Vice President, Construction
Location:
Charlotte, NC
Company Description:
Our client is a best-in-class boutique development and investment company that specializes in the acquisition, design, and development of unique real estate assets that are primed for growth and value creation. With institutional partners and consultants, the team carefully shepherds every aspect of each investment, from architectural and zoning feasibility studies, through day-to-day construction management, to project completion and disposition. Based in Brooklyn NY and Charlotte NC, our client creates urban and often mixed-use projects with a focus on multifamily development and redevelopment.
Our client is seeking an experienced Vice President of Construction to join its Carolinas office in Charlotte, NC. This role will lead the oversite of construction and execution across the Southeast portfolio. The Charlotte office currently has four large multifamily and mixed-use projects in various stages of construction and planning and consisting of approximately 1,250 units and 40K SF of retail, with further growth planned across the Carolinas. This position is a leadership role, overseeing a large portfolio of construction activities and an internal team of Development Managers dedicated to each project.
Position Description:
The Vice President of Construction will report to the local Principal and head of Charlotte office and assume responsibility to manage, implement, and complete construction and execution activities within the Carolinas Region. This position represents our client in all respects of the construction process, from general contractor selection and GMP negotiation through construction and project closeout. External contacts, including customers, brokers, landowners, consultants, contractors, governmental officials, and staff view the Vice President of Construction as a leader and direct extension of our client.
Pre-Construction
- Interface with brokers, marketing, contractors, consultants, city/county officials, and other governmental entities and economic development personnel
- Assist development team with project schedules and construction schedule expectations
- Analyze and recommend early value engineering opportunities
- Recognize and lead opportunities to directly subcontract selected horizontal work – i.e. demolition, utility work, site work, etc.; develop subcontractor relationships for these activities
- Assist development team in formalizing budgets, schedules, and market assumptions for the financial model
- Understand entitlement process and/or rezoning if required
- Assist in obtain grading, foundation, and building permits as required by city
- Lead the general contractor interviewing and selection process and develop general contractor relationships in the market
- Once general contractor is selected, lead the Construction Management Agreement and GMP contract negotiation process; must be familiar with AIA contracts
- Assist communication with investment partners on general contractor selection, contract negotiation, and finalization
Financing
- Assist development team as needed with financing due diligence, checklists, etc.
- Develop relationship with bank inspector and attend site walks/inspections with Development Managers
- Track and complete post-closing issues as required; understand financing agreement processes
- Assist Development Managers with monthly draws as needed
Construction
- Work with city to expedite permitting and maintain city relationship through construction process
- Track pricing/bids and buyout process
- Find additional value engineering opportunities throughout construction phase
- Review and finalize construction contract
- Attend weekly job meetings and monitor job progress
- Oversee construction draw and requisition process with Development Managers; walk job site and meet with general contractor as needed to finalize and approve
- Facilitate owner decisions in a timely manner
- Negotiate utility connections, relocations, and costs
- Review and approve sub-contractor buy-out recommendations
- Update the Development Cost Summary on a monthly basis and track cost exposures
- Work with bank inspector to quickly process pay-applications
- Oversee, review, and negotiate all Change Orders with Development Managers
- Recognize construction issues before they arise to mitigate cost exposures and keep schedule on track
- Oversee project closeout and TCO process
- Work with property management and general contractor to expedite the punch-list process
- Conduct post-construction lesson learned discussion
- Review monthly cost reports
Required Skills/Abilities/Experience
- Effective written and verbal communicator who can operate within a wide spectrum of internal executives, municipal authorities, community groups, industry professionals, and brokers
- Expert knowledge of construction process, materials and building systems for Type III mid-rise multifamily wrap and podium style development, Type I high rise knowledge also preferred
- Ability to troubleshoot design and construction issues that arise during the course of construction document production as well as on-site field work
- Ability to lead a team and make quick decisions
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a fast moving, demanding, and dynamic organization
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of professionals and consultants
- Must have the aptitude to efficiently and effectively act as a liaison between the key team members (Development & Construction)
- Must act in a professional manner inside of the work environment as well as outside
- Intuitive, creative, market-savvy with demonstrated capacity to recognize market trends
- Collaborative, team-oriented work style, which seeks the benefit of the company, and utilizes the best human resources available
- Willingness to travel across Carolinas as needed
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably with a concentration in architecture, engineering or construction management
- Masters degree preferred in Real Estate Development, Construction, Architecture, Engineering, or related field
To learn more about this position, contact: Matthew McAulay | (704) 770-6110 | mmcaulay@crownsearch.com