Director, Development & Construction (Seniors Housing)

Optima Living•Calgary, AB

About The Position

The Director of Development is a senior leadership role overseeing Optima Living’s active development portfolio across Western Canada. With several newly awarded government funded contracts and multiple major seniors housing, healthcare, and continuing care developments scheduled to break ground within the next 12 months, this position offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape transformative projects from inception through operational handover. Joining at a pivotal stage of organizational growth, the successful candidate will become part of an active and expanding development platform with multiple projects already in the design phase. This role offers the opportunity to make an immediate impact by helping shape projects in their early stages, while also building and leading the development team structure required to support Optima Living’s long-term growth strategy. Reporting directly to the Principal, the Director of Development serves as the operational lead representing ownership interests across multiple concurrent projects. This role is responsible for driving alignment between consultants, contractors, operations, finance, investors, municipalities, health authorities, and regulatory stakeholders while ensuring projects are delivered with a high standard of execution, accountability, and operational readiness. The Director of Development will oversee projects through the full development lifecycle, including pre-development, planning, permitting, design coordination, construction oversight, commissioning, occupancy, and operational transition. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, entrepreneurial, and solutions-oriented development leader with strong expertise in large-scale project execution, permitting strategy, stakeholder management, and development operations within a fast-paced growth environment.

Requirements

Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in real estate development, construction, infrastructure, or project management leadership
Demonstrated experience leading multiple large-scale development projects through the full development lifecycle, from pre-development through occupancy and operational turnover
Experience managing healthcare, seniors housing, continuing care, hospitality, mixed-use, or large multi-residential developments is strongly preferred
Strong understanding of development processes, permitting, budgeting, construction management, project delivery methodologies, and capital project governance
Experience working with investors, consultants, municipalities, healthcare authorities, and senior operational stakeholders
Experience with government-funded infrastructure, healthcare, or publicly funded development projects is considered a strong asset
Degree or diploma in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Urban Land Economics, Real Estate Development, Business, or a related discipline
PMP, P.Eng., architectural, construction management, or related professional designation is considered an asset
Strategic leadership and decision-making
Strong project execution and organizational discipline
Stakeholder and relationship management
Financial and business acumen
Negotiation and conflict resolution
Excellent communication and presentation skills
High attention to detail and accountability
Ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously
Strong leadership presence and operational mindset
Entrepreneurial, proactive, and solutions-oriented approach

Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day execution of multiple development projects across Western Canada
Oversee projects through the full development lifecycle, including pre-development, design, permitting, construction, commissioning, occupancy, and operational turnover
Own and maintain integrated master project schedules across all active developments
Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and aligned with strategic and operational objectives
Coordinate internal and external stakeholders throughout all phases of development
Identify project risks proactively and implement mitigation strategies to minimize delays and financial impacts
Support long-term capital planning, portfolio growth initiatives, and development pipeline strategy
Contribute to scalable development processes, governance standards, and operational best practices
Participate in project feasibility analysis, strategic planning, and investment-related discussions
Lead and manage architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and development partners
Chair design meetings, project coordination meetings, and development review sessions
Oversee design development milestones, including 30%, 60%, and 90% design reviews
Ensure accountability, performance management, and timely deliverables from project partners
Coordinate construction and operational integration activities alongside Operations leadership
Participate in procurement processes, consultant selection, contract negotiations, and development partnerships
Foster collaborative relationships while maintaining strong project accountability and execution standards
Lead permitting strategies across all active development projects
Oversee and ensure successful approval of all required municipal, provincial, health authority, and regulatory permits
Build and maintain strong working relationships with municipalities, governing bodies, healthcare authorities, and regulatory agencies
Anticipate permitting and regulatory risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies to avoid project delays
Coordinate approvals, submissions, and compliance requirements across all jurisdictions
Support government-funded project compliance, reporting, funding coordination, and draw administration in partnership with Finance and Project Accounting
Monitor evolving regulatory requirements impacting seniors housing, healthcare, and continuing care developments
Monitor General Contractor (GC) safety program compliance across all active development and construction sites
Ensure General Contractors maintain COR-certified or equivalent safety programs and verify that safety protocols are being actively implemented and followed
Review safety documentation, including site-specific safety plans, hazard assessments, incident reports, and near-miss reporting
Ensure construction contracts include appropriate safety compliance obligations and hold General Contractors contractually accountable for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation, site safety performance, and regulatory compliance
Escalate significant safety incidents and ensure all required reporting obligations to provincial governments, health authorities, and regulatory bodies are completed in accordance with applicable legislation and funding requirements
Conduct regular site visits to validate reported site conditions, monitor compliance with safety standards, and support proactive risk mitigation
Partner with contractors, consultants, and project stakeholders to promote a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence across all projects
Prepare executive-level project reporting, dashboards, investment committee materials, and stakeholder updates
Partner with Finance and Project Accounting teams to monitor budgets, forecasts, contingencies, and cost controls
Review and approve project expenditures and change orders within delegated authority
Escalate significant financial, schedule, or scope risks to the Principal and Steering Committee as required
Support capital planning, project feasibility analysis, and investor reporting activities
Monitor project performance metrics and ensure reporting accuracy across the development portfolio
Collaborate closely with Operations leadership to ensure developments align with operational standards and resident care requirements
Support operational commissioning, furniture, fixture and equipment planning, occupancy readiness, and transition activities
Develop structured handover and transition plans between Development and Operations teams
Ensure developments support long-term operational efficiency, resident experience, and regulatory compliance
Lead and mentor internal development team members, including Project Managers, Project Coordinators, and Project Accountants
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and execution excellence
Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of future development team members
Contribute to long-term development strategy and organizational growth planning
Serve as a key leadership partner across the organization for all development-related initiatives