Director of Construction - Owner | Developer (Retail) - Bergen County, NJ - $160k - $200k

The company is an owner, developer, and manager operating across Bergen County, NJ, specializing in the retail sector—from small retail renovations to multi-million-dollar shopping centers. They offer construction management and ongoing facilities management services for their retail tenants, including major brands like ShopRite Supermarkets, Dunkin' Donuts, and Provident Bank.

About the Role

The Director of Construction, Design, and Maintenance will oversee operations across the current portfolio, including remodels, additions, store design, and preventive, reactive, and routine maintenance for every location. As the portfolio grows, this role will also oversee new-build ground-up construction. The Director will manage a team of construction and maintenance professionals and collaborate with ownership, operations leadership, and external partners to ensure projects and properties meet standards for quality, safety, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of ground-up store development, remodels, tenant fit-outs, additions, and capital improvement projects from planning and design through construction, occupancy, and closeout.
• Direct bidding, contracting, budgeting, scheduling, permitting, and vendor management while maintaining strict control of costs, timelines, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee facility maintenance and preventative maintenance programs across all locations, including HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems, ensuring safe and uninterrupted store operations.
• Manage emergency repairs, capital planning, service contracts, and compliance with building codes, health and safety regulations, ADA requirements, and environmental standards.
• Produce and manage AutoCAD drawings, space plans, as-builts, and construction documents for new stores, remodels, and specialty projects while maintaining brand consistency across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, municipalities, and vendors to develop design solutions, coordinate approvals, manage signage programs, and evaluate materials and equipment for performance, durability, and cost efficiency.
• Lead and mentor construction and maintenance teams while serving as the primary liaison between ownership, operations, contractors, architects, engineers, and public agencies.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, coordinate projects to minimize operational disruption, and represent the organization at municipal hearings, planning meetings, and regulatory forums.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in commercial construction project management, with direct responsibility for budget, schedule, and quality.
• Demonstrated experience managing retail, grocery, or food-service construction projects; supermarket or big-box experience strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD; ability to produce and redline construction drawings and space plans independently.
• Proven track record managing a team and overseeing multiple concurrent projects across multiple locations.
• Deep familiarity with MEP systems, building codes, permitting processes, and contract administration.
• Strong financial acumen with experience building and managing project budgets, cost reports, and CapEx plans.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills; ability to balance strategic priorities with hands-on field involvement.
• Proficiency with project management and scheduling tools (e.g., Procore, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project).

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package with annual performance bonuses.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Managed 401K with employer match.
• Generous PTO package from day one.

Pay

$160,000 - $200,000 per year.