Head of Waterfront Development & Construction Position Available In [Unknown county], Florida

Head of Waterfront Development & Construction Confidential Florida About Us:

A leading private equity-backed owner, operator, and developer focused on the acquisition and strategic management of marina and shipyard properties. We are strategically expanding our portfolio across premier coastal and inland waterway locations and seek a highly experienced senior development and construction professional to lead the execution of our physical development projects.

Job Summary:

The Head of Development & Construction will provide senior leadership and hands-on oversight for all aspects of the physical development and construction process across the portfolio. This leadership role takes primary responsibility once an asset is acquired or a development site is controlled, guiding complex projects through feasibility, cost estimation, entitlement, design, permitting, construction, and final turnover to operations. The Head of Development & Construction will manage project teams, critical path timelines, multi-million dollar budgets, and key stakeholder relationships, ensuring projects are executed efficiently, safely, delivered strictly on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This position requires extensive experience managing large-scale, complex development projects, a deep understanding of construction means and methods (including commercial/industrial structures), the ability to scrutinize plans for practical details, and proven success in navigating challenging entitlement processes while managing local government and community group interactions.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Execution Leadership:

Lead and manage the entire development lifecycle for assigned projects within the portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic goals from initial concept and feasibility through construction completion and operational handover. Maintain rigorous focus on delivering projects on schedule and meeting or exceeding budget targets.

Entitlements & Permitting Strategy:

Develop and execute sophisticated strategies to secure all necessary zoning, land use, environmental, and building permits and approvals. Effectively represent the company before local governments, agencies, and community groups.

Design & Pre-Construction Management:

Lead the selection and management of design teams and consultants. Drive the design development process, ensuring detailed review of plans and specifications for constructability, cost-effectiveness, operational efficiency, and completeness (e.g., site layout, building specs, parking requirements). Lead value engineering efforts and develop accurate development cost estimates throughout the design process.

Budgeting, Scheduling & Cost Control:

Create, manage, and take full accountability for comprehensive project budgets and critical path schedules. Implement rigorous cost-control measures, tracking systems, and reporting. Proactively identify, mitigate, and report on budget/schedule risks.

Construction Oversight & Management:

Lead the general contractor bidding, negotiation, and selection process. Provide high-level oversight and direction for all construction activities, ensuring strict adherence to plans, specifications, safety protocols, budget, and schedule. Resolve complex construction issues decisively.

Contract Management & Negotiation:

Lead negotiation and manage major contracts with general contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and vendors. Oversee contract administration, change order management, and payment processes meticulously.

Risk Management:

Identify, analyze, and develop mitigation strategies for significant project risks (entitlement, environmental, geotechnical, construction, budget, schedule).

Stakeholder Coordination & Reporting:

Collaborate closely with the Head of Acquisitions & Transactions during due diligence and ensure seamless coordination and handover to internal asset management and operations teams . Provide clear, concise, and regular project status reports to senior leadership and equity partners.

Team Leadership:

Potentially build and manage a team of project managers as the portfolio and project complexity grow.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering (Civil, Structural), Architecture, Real Estate Development, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum of 10+ years of progressive, senior-level experience in real estate development project management and/or construction management, with a strong portfolio of managing large, complex projects from concept through completion on time and on budget. Demonstrated expertise and success in navigating and securing complex entitlements and permits, including experience dealing effectively with local governments and community stakeholders. Deep understanding of construction processes, means and methods (applicable to commercial/industrial facilities), building codes, site development requirements, and detailed cost estimating. Proven ability to meticulously review and interpret construction documents and specifications, identifying potential issues and opportunities for optimization. Proven experience developing and managing multi-million dollar project budgets and complex construction schedules with accountability for financial outcomes. Extensive experience leading the negotiation and management of major contracts with architects, engineers, general contractors, and consultants. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage diverse teams and stakeholders. Willingness and ability to travel extensively to project sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Direct project management experience leading large-scale, complex hospitality projects or multi-use commercial facilities. Direct project management experience leading complex marina, shipyard, waterfront development, heavy civil, or similar specialized construction projects is highly valued. Experience working within a private equity-backed environment, managing capital projects with institutional reporting requirements and rigorous budget/schedule discipline. Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Experience with both ground-up development and major renovation/redevelopment projects. Master’s degree in a relevant field.

Compensation & Benefits:

Competitive senior-level compensation commensurate with experience (designed to attract top talent outside traditional banding). Significant performance-based bonus potential tied to project execution, budget adherence, and milestones. Comprehensive benefits package (Health, Dental, Vision, 401(k), etc.). Opportunity to lead the physical development of a unique and growing asset portfolio.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $200,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Schedule:

Monday to Friday Application Question(s): Please share what experience, if any, you have in the waterfront and/or mixed-use asset development class.

Location:

Florida (Preferred)

Work Location:

On the road