Senior Director of Construction & Development Operations

Our client in the real estate development space is seeking a Senior Director for their construction developments. This is a rare opportunity to be the primary executive driving a landmark, large-scale commercial development project from the ground up.

This individual will serve as the owner's representative, be the face and voice of the organization to all external construction, architectural, exhibit planning, and governmental partners.

Key Responsibilities

Owner's Representative & Executive Liaison

• Represent the company in all meetings with the architectural firm, general contractor, exhibit planning agency, town planning teams, and government entities
• Act as the primary point of contact and decision-maker on behalf of the organization for all project-related communications
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and Vice President of Finance & People on strategic direction, budgeting, and project milestones
• Communicate effectively with investors, bankers, legal counsel, and senior executives of partner organizations

Project Management & Oversight

• Lead all phases of the construction project from pre-construction through to project closeout and certificate of occupancy
• Oversee and maintain the master milestone schedule, ensuring all deadlines across design, permitting, procurement, construction, and fit-out phases are met
• Conduct quarterly re-forecasting of construction and project management volumes and fees
• Manage project closeout activities including punch lists, final documentation (manuals, warranties, keys), and financial closeout
• Monitor contractor compliance with all insurance requirements

Budget & Cost Management

• Prepare and manage comprehensive project budgets covering both hard and soft costs
• Submit all budget documentation to the VP of Finance & People for review and approval
• Monitor development, project management, and supervisory fees to ensure accurate billing and support overall profitability

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Lead the procurement of architects, engineers, general contractors, construction managers, and other specialist consultants
• Prepare and evaluate RFPs, manage pre-qualification processes, assess proposals, and oversee contract preparation
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with all third-party vendors and municipal stakeholders
• Assist with business development activities including creating and reviewing vendor proposals

Permitting, Compliance & Contracts

• Oversee all governmental approvals and permitting processes required for construction, through to certificate of occupancy
• Obtain and manage insurance certificates from consultants and contractors
• Prepare construction contracts in collaboration with General Counsel or the company's law firm

Early Priorities (First 90–180 Days)

• Establish working relationships with the architectural firm and local municipal authorities to advance project approvals
• Assist with environmental and land surveys required for the building site
• Finalise the development agreement and planning process with the exhibit design partner
• Liaise with the legal team on the licensing of entertainment properties to be featured in the attraction

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in commercial real estate development or construction management
• At least 5 to 7 years in a senior-level project management or owner's representative role, overseeing projects with budgets between $25 million and $100 million
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; or equivalent demonstrated experience of 7+ years
• Proven track record managing the full construction lifecycle of large-scale, complex commercial projects
• Demonstrated ability to communicate at an executive level, confidently representing an organization to investors, lenders, architects, and government officials
• Strong financial acumen with direct experience in budget preparation, cost estimating, and financial reporting
• Experience preparing and evaluating vendor RFPs, managing contractor bids, and overseeing contract execution
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with high attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365
• Self-starter who thrives in a lean, high-accountability environment and can independently implement processes and systems
• Effective negotiator with contractors, consultants, and suppliers
• Knowledge of contractor engagement and legal compliance in hiring 1099 contractors and managing vendor accounts

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working as an entrepreneur or small business owner in construction or building management
• Familiarity with Shelby County or Collierville municipal planning and permitting processes
• Experience working with or within startup or early-stage development organizations

$150,000 – $200,000 per annum, commensurate with experience.

• Annual Bonus
• Paid Time Off
• Comprehensive Healthcare
• 401k

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