Director, Design & Project Development

NBCUniversal • Universal City, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

NBCUniversal is looking for a Director of Design & Project Development to join our West Coast Facilities – Studio Design & Construction team. This role is accountable for leading the design and development of complex projects from early concept through construction completion. In this role, you’ll lead front-end project development, partnering with business units, Studio Operations leadership, Finance, and Facilities stakeholders to translate operational needs into well-defined projects with clear scope, cost, schedule, and risk parameters.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
• 10+ years of experience in master site planning, conceptual design and general space planning, project programming, technical project development, and construction management.
• 10+ years of experience coordinating with civil, structural, and MEP building engineers, managing overall project delivery, and providing onsite construction management

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability to personally lead complex projects while providing strategic influence across a broader portfolio.
• Proven executive-level communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders and present clearly to senior leadership.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask effectively while overseeing a large and complex portfolio of projects and managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of existing City and County of Los Angeles Building Codes, including Fire, CalGreen, and Accessibility codes/initiatives.
• Strong contracting experience and ability to identify and negotiate complex terms and language in design, engineering, and construction contracts.
• Highly effective in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and Smartsheet.
• Capable of communicating effectively through compelling PPT presentations, design diagrams, and leading the development of photorealistic renderings.

Responsibilities

• Own front-end project development activities, including feasibility analysis, test fits, scope definition, and early cost and schedule modeling to ensure projects are positioned for successful execution.
• Select, direct, and manage consultant teams across development and delivery phases, ensuring design intent, scope clarity, and constructability support successful execution.
• Serve as the designated Project Manager for assigned projects, maintaining end-to-end accountability from early programming and development through construction, commissioning, closeout, and handover.
• Develop and manage project budgets and schedules across all phases, including critical path activities, sequencing, and recovery strategies as required.
• Lead and proactively manage regulatory approvals and permitting efforts from early planning through construction completion.
• In compliance with NBCU Sourcing and other corporate policies, lead contracting, buyout, and procurement efforts, exercising sound judgment around delivery strategies and risk management.
• This role requires flexibility in work hours and availability, including responsiveness outside of standard business hours, to support active construction, critical milestones, business needs, facility emergencies, and executive-level engagement.

Benefits

• This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees