Head of Construction

Tilebar | Soho Studio LLC•New York, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are a rapidly growing national retail brand expanding our physical showroom footprint across key markets. Our growth strategy requires disciplined execution, financial rigor, and operational consistency at scale. This is an opportunity to shape and professionalize the construction function during a period of significant expansion. The Head of Construction will play a central role in defining how we build, how we manage capital, and how we scale nationally. We are seeking a proven construction leader to drive the execution and growth of our national showroom portfolio. This is a hands-on executive role responsible for taking control of active projects, strengthening financial discipline, and building the systems required to scale efficiently. This leader will oversee a newly engaged integrated design-build partner on a flagship project and establish the performance standards that will shape our future build model.

Requirements

10+ years of construction leadership experience in retail, hospitality, or commercial environments.
Demonstrated experience delivering and opening multiple retail locations.
Strong background in GMP contracts, cost control, and multi-project oversight.
Experience advising on site selection and lease provisions tied to construction.
Deep knowledge of permitting, inspections, and Certificate of Occupancy processes.
Proven ability to build systems, not just manage projects.

Responsibilities

Take immediate ownership of multiple active showroom construction projects.
Lead Owner-Architect-Contractor meetings and enforce contract, scope, and schedule discipline.
Manage projects operating under different delivery models simultaneously.
Ensure every project is positioned to open on time and fully operational upon receipt of Certificate of Occupancy.
Maintain strict control of budgets, cost-to-complete, and change orders.
Lead recurring capital expenditure and cash flow reviews.
Negotiate GMP contracts and drive competitive bid processes.
Benchmark performance across projects and drive measurable improvement.
Evaluate prospective sites to confirm they meet showroom infrastructure and program requirements.
Participate in lease negotiations and identify provisions that may impact construction timelines, permitting, tenant improvements, or delivery conditions.
Identify and mitigate construction risk before deals are finalized.
Anticipate inspection issues and eliminate delays to Certificate of Occupancy.
Manage all required approvals and documentation through final sign-off.
Ensure compliance with local requirements to open, including business licensing and municipal approvals.
Build realistic permit timelines and proactively manage jurisdictional risk.
Implement structured project management systems and reporting tools.
Establish standardized tracking for schedules, budgets, change orders, RFIs, and risk logs.
Provide real-time visibility into portfolio performance.
Replace ad hoc tracking methods with scalable, disciplined processes.
Evaluate and strengthen the construction and facilities organization.
Clarify ownership across project management, vendor coordination, and FF&E oversight.
Build the team structure required to support continued national expansion.