Director of Construction

Kiferbaum Development Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Kiferbaum Development Group, an integrated owner, developer and general contractor in Chicago, seeks a hands-on Director of Construction to lead project execution and grow our operating construction team.

You will manage day-to-day construction, hire and develop superintendents, and partner with ownership on feasibility, design, budgeting and strategy for current and upcoming ground-up mid-rise multifamily and mixed-use projects.

Qualifications

• Leadership of project teams and superintendents.
• Hands-on capabilities in budgeting, forecasting, scheduling, contract administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead project execution from preconstruction through turnover, with accountability for budget, schedule, quality and coordination.
• Own preconstruction and buyout: develop scopes, solicit bids, negotiate subcontracts, coordinate procurement.
• Maintain financial control: budgets, cost-to-complete forecasts, change orders, payment reviews.
• Drive schedules and field coordination with superintendents and subcontractors to keep projects moving.
• Manage project administration: RFIs, submittals, drawings, inspections, closeout.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Scheduling

Subcontractor buyout

Job description

Kiferbaum Development Group is an integrated owner, developer, and general contractor seeking a hands‑on Director of Construction to lead project execution and help build our growing construction operation.

Our current and upcoming projects include several ground‑up mid‑rise multifamily and mixed‑use developments in Chicago, along with single‑family residential projects in the north suburbs. We are experiencing significant growth, with multiple projects in the pipeline and plans to expand our construction team.

Reporting directly to ownership, you will take primary responsibility for day‑to‑day construction management and work closely with our on‑site superintendents. You will personally manage projects while leading the hiring and development of additional superintendents and supporting project management staff.

As part of an integrated owner, developer, and real estate operator, you will gain exposure to the development and ownership side of the business. Working directly with ownership, you will help shape project feasibility, design, budgeting, and construction strategy.

This is a working leadership role for someone who enjoys managing the details, solving problems, and developing a team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead project execution:Personally manage projects from preconstruction through turnover, with accountability for budget, schedule, quality, and coordination.
• Own preconstruction and buyout:Develop scopes, solicit and level bids, identify scope gaps, negotiate subcontracts, and coordinate procurement and constructability reviews.
• Maintain financial control:Manage budgets, commitments, cost‑to‑complete forecasts, change orders, and payment reviews. Identify risks early and recommend practical solutions.
• Drive schedules and field coordination:Work directly with superintendents and subcontractors to establish realistic schedules, coordinate trades, address manpower and procurement issues, and keep projects moving.
• Manage project administration:Ensure RFIs, submittals, drawing updates, inspections, and closeout requirements are handled accurately and on time.
• Build and lead the team:Recruit and develop additional superintendents and supporting PM staff. Establish clear expectations and practical, consistent project controls.
• Partner with ownership:Provide concise updates on project performance, risks, and decisions while independently resolving day‑to‑day construction issues within agreed authority.

Qualifications & Experience

• Direct experience working for a general contractor delivering ground‑up multifamily projects, with personal responsibility for project execution. Experience solely in owner’s representation or subcontractor project management does not satisfy this requirement.
• Leadership of project teams and superintendents.
• Strong hands‑on capabilities in subcontractor buyout, scope review, budgeting, forecasting, scheduling, and contract administration.
• Experience managing subcontractors of varying sizes and administrative capabilities through clear expectations, direct communication, and consistent follow‑through.
• Comfort working in a lean, entrepreneurial environment where you take initiative and remain involved in the details.
• Chicago‑area construction experience and established trade relationships strongly preferred.
• Base salary of $160,000–$190,000, depending on experience and qualifications