Project Executive - Retail

Prevail Recruiting; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Prevail Recruiting is seeking a Project Executive - Retail Commercial Construction in Greater Phoenix, AZ. This senior leader will own client relationships, win retail work, and steer multi-site programs across the Phoenix market.

The role demands 10+ years in commercial construction with strong retail delivery capabilities, P&L accountability, and a proven track record of leading teams, proposals, and high-stakes negotiations to deliver on-time, on-budget projects.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial construction experience.
• 5+ years direct retail construction experience.
• Proven ability to develop business and win retail work.
• Strong leadership and client-facing communication.
• Experience with multi-site retail programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead relationships with retailers, developers, and brokers.
• Identify and pursue new retail construction opportunities.
• Lead proposals, RFQ/RFP responses, and contract pursuits.
• Oversee budgets, forecasting, margins, and P&L.
• Direct Preconstruction, design coordination, permitting, construction, turnover.
• Build and mentor Project Managers and Superintendents.
• Maintain safety, quality, and client satisfaction.

Skills

Retail construction leadership

Executive leadership

Client relationship management

Business development

Multi-site program management

Financial acumen

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Office

Job description

PROJECT EXECUTIVE - RETAIL COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

Greater Phoenix, AZ | Local Market Leadership

$225,000 Base + Bonuses + Extras

Location: Greater Phoenix, Arizona

Position: Project Executive - Retail Commercial Construction

A well-established commercial general contractor and design-build organization is seeking an accomplished Project Executive - Retail Commercial Construction to lead and grow its retail construction platform throughout the Greater Phoenix market.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who brings more than project management experience. We are looking for a proven retail construction leader who understands the Phoenix market, has strong industry relationships, can develop new business, and knows how to successfully deliver multiple retail projects and programs.

The Project Executive will have significant responsibility for the growth and performance of the retail business, including client development, project pursuit, preconstruction coordination, project delivery, financial performance, and leadership of project teams.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This individual will serve as a senior operational and client-facing leader for the company's retail construction business throughout Greater Phoenix.

You will work directly with developers, retail brands, commercial real estate professionals, tenant representatives, internal preconstruction teams, Project Managers, Superintendents, and executive leadership.

The position combines three critical areas:

Retail Construction Leadership | Business Development | Operational Execution

RESPONSIBILITIES

Retail Business Development & Client Relationships

• Develop and maintain relationships with retail developers, national and regional brands, commercial real estate owners, and tenant representatives.
• Identify and pursue new retail construction opportunities throughout the Greater Phoenix market.
• Lead proposals, interviews, RFQ/RFP responses, presentations, and contract pursuits.
• Build long-term client relationships capable of generating repeat and multi-location business.
• Maintain strong visibility within the Phoenix retail development and commercial real estate community.
• Monitor development activity throughout Phoenix-area growth markets, including Scottsdale, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Buckeye, and the West Valley.
• Participate in relevant retail real estate organizations, networking events, and industry functions.

Project & Operational Leadership

• Provide executive oversight for multiple retail and commercial construction projects simultaneously.
• Ensure projects meet expectations for schedule, budget, quality, safety, and client satisfaction.
• Oversee projects from preconstruction and design coordination through permitting, construction, turnover, and closeout.
• Provide executive oversight of project budgets, cost forecasting, financial reporting, and gross-margin performance.
• Partner with preconstruction and design teams to develop cost-effective, constructible solutions.
• Support prototype and multi-location retail programs while maintaining consistency across locations.
• Conduct executive project reviews and participate in key client and project milestone meetings.
• Lead and mentor Project Managers, Superintendents, and project support personnel.
• Build the retail construction team as the division and project pipeline expand.
• Establish accountability across project teams and reinforce consistent operating processes.
• Promote high standards for safety, communication, quality, collaboration, and client service.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of commercial construction experience.
• 5+ years of direct retail construction experience.
• Significant experience delivering retail projects such as QSR/restaurant, big-box retail, inline retail, pad-site development, mixed-use retail, and tenant improvements.
• Demonstrated experience with multi-site or brand-driven retail construction programs.
• Strong knowledge of retail prototypes, permitting, sequencing, preconstruction, tenant improvements, and project delivery.
• Established relationships within the Greater Phoenix retail construction and/or commercial real estate market.
• Existing relationships with developers, retail brands, tenant representatives, brokers, or commercial real estate owners are highly desirable.
• Proven ability to develop business, originate opportunities, lead pursuits, and help close construction contracts.
• Strong financial background encompassing project budgeting, forecasting, job-cost management, margins, and P&L responsibility.
• Experience leading multiple project teams and developing Project Managers, Superintendents, and support personnel.
• Executive-level communication, presentation, negotiation, and client relationship skills.
• Experience with construction technology including Procore, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to travel regionally approximately 15-25% as needed.

IDEAL BACKGROUND

We are particularly interested in candidates who have spent significant time in the Phoenix commercial construction market and understand both the construction and relationship sides of retail development.

This is not simply a Project Manager position with a larger title. The successful candidate should understand how to win retail work, build client relationships, oversee delivery, manage financial performance, and develop a team capable of supporting continued growth.

Candidates coming from established commercial general contractors with a strong portfolio of ground-up retail, QSR, pad-site, big-box, multi-site, and tenant improvement construction are encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This senior leadership opportunity offers a highly competitive $180K-$225K base salary, plus bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include multiple medical plan options, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, HSA options, employer-paid life and AD&D insurance, employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage, and an Employee Assistance Program.

The overall package is designed for an accomplished retail construction executive who can bring strong operational leadership, client relationships, and business development experience within the Greater Phoenix market.