Director of Operations

Gordon Highlander; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Gordon Highlander is seeking an experienced Regional Director of Operations to lead a growing portfolio of commercial construction projects across the Southeast.

The role oversees multi-project teams, drives operational performance, and ensures exceptional client results. Ideal candidates bring substantial GC leadership, a record of large-scale ground-up projects, and a collaborative, client-focused mindset. Location options include Atlanta or Jacksonville, with a strong people-first culture.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience within commercial general contracting.
• Proven ability to lead multiple project teams across large-scale projects.
• Experience overseeing ground-up commercial or industrial construction, incl. distribution centers, warehousing, cold storage or manufacturing facilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership across multiple Southeast commercial construction projects.
• Mentor and develop Project Managers, Superintendents, and support teams.
• Set expectations and accountability across project leadership groups.
• Oversee safety, quality, schedule, financial performance, and client satisfaction.
• Maintain visibility across the regional portfolio and identify risks early.
• Collaborate with regional leadership to drive operational and financial performance.
• Ensure staffing and resources for successful delivery.
• Build strong client and partner relationships; participate in pursuits and strategic planning.
• Support transitions with Preconstruction and Business Development.
• Drive continuous improvement and uphold client-centric culture.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial GC

Strategic planning

Finance/ forecasting

Client relationships

Staff development

Cross-functional collaboration

Construction management

Education

Construction/Engineering degree

Job description

Regional Director of Operations – Southeast

Location: Atlanta, GA or Jacksonville, FL

Gordon Highlander is seeking an experienced Regional Director of Operations to provide operational leadership across our growing portfolio of commercial construction projects throughout the Southeast.

As Gordon Highlander continues to expand across the region, this position will play a key role in leading multiple project teams, driving operational performance, and ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Reporting to Southeast regional leadership, the Regional Director of Operations will provide leadership and oversight across multiple projects and project teams. We are particularly interested in leaders with experience overseeing teams delivering large-scale ground-up projects such as distribution centers, warehouses, cold storage facilities, manufacturing facilities, and similar industrial developments.

The Regional Director of Operations honors the Gordon Highlander Client Centricity Culture and is a collaborative, cross-functional team player with a servant's heart. This leader is committed to delivering an exceptional client experience while fostering teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement across all project stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership and oversight across multiple commercial construction projects throughout the Southeast
• Lead, mentor, and develop groups of Project Managers, Superintendents, and supporting project teams
• Establish clear expectations and accountability across project leadership teams
• Oversee project performance across safety, quality, schedule, financial performance, and client satisfaction
• Maintain visibility across the regional project portfolio, proactively identifying risks and supporting teams in resolving challenges
• Partner with regional leadership to drive strong operational and financial performance
• Ensure projects are appropriately staffed and project teams have the leadership and resources required for successful delivery
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, trade partners, architects, engineers, and other key stakeholders
• Participate in project pursuits, client interviews, presentations, and strategic planning
• Collaborate closely with Preconstruction and Business Development to support project transitions and operational alignment
• Support the recruitment, development, mentoring, and succession planning of operations team members
• Drive consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement across project delivery
• Champion Gordon Highlander's culture and client-centric approach throughout the Southeast operations team

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience within commercial general contracting
• Proven experience leading multiple project teams rather than managing a single project or project team
• Experience overseeing large-scale ground-up commercial or industrial construction, ideally including distribution centers, warehousing, cold storage facilities, manufacturing facilities, or similar projects
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing Project Managers, Superintendents, and other operations professionals
• Strong understanding of project financials, forecasting, scheduling, risk management, and operational performance
• Proven ability to maintain oversight and accountability across multiple concurrent projects
• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, sequencing, and project delivery
• Proven ability to build trusted client relationships and represent an organization at a senior level
• Strong commercial judgment with the ability to identify challenges early and drive solutions
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively across Operations, Preconstruction, Business Development, and executive leadership
• Comfortable operating in a growing, entrepreneurial environment with a high degree of ownership and accountability
• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred but not required

Why Gordon Highlander?

At Gordon Highlander, we believe exceptional client service begins with exceptional teamwork. We are committed to fostering a culture built on collaboration, accountability, professionalism, and service. Every Highlander plays an important role in our success, and we value individuals who bring energy, integrity, and a genuine desire to help others.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a growing regional operation, develop high-performing teams, strengthen client relationships, and help shape the next stage of Gordon Highlander's growth across the Southeast.

Gordon Highlander does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies, recruiters, or third-party representatives. Any resumes submitted without a current, executed agreement and written authorization from Gordon Highlander will be considered the property of Gordon Highlander, and no placement fees or compensation will be paid.