1185 Vice President Director of Real Estate Development and Construction

We are seeking a Director of Real Estate Development & Construction to lead the planning design and construction of primarily large retrofit fitness club projects throughout the midwest. The position will be based in their SAINT CHARLES (CHICAGO area) ILoffice. This individual will oversee the full project lifecycle from site evaluation and due diligence through design permitting construction commissioning and operational turnover.

The Director will serve as the companys primary representative for architects engineers consultants landlords and general contractors ensuring projects are delivered on schedule within budget and consistent with company standards. The portfolio will primarily consist of complex adaptive reuse redevelopment and retrofit projects involving the conversion of existing commercial properties into high-end fitness facilities.

This role requires a strong combination of development design construction and operational leadership with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously across various stages of execution.

• Lead all pre-development activities including due diligence site assessments budgeting scheduling feasibility analysis and project planning.
• Direct the architect and consultant selection process including RFP preparation fee negotiations contract execution and performance management.
• Oversee civil architectural structural MEP and specialty consultant teams throughout design and permitting.
• Partner with internal real estate operations finance and executive leadership teams to establish project objectives scope and business requirements.
• Evaluate existing building conditions and identify redevelopment infrastructure and operational challenges associated with adaptive reuse and retrofit projects.
• Develop project budgets schedules cash flow forecasts and capital expenditure
• Lead value engineering efforts while maintaining design intent operational functionality and member experience standards.

• Oversee the design process from schematic design through construction
• Ensure all club layouts support operational efficiency member experience brand standards and revenue-generating amenities.
• Review architectural and engineering plans for constructability cost efficiency and long-term maintenance considerations.
• Coordinate specialty fitness requirements including aquatics group exercise studios locker rooms recovery areas food service childcare facilities and specialty equipment
• Drive consistency of design standards across multiple markets while adapting to unique site constraints.

• Lead the general contractor procurement process including bid solicitation proposal evaluation contract negotiations and award recommendations.
• Oversee all phases of construction from mobilization through project closeout and
• Monitor contractor performance schedule adherence budget management quality control safety compliance and issue resolution.
• Conduct regular project reviews to identify schedule risks cost overruns and potential construction challenges.
• Review and approve change orders draw requests contingency expenditures and project
• Coordinate furniture fixtures equipment (FF&E) fitness equipment installation technology systems and operational readiness activities.
• Ensure successful project commissioning and turnover to club operations

• Manage multiple concurrent project budgets and
• Track project performance against approved financial objectives and development
• Review monthly cost reports contractor pay applications forecast updates and project cash flow analyses.
• Develop executive-level reporting regarding project status budget performance schedule milestones and key risks.
• Maintain accountability for overall project delivery and capital expenditure

• Serve as the primary point of contact for architects consultants contractors landlords and municipal agencies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local jurisdictions permitting agencies landlords and development partners.

• Lead cross-functional coordination between development construction operations finance legal and executive leadership teams.
• Mentor and supervise internal project managers construction managers and development staff as the department grows.
• Provide regular project updates and strategic recommendations to executive

• Bachelors degree in Construction Management Architecture Engineering Real Estate Development or a related field is preferred but not required. Consideration will also be given to those with 15 years of similar experience regardless of degree or lack thereof.
• 15 years of progressive experience managing commercial /retail development and construction
• Experience leading large-scale retail hospitality fitness entertainment automotive center style projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects from initial planning through operational
• Strong understanding of commercial construction practices building systems permitting entitlements and project controls.
• Experience overseeing architect consultant and general contractor selection and
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and teams
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting forecasting contract negotiations and cost
• Excellent communication leadership and stakeholder management

• Experience developing fitness facilities athletic clubs hospitality projects entertainment venues or other customer-facing environments with a high-level of finish.
• Experience with complex renovation redevelopment and adaptive reuse
• Familiarity with building systems including HVAC electrical plumbing life safety pools and specialty fitness infrastructure.
• Experience utilizing project management and construction related software.
• Professional certifications such as PMP CCM LEED PE RA or related credentials are a plus.

• This position is based in Florida and can be anywhere between Tampa through Miami FL. Though candidate will be working remotely it is preferred that they hub out of a close project office location. Open to discussion.

• Limited remote flexibility may be available; however the successful candidate should expect to spend the majority of their time at a regional office and project sites.
• Regular travel will be required to support projects throughout the assigned
• Combination of office-based field-based and project site
• Full-time position requiring flexibility to support active construction schedules and critical project milestones.

Compensation package includes a competitive base salary comprehensive benefits package and long-term career growth potential. Salary will be commensurate with experience qualifications and demonstrated project leadership experience.

Gillian Executive Search is a leader in recruiting for retail fitness center hospitality development design and construction. Contact Kipp Gillian to discuss more. x1