Senior Director of Construction & Development Operations
Keller Executive Search, Memphis, TN, United States
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 Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations. Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location. Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable. Privacy and Pay Equity: California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com. Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available. Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws. State-Specific Information: Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants. Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation. New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed. Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process. Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment: Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles. Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law. Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate. Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.
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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 Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations. Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location. Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable. Privacy and Pay Equity: California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com. Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available. Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws. State-Specific Information: Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants. Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation. New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed. Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process. Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment: Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles. Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law. Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate. Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.
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