Director of Projects - Construction

opryentertainment; Colorado; On-site; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Ryman Hospitality Properties is seeking a Director of Projects - Construction to oversee the design, engineering, and construction of a new Guestroom Tower and Indoor Water Park, from concept to completion, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado.

The role requires extensive experience managing multi-discipline teams, coordinating with executives and stakeholders, ensuring schedule, budget, quality, and regulatory compliance, and delivering high-quality results.

Qualifications

• Degree in Architecture, Construction Management, or related field required.
• Additional industry certifications and continued education preferred.
• 10+ years' experience in large, complex hospitality construction projects.
• 7+ years' experience leading project teams with budgets and schedules.
• Experience representing the client owner on all aspects of large projects.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain design/construction schedules and procurement timelines.
• Coordinate with executives and operational teams; lead stakeholder meetings.
• Oversee inspections to ensure quality control standards.
• Review changes outside approval authority affecting cost/schedule.
• Negotiate/manage consultants and contractors relationships.
• Process correspondence and periodic reports per contracts.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Executive presentation

Verbal communication

Education

Degree in Architecture, Construction Management, or related field

Certifications in industry preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

As the Director of Projects - Construction with Ryman Hospitality Properties, you will oversee construction projects, from concept through completion, including a new Guestroom Tower of roughly 500 guestrooms and an Indoor Water Park, from concept through completion, for the Company's expanding portfolio. You'll be responsible for planning, oversight, execution, and management of related design, engineering, and construction processes. As the ideal candidate, you bring proven construction management leadership with experience in complex, large-scale, new construction projects, and the ability to deliver high-quality results.

This position is based onsite at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado.

• Establish and maintain a design and construction schedule for departmental coordination. Establish a procurement, delivery, and installation schedule to ensure on-time opening of each project.
• Coordinate with cross-functionally with corporate leadership and operational teams to ensure effective alignment throughout each project's design and construction phases. Lead and document project meetings involving all relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee project inspections to ensure compliance with quality control standards.
• Review and provide recommendations on proposed changes to design and construction documents that fall outside established approval authority and may impact project cost or schedule.
• Negotiate, document, and manage relationships with consultants and contractors.
• Review, monitor and process all correspondence to and from contractors/vendors and coordinate the submission of periodic reports as required by contracts.
• Oversee project financial management, including approval of contractor/vendor invoices and ongoing review of cost forecasts to ensure alignment with budgets and project performance.
• Maintain progress reports, budgets, and files for reference and coordination to meet internal audit and record retention procedures.
• Produce final punch lists and work with necessary departments and contractors to close out the project.
• Oversee job closeout process to turn over as-built drawings, warranties, owner's maintenance, operations manuals, and vendor/contractor lists to operations leaders. Manage closeout of all contractor and vendor contracts. Turn over utilities management to operations leaders.
• Coordinate with city, county, and state officials to secure all required permits and ensure regulatory compliance for building projects. Negotiate and coordinate with all relevant authorities to ensure successful project completion and compliance.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to oversee and direct real estate development, design, and construction activities, including conducting physical, financial, and legal due diligence to assess the viability of potential acquisition properties and renovations, expansions, or alterations to existing and acquired facilities.
• Oversee preparation of final billing and filing with jurisdictional agencies.
• Lead department staff, including project managers, interns and/or other staff. Develop direct reports by communicating performance expectations and delivering timely feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $180,000 – $200,000 based on factors such as skills, relevant experience, education, internal equity, and geographic location. This role is also eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and business unit/corporate performance as well as an annual stock equity grant issued through a long-term incentive plan. Benefits for this position include competitive medical, dental, vision and pharmacy plans; insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with company match; paid time off including parental leave; and other employer-sponsored benefits. Posting will remain open until at least May 22, 2026.

Education

• Degree in Architecture, Construction Management, or related field required
• Additional industry certifications and continued education preferred

Experience

• 10+ years' experience in large, complex hospitality construction projects and a superior understanding of the construction industry and construction practices
• 7+ years' experience in project leadership role with responsibility for project budget, schedule and the supervision of design and construction project team
• Extensive experience representing the client owner on all aspects of large construction projects (negotiations, documentation, bidding, management of consultants, dispute resolution, cost tracking controls and budget reporting systems), as well as leading a team of professionals
• Demonstrated experience in dealing with construction trade unions and union issues
• Strong background in real estate and contract negotiation related to development, design and construction projects

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Able to effectively present information and respond to questions at an executive level
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Licenses / Certifications

• Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record required

This position requires a pre-employment drug screening (4-panel: phencyclidine, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates).

Physical Requirements

Speak and hear to communicate and use both near and far vision. Stand and walk for extended periods, including on uneven surfaces and while carrying items. Occasionally lift/carry up to 50 lbs. Continually use gross motor skills with frequent use of bi-manual dexterity and fine motor skills for computer use.

Working Conditions

In-office position, in close proximity to others. Frequently required to attend construction site visits, in outdoor weather conditions, with elevated nose levels.