Senior Director, Mission Critical Predevelopment

Blue Signal Search; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Signal Search is seeking a Senior Director, Mission Critical Predevelopment to shape strategy for high-profile infrastructure programs from feasibility through pricing and execution readiness.

The role requires leading front-end planning, refining processes, and aligning development, design, and financial planning with executive stakeholders in a fast-growth environment. On-site in Dallas or Washington, DC; strong leadership essential.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading preconstruction for large, technically complex construction programs.
• Background in mission-critical, advanced industrial, manufacturing, or similar complex facilities.
• Proven budgeting, bid strategy, procurement planning, cost modeling, and commercial alignment during preconstruction.
• Ability to interpret technical project requirements and convert them into actionable business recommendations.
• Experience collaborating with executive leadership and cross-functional teams in growth-focused organizations.
• Proven people leadership, process improvement, and performance management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities with senior stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead front-end planning for large, mission-critical construction initiatives from feasibility through pricing, partner alignment, and execution readiness.
• Develop and refine preconstruction processes, standards, and reporting practices across projects and markets.
• Provide executive stakeholders with clear direction on cost exposure, timelines, procurement strategy, and project risk.
• Partner cross-functionally with development, design, finance, operations, and project delivery teams to support early decisions.
• Oversee conceptual budgeting, design-phase estimating, bid review, and commercial evaluation of complex projects.
• Review contractor and trade proposals, confirm scope alignment, and support negotiation prior to award.
• Drive value analysis, constructability review, and early risk identification to protect capital plans.
• Evaluate planning factors such as utility coordination, procurement timing, and phasing strategies.
• Cultivate relationships with consultants, builders, vendors essential to project planning.
• Lead, mentor, and strengthen a high-performing predevelopment team.

Skills

Preconstruction leadership

Budgeting & cost modeling

Executive stakeholder communication

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related discipline

Job description

Senior Director, Mission Critical Predevelopment

Location: On-site in Dallas, TX or Washington, DC

Our client is a rapidly expanding organization delivering highly technical, capital-intensive infrastructure programs in fast-moving markets. They are seeking a Senior Director, Mission Critical Predevelopment to help shape project strategy well before construction begins, bringing structure, foresight, and commercial discipline to major development efforts. This is a strong opportunity for a seasoned leader who enjoys influencing early-stage planning, guiding complex stakeholder groups, and helping high-visibility projects launch with greater clarity and confidence.

This leader will play a key role in aligning development, design, financial planning, and execution strategy across a growing portfolio of mission critical initiatives. The right candidate will bring a strong command of preconstruction leadership, budget planning, risk evaluation, technical coordination, and team development, along with the ability to operate effectively in a high-growth environment where speed and precision both matter.

What You Will Do

• Lead front-end planning for large, mission-critical construction initiatives, guiding projects from feasibility through pricing, partner alignment, and execution readiness
• Develop and refine preconstruction processes, standards, and reporting practices that improve consistency across multiple projects and markets
• Provide executive stakeholders with clear direction on cost exposure, timeline considerations, procurement strategy, and project risk
• Partner cross-functionally with development, design, finance, operations, and project delivery teams to support sound decision-making during early project phases
• Oversee conceptual budgeting, design-phase estimating, bid review, and commercial evaluation activities for complex capital projects
• Review proposals from contractors and trade partners, confirm scope alignment, and support negotiation strategy prior to project award
• Drive value analysis, constructability review, and early risk identification to improve project outcomes and protect capital plans
• Evaluate major infrastructure planning factors such as utility coordination, equipment procurement timing, phasing strategy, and technical building requirements
• Cultivate productive relationships with consultants, builders, vendors, and other external partners essential to successful project planning
• Lead, mentor, and strengthen a high-performing team focused on predevelopment and preconstruction excellence

What You Bring

• Significant experience leading preconstruction, estimating, or early-stage project planning for large and technically complex construction programs
• Strong background supporting mission critical, advanced industrial, manufacturing, or other highly engineered facility types
• Demonstrated success with budgeting, bid strategy, procurement planning, cost modeling, and commercial alignment during preconstruction phases
• Ability to interpret technical project requirements and convert them into actionable business and delivery recommendations
• Experience collaborating with executive leadership and cross-functional teams in dynamic, growth-oriented organizations
• Proven people leadership skills, including team development, process improvement, and performance management
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, especially when discussing risk, cost strategy, and project assumptions with senior stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related discipline is preferred

Why Candidates Are Interested

• Opportunity to influence nationally significant, technically advanced projects
• Strong visibility with executive leadership and meaningful strategic ownership
• Collaborative environment with continued portfolio growth
• Exposure to sophisticated infrastructure programs with substantial capital impact
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits offering