Senior Director of Construction Operations

Senior Director of Construction Operations

Position Summary

Our client, a leading federal general contractor, is seeking a Senior Director of Construction Operations to provide executive leadership for all construction operations across a diverse portfolio of federal government projects. This individual will oversee project execution, operational performance, financial results, and client satisfaction while ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with all federal contract requirements.

The successful candidate will bring extensive leadership experience managing complex federal construction projects, including Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build delivery methods, with a strong understanding of federal contracting regulations and agency requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

• Lead all construction operations across the company's project portfolio.
• Develop operational strategies, policies, procedures, and best practices that drive consistency and operational excellence.
• Provide leadership and direction to Project Executives, Senior Project Managers, Project Managers, Superintendents, and Project Engineers.
• Establish operational KPIs and performance dashboards to monitor project and organizational success.
• Foster a culture centered on accountability, safety, quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Project Execution

Provide executive oversight for all active construction projects, including:

• Schedule performance
• Budget management
• Cash flow
• Change management
• Procurement
• Labor productivity
• Risk mitigation
• Client satisfaction
• Safety performance
• Contract compliance

Conduct executive project reviews and proactively resolve issues before they impact project performance.

Financial & Operational Management

• Maximize project profitability through cost control, labor productivity, subcontractor management, and effective change order management.
• Review project financial performance, forecasting, earned value reporting, and cash flow with project teams.
• Support revenue forecasting and margin preservation initiatives.
• Identify operational improvements that enhance project delivery and financial performance.

Federal Contract Administration

Ensure compliance with all applicable federal contracting requirements, including:

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
• DFARS
• Davis-Bacon Act requirements
• Certified Payroll
• EM 385-1-1
• OSHA regulations
• Small Business subcontracting requirements
• Contract modifications
• Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REA)
• Claims management
• Contract closeout

Estimating & Preconstruction

Partner closely with estimating and business development teams to:

• Review major estimates
• Participate in bid strategy discussions
• Validate labor assumptions
• Evaluate project risks
• Review subcontractor coverage
• Support pricing strategy
• Assist with bid/no-bid decisions
• Ensure seamless turnover from preconstruction to operations

Risk Management

Identify and mitigate operational risks, including:

• Schedule delays
• Cost overruns
• Labor shortages
• Supply chain disruptions
• Design issues
• Contract interpretation
• Owner-directed changes
• Subcontractor performance
• Claims exposure

Leadership & Talent Development

• Mentor and develop Project Executives, Project Managers, Superintendents, and emerging leaders.
• Conduct performance evaluations and succession planning.
• Build leadership capabilities across the organization.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional development.

Client Relationship Management

Maintain executive-level relationships with:

• Contracting Officers
• Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs)
• Agency Program Managers
• Architects
• Engineers
• Owners
• Consultants
• Strategic subcontractors

Represent the company during executive meetings and major project reviews.

Operational Excellence

Drive continuous improvement initiatives involving:

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Lean Construction principles
• Project controls
• Scheduling standards
• Cost reporting
• Quality management
• Technology implementation
• Safety performance
• Standardized project delivery processes

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• 15 years of progressive construction leadership experience.
• 10 years managing Federal Government construction projects.
• Experience overseeing multiple concurrent projects and large construction portfolios.
• Experience managing annual project volume exceeding $100 million preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading Project Managers, Superintendents, and field operations.
• Strong background in estimating and preconstruction.

Technical Expertise

Extensive knowledge of:

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
• DFARS
• Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build delivery
• USACE
• NAVFAC
• GSA
• Department of State (OBO)
• VA construction projects
• CPM Scheduling
• Primavera P6
• Microsoft Project
• Procore
• Sage 300
• Earned Value Management
• Construction cost controls
• Contract administration
• Claims management