules.
• Work at job site locations as needed; enforce job site policy and safety procedures.
• Organize formal updates to review goals and progress; revise, communicate, and manage project plans and budgets.
• Prepare reports to communicate project issues and risks, including cost overruns, workplace injuries, and delays.
• Ensure project close-out according to company guidelines and report on material variances affecting cost, schedule, and/or quality.
• Mentor key players and develop procedures to ensure ongoing improvement in construction-related capability.
• Develop and foster relationships with key suppliers and contractors.
• Formalize, consolidate, and standardize company-wide construction project processes, tools, and controls; establish policies and procedures to ensure use of best practices.
• Oversee community and regulatory affairs; engage with community and civic entities throughout all project phases to ensure good communications and adherence to a “good neighbor” philosophy.
• Oversee the development of the organization, processes, and tools required to provide a safe working environment.
• Oversee activities related to facility infrastructure, including evaluation of new facilities and repair/maintenance of buildings, grounds, and utility systems of existing facilities.
• Partner with the Procurement department and facilities management to oversee, review, and maintain facility-related contracts.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure work is completed according to specifications.
• Develop, propose, and manage department and related capital budgets to ensure on-time delivery and minimal budget variance.
• Provide frequent status updates on key initiatives to avoid risk, project, or program surprises.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities, including training employees, planning, assigning, and directing work; providing performance feedback and coaching to direct reports.
• Serve as a company brand ambassador; train team members to represent the brand appropriately.
• Adhere to company core values, including respect, diversity, sustainability, research, and service, as well as cultural principles of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent.
• 15+ years of experience in construction project leadership roles, preferably with industrial process facilities.
• Demonstrated results managing construction projects from start to finish, including preconstruction planning, budgeting, estimating, bidding, cost control, and coordination of architects, designers, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and laborers.
• Experience managing a wide diversity of purpose-built projects of various sizes (e.g., restaurants, offices, apartments, homes, commercial buildings, and hardscapes).
• Experience managing large-scale restoration, renovation, and refurbishment projects from concept to completion is highly desired.
• Significant experience in the design and implementation of building systems (Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing).
• Thorough knowledge of legal issues, safety standards, building codes, and regulations (NEC, NFPA, Title 24, ADA).
• Experience with construction and real estate development software (BIM, Primavera) and web-based project management systems and 3D modeling applications (Revit, Navisworks, 3D Max) is desired.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and project management tools such as Microsoft Project and SharePoint.
• Construction Manager Certification (CCM or equivalent) strongly preferred; LEED certification experience desired.
• Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles; noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud.

Schedule

• Travel to job sites is required; may include temporary relocation to states within the U.S. to drive results and completion targets.
• May be required to work out of a temporary office on the job site.