Director of Construction Operations, Commercial

Wheeler Staffing Partners; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental benefits

401K with company match

120 hours PTO and 9 paid holidays

Mileage reimbursement and car allowance

Job summary

A leading staffing firm in Chicago is seeking an experienced Director of Construction to manage large-scale projects, ensuring safety, budget, and quality standards are met. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in commercial construction, exemplary leadership skills, and the ability to oversee various teams and processes effectively. This role requires significant travel and a focus on operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 15+ years managing large commercial construction projects.
• Experience with ENR Top 100 General Contractor or firm.
• Ability to mentor and coach diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction project operations and strategy.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Build and lead a high-performing field operations team.

Skills

Project Management

Safety Compliance

Negotiation

Problem Solving

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering or Architecture

Job description

Director of Construction

Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Location: Chicago, IL

Schedule: Onsite + Travel (50%–75%)

Overview

The Director of Construction will be responsible, in collaboration with regional leadership, for supporting all operational aspects of the construction projects, while setting standards to ensure safety, schedule, budget, and required quality standards are met. This role contributes to the organization's strategic goals by ensuring our projects are on schedule and meeting client expectations. The Director of Construction will participate in the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures for safety, planning, and quality control, while ensuring site teams receive proper training and mentoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Vice Presidents and region leadership to align construction operations with strategic goals.
• Report directly to the Senior Vice President, IS Delivery Region.
• Enforce consistent company policies and procedures across all field operations.
• Partner with executive leadership to align field operations with the company's strategic vision.
• Provide expertise in planning, resource allocation, and operational strategies to support project delivery and profitability.
• Champion a culture of safety, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations, ICRA policies, company safety policies, and industry best practices.
• Coordinate with HSE to develop and implement safety training programs, incident reporting, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor safety performance metrics and lead initiatives to achieve zero-incident goals across all project sites.
• Review field operations, including project execution, scheduling, and resource management, to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to client specifications.
• Drive operational efficiency by implementing standardized processes, leveraging technology, and optimizing workflows.
• Ensure seamless coordination between project managers, superintendents, and subcontractor/vendor field teams to maintain project momentum and quality.
• Participate in the development of IS Delivery Quality Control standards and inspection procedures, utilizing current tools.
• Establish and maintain rigorous quality control standards to ensure all projects meet or exceed client expectations and industry benchmarks.
• Oversee the development and enforcement of quality assurance protocols, including inspections, testing, and documentation.
• Ensure all quality-related issues are addressed and resolved promptly to maintain project integrity and client satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and quality standards.
• Participate in subcontractor selection, contract negotiations, and performance evaluations to ensure reliability and accountability while building relationships across existing and emerging markets.
• Implement strategies to mitigate risks associated with subcontractor performance, including delays, quality issues, or scope creep.
• Ensure practical project planning efforts, including preconstruction, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation, are maintained to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Collaborate with project teams to identify and address potential risks, challenges, and opportunities during the planning and execution phases of Delivery.
• Provide guidance on resource utilization, including labor, equipment, and materials, to maximize efficiency and profitability.
• Build and lead a high-performing field operations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and develop field leadership, including superintendents and project managers, to enhance their skills and career progression.
• Act as a primary point of contact for key clients, ensuring their needs and expectations are met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with development, sustainability, and project management teams to support client relationships and secure repeat business.
• Represent the company in industry events, conferences, and client meetings to enhance brand reputation.
• Provide feedback during the preconstruction phase related to Delivery strategies and optimal project execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related area.
• 15+ years managing large complex commercial construction projects, with at least 5 years in a leadership role (e.g., high-rise buildings, healthcare facilities, educational campuses, or industrial complexes).
• Experience working for an ENR Top 100 General Contractor or Construction Management firm.
• Proven track record of success facilitating progressive organizational change and development within a growing organization.
• Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong mentoring, coaching, experience to a team with diverse levels of expertise.
• Entrepreneurial team player who can multitask.
• Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.
• Self‑reliant, good problem solver, results oriented.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, corporate management, and staff.
• Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker.
• Passion for the Company mission.
• 50–75% of the time will be spent traveling to the job site(s)/office locations.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Light work that includes adjusting and/or moving objects up to 50 pounds.
• Medical, vision, and dental benefits.
• 401K with company match (100% match of first 3%, 50% of the next 2%).
• 120 hours PTO and 9 paid holidays.
• Mileage reimbursement and a monthly car allowance.

At Wheeler Staffing Partners, we don’t just fill positions — we build careers and partnerships that last. Our team is dedicated to connecting talented professionals with reputable employers nationwide, offering personalized guidance, responsive communication, and opportunities that align with your goals.