VP of Design and Construction

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: VP of Design and Construction Company: Experience Senior Living Location: United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Design & Construction Operations (GTM Support) Date Posted: 2025-09-26T09:32:13.324 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: TELECOMMUTE

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end design and construction lifecycle for senior living communities, ensuring adherence to rigorous quality and timeline standards.
• Drive strategic project planning, encompassing entitlements, site due diligence, user group programming, and detailed budget/schedule management.
• Foster and maintain critical relationships with architects, general contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution and delivery.
• Implement and enforce design specifications and construction best practices, mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with all relevant building codes and regulations.
• Oversee financial aspects of construction projects, including fee payments, draws, change orders, and budget tracking, in close collaboration with accounting and finance teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is VP of Design and Construction, the core responsibilities and required skills align with a highly specialized operations role focused on the execution and management of capital projects within the senior living and healthcare real estate sector. This role is crucial for the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy as successful project delivery directly impacts the company's ability to expand and launch new communities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive project master schedules, coordinating with Business Development, Finance, Leasing, architects, and general contractors to ensure timely project completion and adherence to NexCore design specification standards.
• Conduct thorough reviews of contract documents, plans, engineering reports, bids, and scopes of work to ensure projects are executed in accordance with approved plans and specifications.
• Actively participate in site safety meetings, subcontractor site meetings, quality control reviews, and tenant update meetings to maintain project momentum and address issues proactively.
• Secure all necessary project-related permits and licenses from Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), ensuring general contractor compliance with all applicable building codes and regulations, and preparing detailed project progress reports.
• Manage the successful transition of completed projects to facility asset managers, ensuring a smooth closeout process, including the completion of punch lists and other critical closeout activities.
• Partner with Development Managers to create and manage RFPs for architects and general contractors, analyze proposals, and develop/maintain strong relationships with key external partners.
• Negotiate and enforce AIA documents or limited scope service agreements with legal department support, ensuring productive and positive relationships with third parties while maintaining the ability to address challenging conversations directly.
• Oversee fee payments, construction draws, change orders, and lien releases, partnering with Development Accounting to provide monthly forecasts and approve pay requisitions for general contractors, architects, and consultants.
• Track and rigorously control project budgets for both core and shell and tenant improvement projects, ensuring fiscal responsibility and optimal resource allocation.
• Maintain consistent and timely communication of significant project-related issues to the Development Manager, Executive Leadership, and other internal teams (Finance, Accounting, Legal), informing the project team of design, cost, or schedule impacts.
• Identify and champion opportunities for process improvement within the design and construction function, assisting the SVP of Design and Construction with redesign initiatives, documentation, and training.
• Lead internal project checkpoints, including design reviews and project kickoffs, to ensure alignment and proactive problem-solving across all project phases.
• Oversee the comprehensive due diligence of sites under control, including will-serve letters, Phase I environmental assessments, geotechnical studies, and surveys.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on operational execution within the capital projects domain. This includes detailed process management, risk mitigation, financial oversight, and stakeholder management, all critical components of successful real estate development operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field is required.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in project management or senior project management roles, preferably with a real estate developer or general contractor specializing in large-scale construction projects.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple complex construction projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

• Project Management: Demonstrated expertise in managing all phases of the construction project lifecycle, from conception through closeout.
• Construction Management: Deep understanding of construction methodologies, best practices, and site operations.
• Budgeting & Financial Control: Proficiency in developing, tracking, and managing project budgets, including construction draws, change orders, and forecasting.
• Scheduling & Planning: Ability to create, manage, and monitor complex project master schedules using industry-standard tools.
• Risk Management: Skill in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project-related risks, including those related to schedules, budgets, and compliance.
• Contract Negotiation & Management: Experience in negotiating and managing contracts with architects, consultants, and general contractors, including AIA documents.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with internal teams, external partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Quality Control & Compliance: Thorough knowledge of building codes, regulations, and best practices for ensuring project quality and compliance.
• Due Diligence: Experience in conducting comprehensive site due diligence, including environmental, geotechnical, and survey assessments.
• Leadership & Team Collaboration: Ability to lead project teams and foster a collaborative environment among diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the senior living or healthcare real estate development sector.
• Familiarity with Lean construction principles or other process optimization methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency in project management software (e.g., Procore, Primavera P6, MS Project).
• Experience with user group programming and translating operational needs into design requirements.
• Knowledge of entitlement processes and working with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).

📝 Enhancement Note: The tenure requirement of 10+ years, combined with the specific responsibilities, indicates a senior operational leadership role focused on the strategic delivery of capital projects. The emphasis on process, budget, and stakeholder management is paramount for success in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase a portfolio of successfully completed senior living or similar complex real estate development projects, detailing scope, budget, schedule, and key challenges overcome.
• Budget Management Examples: Provide evidence of rigorous budget tracking, forecasting, and cost control measures implemented on past projects, demonstrating ROI and efficiency.
• Schedule Optimization Examples: Include examples of project schedules developed and managed, highlighting strategies used to mitigate delays and ensure on-time delivery.
• Risk Mitigation Plans: Demonstrate experience in developing and executing risk mitigation strategies for construction projects, including contingency planning and issue resolution.
• Stakeholder Management Frameworks: Illustrate approaches used to manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including architects, contractors, owners, and regulatory bodies.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Evidence of designing or refining design and construction workflows to enhance efficiency, quality, and compliance.
• Due Diligence Checklists: Examples of thorough due diligence checklists and processes used for site evaluation.
• Change Order Management: Documentation of processes for managing and approving change orders to control scope and budget.
• Project Closeout Procedures: Examples of structured project closeout procedures, including punch list management and final documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating a systematic approach to project management, financial control, and risk mitigation is essential. This role requires the ability to articulate and showcase process improvements that have led to tangible positive outcomes in previous projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a VP of Design and Construction with 10+ years of experience in the real estate development sector, particularly in specialized areas like senior living, a competitive salary range in the United States would typically fall between $180,000 - $250,000 annually. This estimate can vary based on specific location within the U.S., the company's compensation philosophy, and the candidate's precise qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Disability & Life: Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), and life insurance coverage, including voluntary life options.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with a generous employer matching contribution, aiding in long-term financial planning.
• Time Off: Paid holidays and a robust Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, starting with up to 20 days in the first three years, reflecting a commitment to work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of construction project management, extended hours and weekend work may be necessary to meet project deadlines and critical milestones. The role involves travel, which will also influence the weekly schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is comprehensive, indicating a commitment to employee well-being and long-term retention. The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for senior leadership roles in the real estate development and construction management sector in the US.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Real Estate & Senior Living Development. Experience Senior Living, through its affiliation with NexCore Group, operates within a highly specialized and regulated segment of the real estate market, focusing on developing, acquiring, and managing communities that serve health systems, hospitals, and physician groups. Company Size: Experience Senior Living is part of the NexCore Group ecosystem, which is a significant player in healthcare real estate. While specific employee numbers for "Experience Senior Living" as a distinct entity aren't provided, NexCore Group itself is a substantial organization. This size implies robust infrastructure, established processes, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration within a larger development and management framework. For operations professionals, this means access to resources, defined career paths, and the potential for impact across a portfolio of projects. Founded: NexCore Group, the parent development company, was founded in 2001. This history provides a foundation of experience and established market presence, suggesting a company with a proven track record in navigating the complexities of healthcare and senior living real estate development.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The VP of Design and Construction likely reports to a senior executive, such as the SVP of Design and Construction or a Chief Development Officer, providing direct oversight on all project execution aspects.
• Collaboration: This role necessitates close collaboration with internal departments including Business Development, Finance, Leasing, Legal, and Asset Management, as well as external partners like architects, consultants, and general contractors.
• Specialization: The operations team within NexCore Group is likely structured to support the full real estate development lifecycle, with specialized roles in development management, finance, legal, and construction oversight.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Operations likely relies on robust data analysis for site selection, financial feasibility, budget management, and performance tracking.
• Process Standardization: A focus on standardized processes for entitlements, design reviews, contractor selection, and project closeout is expected to ensure consistency and efficiency across projects.
• Agile Project Execution: While construction projects have long lead times, the operational approach likely incorporates agile principles for managing design changes, addressing site-specific challenges, and adapting to market conditions.

Company Website: https://www.experiencesrliving.com/ (Note: The provided URL was for the job board, but the company domain is likely related to Experience Senior Living's operations.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on healthcare and senior living real estate implies a need for meticulous operational planning, regulatory compliance, and a deep understanding of the specific requirements of these communities. The structure suggests a professional, results-oriented environment with a strong emphasis on collaboration and strategic execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the operations and development function. It is a strategic role responsible for the successful execution of capital projects, directly impacting the company's growth and ability to deliver on its development pipeline. The VP title signifies significant responsibility for managing budgets, teams, and external relationships, with a direct line of sight to business outcomes. Reporting Structure: The VP will report to a higher-level executive, likely the SVP of Design and Construction or a Chief Development Officer. This position will also manage and direct the work of project managers, coordinators, and potentially external project teams, demonstrating a clear leadership hierarchy. Operations Impact: The VP of Design and Construction has a profound impact on the company’s revenue and strategic goals. Successful project delivery on time and within budget directly enables the launch of new revenue-generating communities. Efficient operations in this capacity reduce capital expenditure waste, enhance brand reputation, and ensure the company can meet market demand for senior living facilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership: Potential advancement to SVP or C-suite roles within the development or operations divisions, overseeing larger portfolios or broader functional areas.
