Demo

Director of Construction

Heirloom Hospitality
Detroit, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 4/16/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/12/2026

The Director of Construction will own the execution and continuous improvement of Heirloom Hospitality’s construction program across the United States.


This role will lead the successful delivery of a flagship restaurant opening in 2026 and transition into overseeing multiple concurrent projects in 2027 and beyond. The Director will be responsible not only for delivering projects at a high level, but also for building the systems, standards, and partner network required to scale construction across markets without compromising quality.


This individual will serve as both a hands-on project leader and a strategic operator—capable of driving day-to-day execution while building the foundation for a best-in-class, scalable construction program. This role is designed to evolve into a future Head of Construction and reports directly to the CEO. 


Core ResponsibilitiesProject Execution Ownership (Flagship – 2026)
  • Serve as owner’s representative with full accountability for project delivery
  • Lead all phases from pre-construction through turnover
  • Own schedule, budget, and quality outcomes—no delegation of accountability
  • Collaborate with architects, designers, engineers, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with brand vision and operational requirements
  • Maintain daily visibility into progress and proactively resolve issues
  • Ensure all permitting, inspections, and regulatory requirements are met
Multi-Project Leadership (2027 Expansion)
  • Oversee multiple restaurant construction projects across different U.S. markets
  • Balance competing priorities without compromising execution or quality
  • Ensure consistency in timelines, reporting, and brand standards across all projects
  • Partner with real estate, operations, and leadership teams to align construction timelines with business goals
Construction Systems & Standardization
  • Develop and implement repeatable construction processes, including:
  • Scheduling frameworks
  • Budget templates and cost tracking systems
  • Reporting structures and dashboards
  • Project delivery playbooks
  • Establish scalable systems to support rapid, multi-market growth
  • Implement and enforce construction best practices across all projects
Contractor & Vendor Strategy
  • Vet, select, negotiate, and manage general contractors, trades, and vendors
  • Build a high-performing, repeatable national vendor network
  • Establish accountability standards, performance tracking, and preferred partnerships
  • Lead procurement strategy and contract execution
Schedule & Risk Management
  • Own and enforce project schedules and critical path milestones
  • Identify risks early and take decisive action to mitigate them
  • Eliminate surprises through proactive planning and communication
  • Ensure consistent execution across all active projects
Financial Oversight
  • Own budgets, forecasts, and cost control across all projects
  • Scrutinize and approve change orders, invoices, and capital allocation decisions
  • Ensure financial transparency, reporting accuracy, and accountability
  • Deliver projects on time and on budget
Quality & Brand Execution
  • Ensure all projects meet Heirloom’s elevated design, detail, and hospitality standards
  • Translate design intent into consistent, high-quality field execution
  • Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, quality, and safety compliance
  • Uphold meticulous attention to detail aligned with brand expectations
Executive Communication & Leadership
  • Provide clear, structured weekly updates to executive leadership
  • Maintain real-time awareness of all active projects
  • Escalate risks early with solutions—not just problems
  • Serve as the internal leader for construction across the organization
Success Metrics
  • Flagship project delivered on time, on budget, and at brand standard
  • Successful execution of multiple 2027 openings with consistency and predictability
  • No material surprises to leadership
  • Development of repeatable, scalable construction systems
  • Strong, accountable contractor and vendor network
Qualifications
  • 8–12 years of construction project management experience
  • Proven experience delivering hospitality, restaurant, or high-end commercial projects
  • Demonstrated success managing multiple concurrent projects across markets
  • Strong expertise in budgeting, scheduling, contracts, and construction processes
  • Experience vetting, negotiating, and managing contractors and vendors
  • Familiarity with permitting and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions
  • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (preferred)
Skills & Competencies
  • Ownership-driven mindset with strong accountability
  • Exceptional organizational and program management skills
  • Ability to operate both strategically and tactically
  • Strong leadership and communication abilities
  • High attention to detail with a commitment to quality
  • Proactive problem-solving and risk management
  • Alignment with Heirloom’s Core Values and passion for hospitality environments
Working Conditions
  • Frequent travel required (up to 50% during peak construction periods)
  • Combination of office-based work and on-site project oversight


About Heirloom Hospitality

Heirloom Hospitality Group is one of Michigan's preeminent restaurant and hospitality companies, emerging from Detroit’s ongoing renaissance. We develop, own, and operate world-class venues that push the boundaries of guest expectations across food, beverage, design, and service—delivering one-of-a-kind experiences.


Purpose: Cultivating relationships through the fanatic pursuit of hospitality


Core Values:

  • Consistently care about the smallest details
  • Be kind, be happy
  • Own it with pride
  • Willingness to learn and teach
  • Every Second Counts


Salary.com Estimation for Director of Construction in Detroit, MI
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