Director of Construction

AP is working with a well-established organization that has a 35-year legacy of excellence in the retail construction sector. The company is known for their commitment to quality and outstanding client service. The ideal candidate will possess retail experience, be strategic in nature, and wants to shape the organization.  This is an opportunity to collaborate with a team that values creativity, precision, and partnership, while leading projects across nationally recognized brands. Don’t miss out on this exciting role and company that enjoys a culture grounded in integrity, trust, and mutual respect!

The Director of Construction is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of all construction activities. This individual will lead and manage a high-performing team of Project Managers, Project Manager Assistants, and Field Leads, ensuring the successful delivery of projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and safety.

The Director of Construction will play a vital role in shaping the future of our construction department, ensuring alignment with company goals, driving continuous improvement, and enhancing client satisfaction.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the construction team (PMs, PMAs, and Field Leads) to foster a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with the COO as part of the leadership team to define department objectives and performance metrics.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, performance management, and professional development.
• Implement and manage the LMA (Leadership, Management, Accountability) framework to guide team performance.
• Strategically allocate Field Lead resources based on project requirements and capabilities.

Project Oversight & Management

• Manage the execution of all construction projects from planning to closeout.
• Ensure effective cost control, schedule adherence, and quality assurance across all job sites.
• Conduct startup and construction meetings to ensure project alignment and risk mitigation.
• Lead change order reviews and approvals and review trades cheques to maintain financial control.
• Ensure a structured and effective project closeout process for every job.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Drive a high standard of quality across all projects and implement ongoing QA/QC processes.
• Ensure compliance with local building codes, OSHA regulations, and internal company standards.
• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor progress, quality, and safety.

Client Engagement & Issue Resolution

• Serve as a key point of contact for high-value clients, maintaining relationships and ensuring satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead resolution of escalated client issues and proactively manage potential legal challenges.
• Champion the client experience, ensuring transparency and professionalism across all engagements.

Financial Management

• Establish and monitor construction budgets, applying financial discipline to maintain profitability.
• Oversee job costing, forecasting, and financial reporting related to project performance.
• Ensure compliance with multi-state tax and regulatory requirements.

Operational Excellence

• Develop, maintain, and optimize standard operating procedures and best practices.
• Address operational issues, system exceptions, and internal workflow inefficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with contractor licensing in all operating states and support continuing education initiatives for PMs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or a related field.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MS in Construction Management, etc.) preferred.
• Professional certifications (PMP, CCM, LEED AP) preferred.

• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in retail construction, including 10+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience implementing company-wide construction process improvements or systems preferred.

• Demonstrated success in managing nationwide retail construction projects.
• Deep understanding of project financials, contracts, and cost control systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in construction management software (ERP, bidding/estimating, field management).
• Understanding of all divisions of construction.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed.