Head of Construction

The Contractor Consultants; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Technology package

Uniforms and safety equipment

Job summary

Citadel Firm in Washington, DC is seeking a Head of Construction to lead commercial and government design-build projects. You will own pre-construction planning, field execution, and portfolio performance, reporting to the executive team in a hybrid environment.

This role requires 7+ years of executive construction experience in both public and private sectors, a proven track record managing multi-dollar projects, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of executive construction leadership experience.
• Experience in both public and private sector construction.
• Strong pre-construction and design coordination expertise.
• Proven ability to manage complex design-build projects.
• DMV market understanding.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full-portfolio construction execution, pre-construction design coordination, and contract negotiations.
• Direct field operations across complex commercial and federal design-build projects to maintain quality standards.
• Establish, enforce, and model robust site safety protocols.
• Identify scope opportunities and risks early to protect timelines and margins.
• Mentor and develop project managers and superintendents to build high-performing field leadership.
• Manage subcontractor, vendor, and client relationships with commercial precision.

Skills

Executive leadership

Pre-construction estimating

Design coordination

Change order management

Field operations oversight

Subcontractor management

Safety program leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

PM software suites

Construction technology tools

Job description

Head of Construction – Lead Commercial and Government Design-Build Projects for Citadel Firm

Job Overview

• Company: Citadel Firm
• Salary/Pay Rate: $140,000 - $150,000 per year (based on experience)
• Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)
• Job/Employment Type: Full Time
• Project Scope: Commercial, Government, and Federal Design-Build Projects
• Mandatory Licences & Certifications: None Required

In this role, you will lead high-stakes field operations and shape the future growth of a premier design-build construction firm. You will serve as an executive leader, taking full ownership of pre-construction planning, field execution, and overall portfolio performance. This is an exciting opportunity to drive strategic growth over the next decade while mentoring the next generation of project leaders.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Oversee full-portfolio construction execution, pre-construction design coordination, and contract negotiations.
• Direct field operations across complex commercial and federal design-build projects to maintain strict quality standards.
• Establish, enforce, and model robust site safety protocols in direct partnership with QA/QC leads.
• Identify scope opportunities and potential project risks early in drawings to protect client timelines and margins.
• Mentor and develop project managers and superintendents to build high-performing field leadership teams.
• Manage subcontractor, vendor, and client relationships with commercial precision and executive professionalism.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of experience
• Executive-level leadership experience in both public and private sector construction.
• Deep expertise in pre-construction estimating, scope development, design coordination, and change order management.
• Extensive experience establishing safety culture, enforcing site protocols, and performing field inspections.
• Strong background in subcontractor management, vendor engagement, and complex contract negotiations.
• Understanding the DMV Market

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 12 or more years of related work experience in commercial or federal field operations leadership.
• Proficiency with modern construction technology tools and project management software suites.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale, high-stakes construction projects valued at $50M+.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive annual base salary paid on a bi-weekly cycle.
• Performance-based bonuses and project completion incentive programs.
• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off covering holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Professional development benefits including paid training programs and industry certifications.
• Technology package provided, including a smartphone or tablet for work use.
• Uniforms and specialized safety equipment provided.
• Employee referral bonus program and structured company events.

About Us

Citadel Firm is a trusted design-build partner specializing in high-stakes commercial, government, and federal environments. We step in when timelines are tight, conditions are complex, and the margin for error is zero. As a founder-led business in our tenth year of operation, we foster a high-accountability culture where talented professionals grow, make a direct impact, and take pride in their work.

Citadel Firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.