Director of Design and Construction

This position serves as a critical link between strategic planning and day-to-day project execution, fostering collaboration among architects, engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders. The Director leads a team of project managers and facility professionals, driving process improvements, cost control, and adherence to institutional guidelines. Additionally, the role collaborates with senior operational leaders offering expertise on building-related issues and advising on facility design and construction across the broader Care Group and Health Plan network for HealthPartners system-wide.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

10 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare facilities planning & design, project management, and construction administration.

Strong knowledge of healthcare construction regulations, including NFPA, FGI, ADA, and Joint Commission standards.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership.

Experience in advanced financial management and budgeting.

Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proven management/leadership experience managing project teams, external consultants, and contractors.

Ability to develop budgets, manage schedules, and oversee multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Effective team-building and leadership skills.

Exceptional communication skills and ability to partner with leadership at various levels.

Proficiency in project management software, MS Office Suite, and other relevant design and construction tools.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Professional licensure (Architect, Engineer) or related industry certifications (e.g., CHFM, PMP, LEED AP).

Past experience working for a healthcare organization at the manager level or above, preferably a large integrated healthcare system with over 8 million square feet.

Experience with strategic and long-range planning and managing through layers of other management staff.

Broad understanding of healthcare construction and the integration of green building technology into facility planning.

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate challenges and develop proactive solutions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Project Management (35%)

Oversee the design, planning, and execution of capital projects ranging from minor renovations to large-scale developments, ensuring alignment with budget, schedule, and quality expectations.

Direct the implementation of construction projects within appropriate timelines and budgets.

Ensure integration of patient and staff experience, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance into all facility designs.

Oversee construction safety, quality control, and risk management practices across all projects.

Develop and maintain project management policies, procedures, and reporting systems to monitor performance, risks, and outcomes.

Provide leadership for programming, scoping, pricing, and delivery strategies to optimize facility performance.

Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure adherence to building codes, institutional policies, and industry standards.

Support change management initiatives related to facility upgrades and operational transitions.

Provide consulting services to other HealthPartners entities as needed.

Team Management (20%)

Lead, develop, and mentor a team of project managers, consultants, and facility professionals to ensure high performance and professional growth.

Supervise staff with full authority over hiring, promotion, discipline, performance reviews, and compliance with organizational policies.

Lead and coach Facilities staff to foster a culture of engagement, operational alignment, and excellence in service delivery.

Provide leadership for technical engineering services to ensure responsiveness to operational needs.

Financial Stewardship (15%)

Oversee the allocation of project resources, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and fiscal responsibility.

Develop and manage department operating budgets and long-range capital construction budgets.

In consultation with Legal and Supply Chain, develop and negotiate contracts with architects, general contractors, and subcontractors.

Provide leadership in capital budgeting and cost control throughout the project lifecycle.

Collaboration & Communication (15%)

Act as a key liaison with internal stakeholders including Real Estate, Facilities Management, Finance, and clinical departments to ensure alignment with operational goals.

Represent HealthPartners to external consultants, business partners, and the broader community in alignment with the organization’s mission.

Provide leadership and direction for the creation of tools such as floor plans and square footage documentation to support internal communication and planning.

Strategy and Capital Planning (10%)

Participate in and provide expertise to capital planning meetings.

Develop strategic facility plans and direct long-range and annual capital planning efforts.

Lead space planning and master planning initiatives for new and existing facilities.

Direct the development of standards and guidelines for space utilization and furniture planning.

Identify and promote the adoption of sustainable “green” building technologies and practices.

Refine and implement a consistent facility brand identity that supports healing environments and operational efficiency.

Provide leadership / support for disaster planning and business continuity for Health Partners’ Care Group and Health Plan facilities.

Additional Expectations:

Complies with safety instructions, observe safe work practices, provides input on safety issues, and promotes a safe work environment.

Maintains regular and timely attendance.

Protects confidentiality.

Demonstrates participation in and support of the organization's Corporate Integrity Program by participating in compliance-related education and training and complying with the organization's policies and procedures.

Timely completion of all mandatory education and organizational requirements (i.e., licensure/certification, Employee Health and Wellness requirements, annual training, etc.)