Vice President, Design & Construction

Navy Pier•Chicago, IL

1d•$190,000 - $235,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President, Design & Construction leads Navy Pier’s redevelopment, construction, and capital improvement projects from concept and design through bidding, permitting, construction, and close-out, serving as the accountable lead for design and construction management. The role oversees architects, engineers, construction management firms, contractors, and Navy Pier tradesmen as appropriate; manages project budgets and schedules; reviews bids, estimates, invoices, and change orders; coordinates permits and regulatory compliance; and represents Navy Pier in project meetings and before agencies and community stakeholders. The position partners with the Executive Vice President of Operations and Executive Leadership, reports project progress to Executive Leadership and the Board, and manages the Construction annual revenue and expense budget. The role leads design development and approvals, including budgets, drawings, blueprints, bid documents, and code compliance. It manages procurement, contract negotiations, construction execution, project records, due diligence, and coordination across Navy Pier departments to minimize service disruptions. The position calls for a collaborative, relationship-oriented leader with extensive experience overseeing significant, complex design and construction projects. Work takes place indoors and outdoors throughout Navy Pier, with regular outdoor work (25% or more) and exposure to varying weather. Noise may range from moderate to loud. Events and organizational functions may occur during evenings, weekends, and holidays, and the schedule must be managed flexibly to meet operational and business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree at minimum, with an emphasis in architecture, construction management, structural engineering, or a related field.
10–15 years of progressive experience spanning design and construction, including architectural/engineering oversight, construction estimating, project management, and contract negotiation on significant, complex projects.
Thorough understanding of the development, design, and construction process.
Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and construction scheduling software.
Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings and identify unapproved deviations in drawings and construction processes.
Ability to operate standard office and communication equipment, including telephones, mobile phones, radios, fax machines, desktop and laptop computers, and digital imaging or photocopying equipment.
Demonstrated competencies in problem-solving, judgment, project management, financial accountability, planning, organization, achievement orientation, professionalism, quality consciousness, productivity, collaboration, interpersonal skills, communication, initiative, innovation, adaptability, and dependability.
Preparedness to provide a portfolio demonstrating design and construction leadership on significant, complex projects.

Nice To Haves

License in Architecture, Professional Engineering, or Structural Engineering.
Certification in Construction Manager (CCM), Construction Safety Training Systems (CSTS), Certified Construction Document Technologist (CCDT), or Project Management.
Experience with a public bid and/or design-build process.
Experience using AutoCAD or Bluebeam (PDF).

Responsibilities

Lead design phases from conceptualization through approved plans, keeping design within budget and recommending value-added options.
Develop design and construction/bid documents for smaller projects when appropriate, using CAD or PDF software and stakeholder input.
Solicit and review bids from architecture and engineering firms; develop project drawings and blueprints with leadership and consultants, confirm code compliance, and secure pre-construction approvals.
Develop project budgets with contracted architectural and design resources.
Schedule and conduct pre-construction design meetings and status updates, and represent Navy Pier in capital improvement design meetings with the Executive Vice President of Operations.
Review design change orders and architect/engineering invoices, obtaining required approvals.
Prepare contractor bid packages, evaluate submissions for design adherence, qualifications, and cost, recommend contractor selections, and prepare contracts.
Review construction bids, estimates, change orders, and external professional fees, obtaining required approvals.
Negotiate project agreements and contracts and ensure costs and professional fees are consistent with industry standards.
Manage architects, construction management firms, contractors, and Navy Pier tradesmen as appropriate to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to specification; resolve budget, schedule, and field issues.
Direct construction scheduling and coordinate with Navy Pier departments to minimize service disruptions.
Obtain permits and required paperwork and work with city, county, state, and federal agencies to ensure legal compliance.
Conduct due diligence inspections of contracts, change orders, and estimates, and coordinate project bidding and procurement with Finance.
Conduct pre-construction progress meetings and status updates; represent Navy Pier with public agencies, community organizations, and political representatives as needed.
Plan effective use of construction resources and the project operating budget; manage the Construction annual revenue and expense budget.
Ensure project record documentation is stored in Navy Pier’s digital archive.
Partner with the Executive Vice President of Operations and Executive Leadership Team on development opportunities from concept through completion.
Prepare project progress reports for Executive Leadership and the Board.
Support Navy Pier’s mission and organizational priorities and perform other duties as assigned.