Director of Construction

Foster Lawson; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle allowance

401(k) with match

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Foster Lawson seeks a Director of Construction / Project Executive to lead the Los Angeles branch on-site, directing multiple projects, guiding project teams, and ensuring program delivery aligns with strategic objectives. This senior role oversees client relationships and the branch's performance across the LA market.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in retail construction and corporate interiors/tenant improvements, with proven P&L accountability and a track record of managing

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive experience in commercial construction, including leadership roles.
• 5+ years in senior leadership (Project Executive/Director of Construction).
• Strong experience in retail construction and corporate interiors/tenant improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership for all active LA Branch projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Mentor and manage Project Managers, Superintendents, and Project Engineers across multiple sites.
• Maintain executive-level client relationships with owners, developers, and architects.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Budgeting

Forecasting

Contract management

Negotiation

Communication

Procore

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Procore

CMiC

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

Our client, a large nationwide general contractor, is seeking an experienced Director of Construction / Project Executive to lead operations for its Los Angeles branch. This is a senior, on-site leadership position responsible for the successful execution of multiple concurrent construction projects, oversight of project teams, client relationship management, and driving the strategic growth and operational performance of the LA market.

This role is ideal for a construction executive with a strong track record in retail construction and corporate interiors/tenant improvement projects who is ready to take on regional-level leadership and P&L accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership and oversight for all active construction projects within the LA Branch, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Manage and mentor a team of Project Managers, Superintendents, and Project Engineers across multiple job sites.
• Own client relationships at the executive level; serve as the primary point of contact for owners, developers, architects, and key subcontractors.
• Drive business development efforts in partnership with regional leadership, including participation in pursuits, proposals, and interviews for new work.
• Oversee project financials including budgets, forecasts, billings, change orders, and profitability across the branch's project portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, risk management protocols, safety standards, and company policies across all projects.
• Review and approve project schedules, staffing plans, and resource allocation across the branch.
• Identify and resolve escalated project issues, including schedule delays, budget overruns, and client or subcontractor disputes.
• Partner with preconstruction and estimating teams on constructability reviews, GMP development, and buyout strategy.
• Lead delivery of retail rollout/prototype programs and corporate interiors/tenant improvement projects, often under compressed schedules and occupied-space or live-store conditions.
• Coordinate with landlords, property managers, and brand/facilities teams to manage lease-driven deadlines, work letters, and multi-site program requirements.
• Champion company culture, safety-first mindset, and professional development within the LA team.
• Report regularly to executive leadership on branch performance, project status, and market opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent industry experience).
• 12+ years of progressive experience in commercial construction, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role (Project Executive, Director of Construction, or similar).
• Strong, direct experience in retail construction (new store builds, remodels, and multi-site rollout programs) and corporate interiors/tenant improvement projects (office build-outs, workplace renovations, occupied-space phasing).
• Proven track record managing multiple concurrent projects across dispersed sites, often on accelerated, lease- or brand-driven timelines.
• Experience working with retail brands, landlords/property management groups, and corporate facilities/workplace teams.
• Strong knowledge of LA-area construction market, subcontractor base, permitting, and regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated experience in client relationship management and business development.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and contract management (GMP, lump sum, CM-at-risk).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with construction management software (e.g., Procore, CMiC, or similar) and scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project).
• OSHA 30 certification preferred.
• PE, LEED AP, or DBIA credentials a plus.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary + performance-based bonus
• Vehicle allowance / company vehicle
• 401(k) with company match
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)
• Strong pipeline of nationwide and regional projects
• Clear path for advancement within a national platform