Director of Construction

Director of Construction

Position Summary

The Director of Construction is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of the company's construction operations. This executive leadership position oversees all construction execution, develops Project Managers and Construction Managers into high-performing leaders, drives operational excellence, and ensures projects are delivered safely, profitably, and with exceptional customer satisfaction.

This role serves as the operational leader of the construction organization while partnering closely with executive leadership to drive company growth. The Director of Construction is heavily involved in business development, client relationship management, estimating strategy, contract negotiations, and securing new work. In addition, this position provides executive oversight of complex, high-risk, high-profile, or high-volume projects where additional leadership is required.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable coaching project teams, meeting with executive-level customers, solving complex construction challenges, and contributing to long-term business strategy.

Essential Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead all construction operations and provide direction to Project Managers and Construction Managers.
• Establish and improve project management standards, systems, and best practices.
• Monitor project performance, staffing, workload, schedules, budgets, and profitability.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to customer expectations.
• Provide executive oversight and support for critical or challenging projects.

Leadership Development

• Coach, mentor, and develop Project Managers and Construction Managers.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance reviews, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Promote consistency in project execution across the organization.

Business Development

• Develop and maintain strategic customer relationships.
• Support estimating, proposal strategy, and contract negotiations.
• Participate in customer presentations and project pursuits.
• Help secure new business and expand existing client relationships.

Financial & Business Performance

• Drive project profitability, forecasting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
• Review financial performance, labor productivity, and project risks.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins, execution, and overall business performance.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Partner closely with Engineering, Design, Fabrication, Controls, and Manufacturing teams to ensure seamless project execution, improve coordination, and deliver integrated solutions for customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
• 15+ years of industrial construction experience with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Proven success leading Project Managers and large industrial construction projects.
• Strong background in project management, business development, financial management, and customer relations.
• Experience with industrial mechanical systems, including millwright services, process piping, fabrication, equipment installation, or related disciplines.

Preferred Experience

Experience in industrial manufacturing environments, including food and beverage, bottled water, material handling, automation, robotics, process piping, custom fabrication, or design-build construction.

Leadership Competencies

• Executive leadership
• Strategic thinking
• Operational excellence
• Financial acumen
• Talent development
• Customer relationship management
• Business development
• Decision-making and accountability
• Communication and collaboration

Success in This Role

Success is measured by the development of a high-performing construction organization, consistent project execution, strong customer relationships, profitable operations, and sustainable business growth. The Director is expected to build capable leaders, improve operational performance, and position the company for continued success in the industrial construction market.