Director of Engineering and Construction

Location: Greater Chicago Area or Orange County / Los Angeles, California

Mon Ami Real Estate is a value-driven investor-operator specializing in sub-$20 million retail and industrial properties across the United States. The firm focuses on the overlooked middle market, targeting assets with intrinsic value and clear opportunities for operational improvement and value creation.

Over the past 15 years, Mon Ami has acquired more than 350 properties across 30+ states and currently manages a portfolio exceeding $400 million in assets. The firm's success is built on disciplined acquisitions, entrepreneurial thinking, and a hands‑on approach to asset management.

Unlike many institutional real estate firms, Mon Ami is highly action-oriented. The team excels in complex, time-sensitive transactions where it can identify opportunities others overlook, close quickly and reliably, and execute business plans internally. Team members have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working directly with senior leadership on acquisitions, operations, and value creation initiatives.

Mon Ami Real Estate is seeking a Director of Engineering & Construction to oversee construction projects, capital improvements, property maintenance, building systems, and vendor relationships across a national portfolio of retail and industrial properties.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for protecting and enhancing the value of the portfolio through effective project management, preventative maintenance programs, and disciplined capital deployment. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with strong project management and leadership skills and is comfortable operating in an entrepreneurial environment where priorities can shift quickly.

The Director will oversee the full lifecycle of construction and maintenance projects, including budgeting, bidding, vendor selection, scheduling, execution, and quality control. Responsibilities include managing tenant improvements, renovations, roof and parking lot projects, building system upgrades, deferred maintenance initiatives, and ongoing repair programs across the portfolio.

The position works closely with asset management, acquisitions, leasing, and property management teams to identify opportunities, evaluate building conditions, forecast capital expenditures, support due diligence efforts, and improve overall property performance.

Travel to properties throughout the United States will be required.

• Oversee all construction, renovation, capital improvement, and maintenance projects across the portfolio.
• Serve as the firm's internal expert on building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, structural, and site-related issues.
• Develop and manage annual capital expenditure and maintenance budgets.
• Establish and implement preventative maintenance programs for retail and industrial assets.
• Manage bidding processes, vendor procurement, contract negotiation, and contractor oversight.
• Coordinate with engineers, architects, consultants, municipalities, and inspectors.
• Conduct property inspections and site visits to identify maintenance needs, deferred maintenance, and value-add opportunities.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and quality standards to ensure successful execution.
• Support acquisition due diligence by evaluating building systems, deferred maintenance, environmental concerns, and capital expenditure requirements.
• Develop relationships with national and regional contractors, vendors, and service providers.
• Work closely with asset management and property management teams to prioritize projects and maximize return on investment.
• Create reporting and accountability systems to track project status, maintenance performance, and capital spending.

• 3+ years of experience managing engineering, construction, maintenance, or capital projects within commercial real estate.
• Strong knowledge of building systems including roofing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural, and site improvements.
• Experience managing retail, industrial, office, or mixed-use properties preferred.
• Proven track record overseeing multiple projects simultaneously across geographically dispersed locations.
• Strong budgeting, cost control, vendor management, and contract negotiation experience.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, engineering reports, building codes, and technical specifications.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working independently and making decisions in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management software.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Professional certifications such as PE, PMP, CCM, or similar are a plus.

• Competitive base salary, performance bonus, benefits, and significant long-term growth…