Director of Construction

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

East West Partners is looking for a Director of Construction to lead construction initiatives in Charleston, primarily overseeing the development of Courier Square, a +1M square foot, mixed-use development on the Charleston peninsula, as well as overseeing our construction at The Waterfront on Daniel Island. This individual will provide construction expertise over the entire project lifecycle, from design to construction. Reporting to the Managing Partner, this position demands a hands-on, team-oriented leader with extensive construction expertise, strong organization, and communication skills, all within a dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Project Leadership:

• Provide construction expertise over the entire project lifecycle with a focus on sustainability, cost control, constructability and quality.
• Serve as the primary contact with general contractors and subcontractors as well as local agencies and regulatory bodies on the Courier Square Project.
• Actively manage construction timelines, construction budgets, quality control, site safety, and project closeout processes.
• Consistently and proactively suggests systems, techniques and ideas to optimize design and construction of projects.
• Act as a flexible and meaningful member of the East West Partners' Charleston team with the ability and willingness to perform tasks as needed across the market to achieve company goals.

Design Coordination:

• Guide design feasibility, constructability, cost, and sustainability objectives.
• Collaborate with design teams to evaluate construction feasibility and explore alternative construction methods.
• Recommend and monitor sustainability measures.
• Develop schedule management.
• Review and ensures alignment of design drawings and specifications with project goals.
• Assist in negotiation of architectural contracts and professional services provider contracts. 
• Carefully review all design drawings and specifications to ensure design intent and standards are met and to ensure completeness.
• Experience with design software such as AutoCAD and Revit preferred.
• Manage preconstruction pricing efforts.
• Oversee value engineering, as needed, at each design phase.

Construction Management

• Ensure design documents are interpreted for construction consistent with project vision.
• Explore alternative construction methods with support from the design team, and general contractor. 
• Sourcing and maintaining GC and key subcontractor relationships. 
• Head up contract and GMP pricing negotiations with GC’s for the various project components. 
• Research/track vendor pricing on key project components to ensure conformance with GMP agreements.
• Attend various trade pre-installation meetings, as needed, for the completion of the work. 
• Institute and implement owner quality control, defect mitigation and job site safety best practices. This includes recommending and retaining 3rd party reviewers, inspectors, etc. as needed. 
• Review submittals and RFI’s.
• Lead owner contact with local building officials, fire department, water and sanitation department, public works and other local agencies that are critical to construction. 
• Ensure contractor compliance with local requirements to help ensure good community relations.
• Lead owner’s rep at all OAC and other critical construction meetings. 
• Regularly track construction progress against schedule and provide guidance to GC on subcontractor performance and any required supplementation. 
• Manage project close out and punch list process. 
• Manage all warranty and defect claims 

Insurance: Assist in securing insurance as well as overseeing compliance with insurance programs.

Financial Oversight and Contract Management:

• Direct financial planning for the construction portfolio, including budgeting, cost tracking, and contract negotiations to achieve financial efficiency.
• Review contractor payments, track change orders, manage insurance compliance, and prepare periodic project updates.
• Negotiate contracts with key partners, including general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, to secure optimal project terms and manage risk effectively.

Thought Leadership: through experience and ongoing training possesses comprehensive understanding of current trends in the construction industry including materials and labor cost trends, sustainability trends, structural systems, MEP systems, scheduling and technology solutions.

ABOUT YOU

• 12+ years in construction management, preferably in mixed-use, multifamily, hospitality, or office developments
• Proven ability to lead large-scale projects with complex construction, budgets, and schedules
• Strong knowledge of contract negotiations, value engineering, scheduling, and financial oversight
• Effective leadership and communication skills-comfortable working with teams at all levels
• Proficiency in construction management software (Procore, BIM 360, AutoCAD, Revit preferred)
• A problem-solving mindset and the ability to pivot when challenges arise

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary with a performance-based bonus
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Unlimited paid time off and paid holidays
• 401k with employer match
• Annual wellness bonus
• Paid parental leave & sabbatical eligibility
• Company phone or stipend option

WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL

• Based in Charleston, SC
• Modern office space in the heart of downtown
• Both office and frequent on-site presence required
• Occasional domestic travel (2-4 trips per year)

ABOUT US

East West Partners exists to create terrific places that bring people together. We develop new communities, and improve existing ones, in ways that add lasting value. We aim to amplify what people love most about where they live, work and vacation. We strive to be known as trusted partners and one of the real estate industry’s best places to build a career.

The company has developed some of the world’s top resort and urban communities, hotels, and office buildings. Along the way, we’ve built a reputation for innovation and design - from the famed escalators of Beaver Creek and Denver’s Union Station canopy to The Waterfront’s Lowcountry-inspired design on Daniel Island, SC, and the award-winning restoration of 71 Wentworth in Charleston. We are one of only a few companies worldwide to have won three Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence.

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re interested in this opportunity, please submit a cover letter explaining your experience and interest in the position by April 15, 2025.