Director of Project Development
Southern Search, Tampa, FL, United States
Director of Project Development – Construction
(Confidential Search) Represented by Southern Search
Why This Opportunity?
Southern Search has been
retained by a well-established, employee-focused construction firm
to identify a
Senior
Project Director / Director of Project Development
to help bring in business, lead complex projects and strengthen long-term client relationships.
This opportunity is designed to develop the right person to become the Regional Vice President for the firm.
This firm is financially strong, highly respected in its markets, and known for
delivering complex large commercial and industrial projects with a people-first mindset . Leadership tenure is strong, culture is collaborative, and the organization is intentionally growing.
This role offers a rare opportunity to step into
true senior leadership , with meaningful influence over projects, teams, and future growth — without joining a bureaucratic or short-term driven organization.
What makes this opportunity stand out:
Senior leadership role with
real decision-making authority
Strong backlog and repeat-client base
Collaborative, low-ego culture with long-tenured leadership
Clear path to long-term growth and executive influence
Financial stability with performance-based upside
The Role The
Director of Project Development
will serve as a senior operational and client-facing leader, overseeing a portfolio of complex construction projects while acting as a trusted partner to key owners and stakeholders.
This is a
hands‑on leadership role
responsible for business development, project execution, financial performance, team development, and client satisfaction — with an equal focus on repeat work and strategic growth.
Typical project oversight ranges from
$75M–$150M+ annually , depending on experience and market focus.
Key Responsibilities
Reports to the Regional Vice President and serves as senior leader for assigned client accounts
Strengthens existing client relationships and expands work within established markets
Actively identifies and pursues new clients and market opportunities
Develops strategic, solutions‑oriented approaches tailored to client needs and project challenges
Partners closely with business development leadership on long‑term growth planning and pursuit strategy
Project & Operational Leadership
Lead assigned projects from pursuit through closeout
Oversee schedules, budgets, contracts, risk, and project controls
Ensure high standards for safety, quality, and financial performance
Participate in executive‑level forecasting, reporting, and project reviews
Support negotiations related to contracts, change orders, and claims
Serve as the primary relationship lead for key clients
Strengthen long‑term partnerships that generate repeat work
Identify and support new project pursuits within existing and new accounts
Collaborate with preconstruction and leadership teams on proposals and interviews
Act as a trusted advisor to owners and development partners
Build, mentor, and retain high‑performing project teams
Support succession planning for Project Managers and Superintendents
Maintain an active presence on jobsites and with field leadership
Partner with executive leadership to align staffing and resources
Uphold a culture of accountability, collaboration, and integrity
What We’re Looking For
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field
15+ years
of construction experience with senior leadership responsibility
Proven success delivering large, complex commercial or industrial projects
Strong financial and operational acumen
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain client relationships
Experience driving repeat business and long‑term partnerships
Clear, confident communicator with owners and internal teams
Leadership style rooted in accountability and trust
Competitive base salary with performance‑based incentives
Long‑term career growth within a stable, values‑driven organization
Full details will be shared during confidential discussions.
About Southern Search Southern Search is a boutique recruiting firm focused on
long‑term placements and leadership‑level searches
within construction and engineering. We work with a small number of clients at a time to ensure discretion, alignment, and high‑quality outcomes for both clients and candidates.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
retained by a well-established, employee-focused construction firm
to identify a
Senior
Project Director / Director of Project Development
to help bring in business, lead complex projects and strengthen long-term client relationships.
This opportunity is designed to develop the right person to become the Regional Vice President for the firm.
This firm is financially strong, highly respected in its markets, and known for
delivering complex large commercial and industrial projects with a people-first mindset . Leadership tenure is strong, culture is collaborative, and the organization is intentionally growing.
This role offers a rare opportunity to step into
true senior leadership , with meaningful influence over projects, teams, and future growth — without joining a bureaucratic or short-term driven organization.
What makes this opportunity stand out:
Senior leadership role with
real decision-making authority
Strong backlog and repeat-client base
Collaborative, low-ego culture with long-tenured leadership
Clear path to long-term growth and executive influence
Financial stability with performance-based upside
The Role The
Director of Project Development
will serve as a senior operational and client-facing leader, overseeing a portfolio of complex construction projects while acting as a trusted partner to key owners and stakeholders.
This is a
hands‑on leadership role
responsible for business development, project execution, financial performance, team development, and client satisfaction — with an equal focus on repeat work and strategic growth.
Typical project oversight ranges from
$75M–$150M+ annually , depending on experience and market focus.
Key Responsibilities
Reports to the Regional Vice President and serves as senior leader for assigned client accounts
Strengthens existing client relationships and expands work within established markets
Actively identifies and pursues new clients and market opportunities
Develops strategic, solutions‑oriented approaches tailored to client needs and project challenges
Partners closely with business development leadership on long‑term growth planning and pursuit strategy
Project & Operational Leadership
Lead assigned projects from pursuit through closeout
Oversee schedules, budgets, contracts, risk, and project controls
Ensure high standards for safety, quality, and financial performance
Participate in executive‑level forecasting, reporting, and project reviews
Support negotiations related to contracts, change orders, and claims
Serve as the primary relationship lead for key clients
Strengthen long‑term partnerships that generate repeat work
Identify and support new project pursuits within existing and new accounts
Collaborate with preconstruction and leadership teams on proposals and interviews
Act as a trusted advisor to owners and development partners
Build, mentor, and retain high‑performing project teams
Support succession planning for Project Managers and Superintendents
Maintain an active presence on jobsites and with field leadership
Partner with executive leadership to align staffing and resources
Uphold a culture of accountability, collaboration, and integrity
What We’re Looking For
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field
15+ years
of construction experience with senior leadership responsibility
Proven success delivering large, complex commercial or industrial projects
Strong financial and operational acumen
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain client relationships
Experience driving repeat business and long‑term partnerships
Clear, confident communicator with owners and internal teams
Leadership style rooted in accountability and trust
Competitive base salary with performance‑based incentives
Long‑term career growth within a stable, values‑driven organization
Full details will be shared during confidential discussions.
About Southern Search Southern Search is a boutique recruiting firm focused on
long‑term placements and leadership‑level searches
within construction and engineering. We work with a small number of clients at a time to ensure discretion, alignment, and high‑quality outcomes for both clients and candidates.
#J-18808-Ljbffr