Director of Construction & Development

About the Role The Director of Construction & Development oversees the entire lifecycle of development and construction projects across Canada, from initial planning to operational handover. This position is crucial in assessing project viability before construction starts, not just managing successful completion. It is a hands‑on leadership role—you’re expected to actively drive project execution, collaborating closely with Construction Managers, consultants, contractors, and internal teams. A key focus is ensuring projects support long‑term operational success, not merely finishing construction. The Director will act as a link between development and operations, ensuring assets are functional, efficient, and aligned with business needs from the outset.

What Success Looks Like

Projects are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with investment assumptions

Construction is executed with minimal rework or operational inefficiencies post‑handoff

Risks are identified early and actively managed, not reacted to late

Construction Managers are supported, accountable, and deliver consistently

Strong, reliable network of contractors and consultants.

Key Responsibilities Project & Development Leadership

Lead end‑to‑end delivery of new builds, expansions, and redevelopment projects

Act as the owner’s representative, accountable for scope, budget, schedule, and outcomes

Manage multiple projects concurrently across different regions

Development & Acquisitions Partnership

Partner with the Acquisitions team during site selection and due diligence phases

Provide input on site feasibility, construction strategy, and cost assumptions

Support evaluation of development types (greenfield, conversion, multi‑story)

Review and validate pro forma assumptions related to construction costs and timelines

Engage with municipalities and stakeholders to support approvals and project viability

Contribute to go/no‑go decisions based on construction and development insights

Execution & Hands‑On Project Management

Stay actively involved in project execution—problem‑solving in real time, not just overseeing

Partner closely with Construction Managers to drive day‑to‑day progress

Manage schedules, budgets, and risks, ensuring proactive course correction

Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve project returns

Actively manage construction cost drivers, contingencies, and efficiencies

Partner with internal teams to align budget, design, and operational outcomes

Procurement, Contracts & Vendors

Lead tendering, procurement, and contractor selection processes

Negotiate and manage contracts through to project close‑out

Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and industry partners

Budgeting & Financial Oversight

Prepare, own and be accountable for all project budgets and timelines and prioritize skillset accordingly

Contribute to financial forecasts and be responsible for detailed pro forma cost assumptions and inputs

Monitor project financials to maintain cost control, addressing variances and ensuring profitability

Provide transparent financial and project milestones reporting to the Managing Director and partners

Permitting, Approvals & Compliance

Lead land entitlement efforts, including securing zoning, site plan approvals, and other municipal permits

Drive effective negotiations with city officials, regulatory agencies, and community boards

Navigate environmental considerations and compliance requirements

Ensure timelines are maintained through proactive stakeholder engagement

Design, Buildability & Value Engineering

Collaborate with architects and consultants through design development

Provide constructability and value engineering input

Balance cost, design intent, and operational functionality

Operational Integration

Ensure seamless handoff from construction to operations

Partner with operations teams to ensure assets are:

Functional and efficient

Easy to maintain and operate

Aligned with customer and business needs

Incorporate operational feedback into future builds and improvements

Leadership & Team Development

Lead and mentor Construction Managers and project teams

Foster accountability, ownership, and high performance

Create alignment across development, operations, and leadership teams

Qualifications

10–15+ years of experience in real estate construction and development

Experience delivering projects valued at $15M+

Experience running multiple projects at various stages concurrently

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Architecture, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Engineering or a related field (Master’s preferred)

Project Management Professional PMP designation, or equivalent

Strong knowledge of contracts, procurement and construction methodologies

Multi‑story experience

In‑depth knowledge of zoning, site plan, building codes, and environmental regulations

Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and pro forma contribution

Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills

Ability to travel as needed

Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to inclusive and accessible hiring practices. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, and business needs. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

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