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in niche areas of senior living development, such as specific care models, sustainable construction, or advanced building technologies.
• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor junior project managers and contribute to the development of talent within the operations team, shaping future leaders.
• Strategic Influence: Direct involvement in shaping the company’s development strategy, site selection criteria, and design standards based on market insights and project execution experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear pathway for career progression within specialized real estate development operations, with opportunities to move into broader executive leadership roles or become a subject matter expert in a critical industry segment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: As a "TELECOMMUTE" position within the United States, the primary work environment is remote. However, the role inherently requires significant travel to project sites, client meetings, and potentially company offices for key meetings and reviews. This hybrid approach demands strong self-discipline and the ability to manage work across various locations. Office Location(s): While the role is remote, it is based in the United States, with travel expected to project sites across various regions. Specific project locations will vary based on the company's development pipeline.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Workspace: Candidates are expected to maintain a dedicated home office space conducive to productive work, including reliable internet access and a professional setup for virtual meetings.
• On-Site Field Work: Significant time will be spent at active construction sites, requiring adherence to site-specific safety protocols and the ability to navigate dynamic environments.
• Collaborative Hubs: Occasional travel to company hubs or project coordination centers may be required for critical team meetings, design reviews, or stakeholder engagements.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time (40 hours/week), but the nature of construction project management often necessitates flexibility. Expect to work beyond standard hours, including evenings and weekends, especially during critical project phases, site inspections, or to meet urgent deadlines. Travel requirements will also dictate the work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of this role requires a high degree of autonomy and self-management. The need for extensive travel means that candidates must be comfortable and effective working both remotely and on-site, often under demanding conditions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements. Be prepared to articulate your experience with specific project types and scale.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience with project management methodologies, budget control, schedule adherence, and stakeholder management. Expect behavioral questions related to problem-solving and team collaboration.
• Portfolio Presentation: A critical stage where you'll present your project portfolio, showcasing your ability to manage complex design and construction projects. Focus on demonstrating your impact, problem-solving skills, and process improvements. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed budgets, schedules, and risks effectively.
• Team/Executive Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders (e.g., SVP of Design & Construction, Development Managers, Finance representatives) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and ability to collaborate across departments.
• Final Round/Offer: Typically involves discussions with senior leadership to finalize terms and confirm mutual fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project in your portfolio, clearly state the budget size, timeline, key metrics (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence percentage), and your specific role and contributions.
• Highlight Process Improvements: Showcase instances where you identified inefficiencies in design or construction processes and implemented changes that led to measurable improvements in cost, quality, or speed.
• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear structure: Challenge, Action Taken (your specific contributions), and Result (quantifiable outcomes).
• Demonstrate Risk Management: Include examples of how you proactively identified and mitigated risks, demonstrating your foresight and problem-solving capabilities.
• Showcase Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively managed and communicated with diverse stakeholders, including architects, contractors, and client groups.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential case studies or scenarios that test your ability to:
  • Develop a project master schedule for a hypothetical senior living community.
  • Propose solutions for a significant budget overrun or schedule delay.
  • Outline a strategy for managing a difficult contractor relationship.
  • Detail the due diligence process for a new development site.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on operational efficiency and risk mitigation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your practical experience and ability to demonstrate tangible results through your portfolio. Preparation should focus on structuring your answers and portfolio presentations around the key operational responsibilities and required skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in industry-standard platforms such as Procore, Oracle Aconex, or similar comprehensive construction management systems is highly desirable. These tools are critical for managing project documentation, workflows, communication, and financial tracking.
• Scheduling Software: Expertise in Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar advanced scheduling tools is essential for creating, updating, and analyzing complex project timelines.
• Budget & Financial Management Tools: Experience with financial software or ERP systems for budget oversight, cost tracking, forecasting, and managing construction draws.
• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with cloud-based document repositories and collaboration platforms for efficient access and sharing of project plans, contracts, and reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, financial modeling, and creating custom reports.
• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with BI platforms like Tableau or Power BI for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance metrics.
