Director of Construction - Industrial

Job Title: Director of Construction – Industrial

Location: Hybrid (Knoxville, TN / Remote)

Department: Operations

Reports To: Executive Vice President

FLSA Status: Exempt

We understand what we do is not defined by the buildings we build. At Summit, we strive to be the trusted provider of construction services by developing a team of empowered professionals that share a vision of building excellence now and in the future. We embrace innovation in our pursuit of continuous improvement, both for our finished product and for the success of our team. Summit builds long lasting relationships, community and careers. Summit builds together.

Job Summary

The Director of Construction - Industrial will be responsible for developing, implementing, and leading Summit General Contractors’ industrial construction program. This individual will serve as the strategic leader responsible for creating the organizational structure, operational framework, talent strategy, systems, and execution model necessary to support sustainable growth within the Industrial construction ecosystem.

This role extends beyond traditional project management responsibilities. The Director of Construction - Industrial will work directly with Summit’s Executive Leadership Team to establish program standards, develop scalable processes, recruit and develop talent, and ensure consistent project execution across all industrial-related opportunities.

The ideal candidate possesses a unique combination of owner-side and contractor-side experience, allowing them to effectively bridge industrial client’s expectations with Summit’s operational capabilities while positioning the company as a trusted long-term construction partner.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Operational Strategy:

·       Develop and implement Summit's Industrial Program operating model, standards, and execution framework.

·       Establish industrial-specific procedures, reporting structures, performance metrics, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

·       Create scalable project startup, execution, turnover, and closeout playbooks.

·       Lead continuous improvement initiatives and integrate lessons learned into program standards and operating procedures.

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth:

·       Serve as Summit's internal subject matter expert for industrial construction programs and client expectations.

·       Advise executive leadership on organizational design, staffing strategy, resource planning, and operational readiness.

·       Identify operational gaps and develop solutions that improve scalability, efficiency, and performance.

·       Support business development efforts and pursuit strategies related to industrial opportunities and strategic growth initiatives.

Talent Development & Organizational Leadership:

·       Identify staffing requirements and organizational structures necessary to support program growth and project execution.

·       Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and developing industrial-focused team members.

·       Develop role descriptions, career paths, succession plans, and team development strategies.

·       Mentor project managers, superintendents, and support personnel on industrial-specific standards, expectations, and best practices.

Project Delivery & Operational Excellence:

·       Directly manage industrial projects through planning, execution, turnover, and closeout while ensuring client expectations are achieved.

·       Establish project controls, risk management processes, reporting standards, and performance measurement systems.

·       Develop and maintain preferred subcontractor, vendor, and supplier relationships that support successful project delivery.

·       Ensure consistent execution, quality, safety, scheduling, and financial performance across all industrial projects.

Client Partnership & Program Alignment:

·       Serve as the primary bridge between industrial client’s expectations and Summit operations.

·       Translate client requirements into repeatable processes, standards, and operational procedures.

·       Build and maintain strong relationships with industrial stakeholders, consultants, and project partners.

·       Help position Summit as a preferred long-term construction partner within the industrial ecosystem.

Communication & Team Collaboration:

·       Collaborate with Executive Leadership, Operations, Preconstruction, Safety, and Project Teams to achieve program objectives.

·       Facilitate clear, professional, and effective communication across all levels of the organization.

·       Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

·       Support company initiatives while exemplifying Summit's values and leadership principles.

Required Qualifications

·        Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field; equivalent industry experience may be considered.

·        10 years of commercial, industrial, logistics, distribution, mission-critical, or large-scale construction experience.

·        Significant experience managing construction projects for a General Contractor.

·        Experience leading project teams, field teams, departments, or operational groups.

·        Strong understanding of project management, preconstruction, scheduling, procurement, safety, quality control, and project closeout.

·        Experience with design-build, negotiated, and fast-track construction delivery methods.

·        Excellent organizational and time management skills.

·        Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

·        Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.

·        Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

·        Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

·        Direct experience supporting industrial construction programs.

·        Experience serving on both the owner and contractor sides of the construction industry.

·        Experience evaluating, managing, or selecting General Contractors.

·        Experience delivering fulfillment centers, sort centers, delivery stations, robotics facilities, data centers, or large industrial projects.

·        Experience developing operational frameworks, standards, procedures, and scalable systems.

·        Experience building, developing, and leading high-performing teams.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate has spent part of their career working for a leading General Contractor and part of their career supporting Industrial Construction initiatives.

They possess firsthand knowledge of:

·        What differentiates top-performing industrial construction partners.

·        Why contractors succeed or fail within industrial programs.

·        The organizational structures required to support large-scale industrial construction.

·        The people, processes, systems, reporting structures, and performance metrics necessary to consistently deliver results.

Most importantly, this individual possesses the leadership ability to build and scale a business unit – not simply manage projects.

Physical Requirements

·        Ability to perform work in both office and construction site environments.

·        Ability to travel regularly to project locations, client meetings, and industry events.

·        Ability to walk active construction sites and navigate varying site conditions.

·        Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and through written communication.

·        Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions

·        Combination of office, remote, and construction site environments.

·        Frequent interaction with clients, subcontractors, vendors, consultants, and project teams.

·        Travel required based on project locations and business needs.

·        Additional hours may occasionally be required to support project deadlines, client needs, or business initiatives.

Salary and Benefits

·        Competitive salary based on experience.

·        Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.

·        Retirement plan with company match.

·        Paid time off and holidays.

·        Competitive bonus structure based on company and individual performance.