What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Planning, Design, Construction, and Real Estate Portfolio Management position at ZRG?
ZRG has been engaged to recruit a Vice President of Planning, Design, Construction and Real Estate Portfolio Management for Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the #1 hospital in the U.S. for orthopedics, ranked #3 in the U.S. for rheumatology, and is the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, CT and NJ.
About the Company
The Vice President of Planning, Design, Construction, and Real Estate Portfolio Management is responsible for leading the strategic planning, design, and execution of all capital construction projects across the hospital system, as well as managing the organization’s real estate portfolio. This includes oversight of existing leases, negotiation and administration of lease agreements, and identifying and securing new property sites to support institutional growth. The VP will manage multidisciplinary teams, external consultants, and contractors to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with institutional goals and regulatory requirements.
About the Role
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
- Lead the planning, design, and construction of new facilities, renovations, and infrastructure upgrades;
- Develop and manage capital budgets, schedules, and project scopes in collaboration with finance and operational leadership;
- Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, standards, and regulations including DOH, ADA, NFPA, NYC DOB and Joint Commission requirements;
- Manage the hospital’s real estate portfolio, including oversight of existing leases, lease negotiations, and administration;
- Identify, evaluate, and secure new property sites to support expansion and strategic initiatives;
- Oversee architectural and engineering design processes to ensure alignment with hospital standards and clinical needs;
- Manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and consultants;
- Implement sustainable and resilient design principles in all projects;
- Collaborate with clinical, administrative, and facilities teams to ensure seamless project integration;
- Provide executive-level reporting and presentations to senior leadership and board members;
- Champion innovation and continuous improvement in design and construction practices.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field required;
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Architecture, Engineering, or Healthcare Administration preferred;
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare design and construction;
- Proven track record of managing large-scale healthcare capital projects;
- Deep understanding of healthcare facility planning, regulatory compliance, and construction methodologies;
- Experience in real estate portfolio management, including lease administration and property acquisition.
Required Skills
- Strong knowledge of commercial real estate market trends and regulatory considerations;
- Strong leadership and team-building capabilities;
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills;
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans;
- Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Procore);
- Knowledge of Lean construction principles and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD);
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously;
- Expertise in real estate negotiations and lease structuring;
- Ability to develop property acquisition strategies aligned with organizational growth;
- Strong analytical skills for evaluating market trends and property valuations;
- Proven capability in managing vendor and landlord relationships effectively.
Preferred Skills
- Registered Architect (RA) or Professional Engineer (PE) license;
- Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) – American Society for Healthcare Engineering;
- Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute;
- LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) – U.S. Green Building Council;
- Real Property Administrator (RPA) – Building Owners and Managers Association;
- Certified Property Manager (CPM) – Institute of Real Estate Management.