Head of Construction

Office Lead - Head of Construction – Chicago Loop

About the Role

A leading national design-build firm is seeking a seasoned and entrepreneurial Office Lead to launch and lead a new office in downtown Chicago near the Loop. This is a key leadership role for someone excited to establish and grow a new regional presence, with full access to the firm’s deep and diverse project portfolio—including commercial, industrial, cold storage, food & beverage, logistics, and mission critical sectors.

This is a long-term leadership opportunity with influence over hiring, strategy, operations, and market development in one of the country’s most active construction markets.

Key Responsibilities

Office Establishment & Market Growth

• Launch and lead the Chicago office, establishing it as a key regional hub for the firm.
• Develop and execute a strategic plan to grow the office’s presence and pipeline in greater Chicago and the Midwest.
• Pursue new business across the firm’s core markets—leveraging full suite of services from preconstruction through delivery.
• Represent the firm at local industry events, forums, and associations to raise visibility and drive brand presence.

Client & Project Leadership

• Serve as the senior client contact on regional projects, ensuring successful execution and lasting relationships.
• Oversee project setup and execution, collaborating closely with internal design, precon, and construction teams.
• Provide leadership and accountability to ensure all projects meet client expectations for quality, schedule, and budget.

Team & Operational Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing team as the office scales, fostering a strong local culture aligned with firm values.
• Advise ownership on strategy, hiring, partnerships, and operational decisions.
• Stay ahead of local market trends and industry dynamics to inform business strategy.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in design-build construction or real estate development, with leadership experience in the Chicago market.
• Proven success in business development, project delivery, and market growth.
• Strong understanding of commercial, industrial, and specialized sectors (cold storage, food & beverage, mission critical, etc.).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and client relationship skills.

Why Join?

• Be the founding leader of a new office in a top-tier national market.
• Work across a diverse and dynamic project portfolio.
• Long-term role with leadership influence and a clear path to retirement.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities.