Director Construction Operations

Director of Construction Operations

Essex Property Trust, Irvine, CA (Irvine Regional Office Derian)

Position Type:
Regular (Full‑time)

Competitive salary range: $138,000 - $207,000 per year. New hires generally start between $138,000 and $172,000, with final offer based on numerous factors.

The Director of Construction Operations will lead and shape construction contracts and administrative teams, ensuring efficiency, validity, and comprehensive reporting.

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance operational performance, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and budget.
• Collaborate with senior management to improve team effectiveness, monitor performance, and optimize processes across the department.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the division’s financials, including profit and loss, revenue drivers, cost controls, and job forecasting, and leverage this knowledge to guide decision‑making.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and recommend changes that enhance project outcomes.
• Attract, equip, and develop a high‑performing team of contract management professionals, providing guidance on complex issues, fostering professional growth, and aligning team efforts with organizational goals.
• Build a culture of execution, accountability, and pride in quality, ensuring that all team members are motivated and committed to the success of each project.
• Lead, support, and track the progress of multiple projects, ensuring all teams meet deadlines and adhere to project schedules.
• Lead contract negotiations with vendors, suppliers, architects, engineers, and general contractors, ensuring favorable terms and mitigating risks.
• Develop and manage contracts in compliance with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements, and monitor their performance throughout the lifecycle.
• Oversee the review of vendor invoices, ensuring accuracy, compliance with terms, and alignment with budget constraints.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, acting as the primary point of contact for contract‑related inquiries and negotiations.
• Ensure accurate creation, maintenance, and distribution of project schedules, forecasts, and progress reports.
• Track project performance, manage resources (including manpower, materials, and equipment), and address any issues promptly to maintain project flow.
• Oversee project closeouts and ensure all necessary compliance documents and records are in place for hand‑off.
• Prepare and present regular reports on project status, risks, opportunities, and KPIs for senior management.
• Oversee procurement and timely delivery of materials, resources, and equipment needed for projects, ensuring effective management to avoid delays.
• Ensure open and timely communication with site teams, vendors, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders to resolve concerns and ensure project success.
• Collaborate with project managers to manage budgets, schedules, and resource allocation, ensuring seamless coordination across teams.
• Monitor contract and project performance to identify potential risks and opportunities, implementing strategies to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities.
• Establish KPIs and metrics to track progress and ensure continuous improvement across the department.
• Stay informed about industry trends, legislative changes, and best practices to anticipate impacts on cost, feasibility, and project execution.
• Foster a collaborative environment across all departments, ensuring smooth communication and effective problem‑solving.
• Supervise the collection and coordination of closeout documentation to ensure compliance and proper record‑keeping at the conclusion of each project.
• Manage and track multiple ongoing projects, ensuring documentation is accurate, up‑to‑date, and properly archived.
• Perform any other duties assigned to support the successful execution of construction operations and the achievement of organizational objectives.

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) from a 4‑year college or university.
• 8-10+ years of demonstrated success in a senior‑level construction administration, project management, or related managerial…