• Reporting Systems: Ability to generate and interpret various project reports, including progress reports, financial forecasts, and risk assessments.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how project data integrates with broader company systems (e.g., CRM for development pipeline tracking) can be beneficial.
• Experience with workflow automation tools or principles to streamline administrative tasks within the design and construction process.
• Integration Platforms: Familiarity with how different software systems (e.g., accounting, project management) integrate to ensure data integrity and efficient information flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong command of project management and scheduling software is non-negotiable. The ability to leverage data analytics and reporting tools to drive project performance and communicate insights to stakeholders will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Execution Excellence: A commitment to delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, reflecting a results-oriented operational mindset.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: An emphasis on anticipating challenges, identifying risks early, and implementing effective solutions to maintain project momentum and integrity.
• Collaboration & Partnership: A belief in the power of strong relationships and open communication with internal teams and external partners to achieve shared project goals.
• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings and taking ownership of project outcomes, demonstrating a responsible approach to operations.
• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to learning from each project, refining processes, and adopting best practices to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with departments like Finance, Legal, and Business Development, ensuring alignment on project objectives and constraints.
• Constructive Dialogue: Encouraging open and honest feedback with architects, general contractors, and consultants to address issues constructively and drive project success.
• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where lessons learned from projects are shared across the team to build collective expertise and improve future project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values a blend of disciplined execution and collaborative spirit, essential for managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects in the senior living sector. A proactive and accountable approach to operations is highly prized.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Entitlements: Successfully managing diverse local zoning laws, permitting processes, and community engagement for each project can be challenging.
• Managing Project Scope Creep: Effectively controlling changes to project scope while accommodating necessary adjustments requires strong negotiation and decision-making skills.
• Coordinating Multiple Stakeholders: Balancing the diverse interests and expectations of owners, investors, regulatory bodies, architects, contractors, and end-users demands exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Maintaining Quality Amidst Cost Pressures: Ensuring high-quality construction and adherence to design standards while managing tight budgets and schedules presents an ongoing operational challenge.
• Adapting to Market Dynamics: Responding to shifts in material costs, labor availability, and regulatory environments requires flexibility and strategic foresight in project planning and execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or specialized construction management credentials.
• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge construction techniques, sustainable building practices, and innovative technologies in senior living design.
• Executive Leadership Training: Development programs focused on strategic decision-making, financial acumen, and advanced leadership skills.
• Networking: Building a robust professional network within the healthcare real estate and senior living development sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in large-scale capital projects, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development in specialized areas of real estate operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Lifecycle Management: "Describe your approach to managing the entire lifecycle of a senior living development project, from initial concept and entitlements through construction closeout. What are the critical operational checkpoints at each stage?" (Focus on structured processes, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication.)
• Budget & Schedule Control: "Walk me through a time you successfully managed a project with significant budget constraints or tight deadlines. What specific operational strategies did you employ to stay on track, and what was the measurable outcome?" (Highlight your financial acumen, scheduling tools, and proactive problem-solving.)
• Stakeholder Collaboration: "How do you foster effective working relationships with architects, general contractors, and internal teams? Provide an example of a challenging stakeholder situation you resolved through effective collaboration and operational adjustments." (Emphasize communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Experience Senior Living and NexCore Group, how do you see your operational philosophy aligning with our company's values and approach to healthcare real estate development?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent projects.)
• "How do you approach process improvement within a construction and development operations context? Can you give an example of a process you optimized and the resulting impact?" (Showcase your analytical skills and commitment to efficiency.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Case Studies: Prepare 2-3 in-depth case studies of your most relevant projects. For each, clearly outline the project's objectives, your specific role, the operational challenges faced, the strategies implemented (budget, schedule, risk), and the quantifiable results.
• Visual Aids: Utilize clear visual aids (e.g., charts for budgets/schedules, photos of completed projects) to support your narrative.
• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your operational decisions and management directly contributed to project success and business value.
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, risk assessment, and how you would handle specific scenarios relevant to senior living development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Your interview preparation should pivot around demonstrating your operational expertise through concrete examples from your portfolio, showcasing your ability to manage complex projects efficiently and effectively within the senior living development sector.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this VP of Design and Construction position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight projects and experiences directly relevant to senior living development, emphasizing your leadership in design and construction operations, budget management, and schedule adherence.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of experience, focusing on quantifiable achievements in project management, cost control, and risk mitigation using operations-specific keywords.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on the operational challenges, your strategic responses, and the measurable outcomes achieved. Be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder management and process improvement.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Experience Senior Living and NexCore Group, understanding their market position, project portfolio, and operational philosophies to articulate how your skills and experience align with their needs.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.