Director of Operations

The Gordon Highlander Corporation; Ponte Vedra Beach (FL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Gordon Highlander is seeking an experienced Regional Director of Operations to lead a growing Southeast portfolio of commercial construction projects from Atlanta, GA or Jacksonville, FL. This role requires overseeing multiple project teams, driving performance, and delivering exceptional client results across industrial facilities and distribution centers.

The position reports to Southeast regional leadership, emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of multiple project teams in commercial general contracting.
• Experience with large-scale ground-up projects (distribution centers, warehouses, manufacturing).
• Demonstrated ability to mentor Project Managers and Superintendents.
• Strong understanding of project financials, forecasting, scheduling, and risk management.
• Proven ability to build trusted client relationships at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership across multiple commercial construction projects in the Southeast.
• Lead, mentor, and develop groups of Project Managers and Superintendents.
• Set expectations and accountability across project leadership teams.
• Oversee safety, quality, schedule, financial performance, and client satisfaction.
• Maintain visibility of the regional portfolio and proactively mitigate risks.
• Partner with regional leadership to drive operational and financial performance.
• Ensure staffing and resources meet project delivery needs.
• Build strong relationships with clients, trade partners, architects, and engineers.
• Participate in pursuits, client interviews, and strategic planning.
• Support transitions with Preconstruction and Business Development; mentor operations team members.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Multi-project oversight

Ground-up construction

Team development

Project financials

Scheduling & risk

Client relations

Cross-functional collaboration

Business development

Ownership & accountability

Education

Construction Management / Engineering degree (preferred)

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.

If you're looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing your career in a supportive environment, we'd love to hear from you.

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.