Vice President of Design & Construction

Company: Based in the Washington DC area, our Client is an entrepreneurial real estate investment and development firm dedicated to executing high-potential, value-driven projects. Operating as the US entity of a proven European real estate group with over 70 years of investment & development experience, this organization continues to deliver forward thinking focused real estate projects across property types. Their lean and agile structure allows team members to operate with significant autonomy, contribute creatively, and influence decisions across the full development lifecycle, from acquisitions and design through entitlements, construction, stabilization, and disposition.

Position Summary: Reporting to the principals, this role will act as the primary advocate for ownership across multiple development and construction initiatives. This individual will guide projects from early feasibility and due diligence through design, permitting, construction, and final turnover. The role requires a confident leader who can manage teams, maintain accountability for schedule and budget, anticipate risks, and communicate effectively with both internal stakeholders and external partners. It is a highly hands-on position suited to someone who thrives in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment where decision-making and initiative are key.

Responsibilities: Lead real estate development projects from concept through completion—including entitlements, design, permitting, construction, and turnover—ensuring feasibility, risk mitigation, compliance, and successful delivery. Convert the company’s strategic vision into detailed project scopes, budgets, and schedules. Manage and coordinate architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors throughout all phases of the project. Oversee pre-construction and construction activities, including contractor procurement, contract negotiations, value engineering, budgeting, scheduling, change management, punch lists, and turnover. Review and validate financial documentation such as pay applications, cost reports, and budget updates. Track construction progress, perform regular site visits, and proactively resolve technical, operational, or schedule-related issues. Cultivate strong relationships with partners, municipal agencies, consultants, and community stakeholders. Communicate effectively with leadership, design teams, contractors, regulatory agencies, and community groups. Collaborate with senior leadership on new project pursuits, supporting feasibility analysis, underwriting, and due diligence. Prepare and present executive-level reports on development status, construction performance, risks, and resource needs to inform timely decision-making. Ensure compliance with all safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies.

Qualifications: 10+ years of experience in development, construction management, or owner’s representation. Proven track record managing ground-up developments and/or major repositioning projects from inception through completion. Strong knowledge of design workflows, construction practices, and permitting processes. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-management skills. Ability to manage multiple, complex projects concurrently. Proficiency with project management and construction software such as MS Project, Procore, Bluebeam, and Excel. Familiarity with acquisitions or early-stage development pursuits. Experience working across multiple asset classes is a significant advantage.