Head of Construction

The Contractor Consultants; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage (medical

Dental and vision insurance

Paid time off (holidays, vacation, and

Professional development and industry

Job summary

Citadel Firm is seeking a Head of Construction to lead high-stakes commercial and government design-build projects from pre-construction through field execution.

You will drive portfolio performance, mentor leaders, and own strategic growth in a hybrid Washington, DC environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of executive leadership in public and private construction.
• Deep expertise in pre-construction estimating, scope development, design coordination and change order management.
• Experience establishing safety culture, enforcing site protocols, and performing field inspections.
• Strong background in subcontractor management, vendor engagement, and complex contract negotiations.
• Knowledge of the DMV market.

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 high quality.
• Establish, enforce, and model robust site safety protocols with QA/QC leads.
• Identify scope opportunities and risks early to protect timelines and margins.
• Mentor and develop project managers and superintendents to build field leadership teams.
• Manage subcontractor, vendor, and client relationships with executive professionalism.

Skills

Executive leadership

Pre-construction estimating

Scope development

Design coordination

Change order management

Safety culture

Site protocols

Field inspections

Subcontractor management

Vendor engagement

Complex contract negotiations

DMV market knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management/Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in related field (optional)

Tools

Construction technology tools

Project management software suites

Job description

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

Job Overview

• Company: Citadel Firm
• Salary/Pay Rate:Up to $175K base salary, with total annual compensation potential up to $225K based on performance.
• Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)
• Job/Employment Type: Full Time
• Project Scope: Commercial, Government, and Federal Design-Build Projects
• Mandatory Licences & Certifications: None Required

The Opportunity

In this role, you will lead high-stakes construction operations and play a critical role in supporting the firm’s continued growth.. 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.