Director of Construction

Job Title: Director of Civil Construction

Location: Houston, Texas

Industry: Marine & Heavy Civil Construction

Reports To: VP of Operations

Position Overview:

The Director of Civil Construction is responsible for leading and overseeing all civil construction operations for marine and heavy civil infrastructure projects across the Gulf Coast region. This role provides strategic leadership, operational management, and technical oversight for projects including ports, marine terminals, bulkheads, dredging support structures, bridges, and large-scale infrastructure works.

The Director ensures projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, while supporting company growth through operational excellence, client relationships, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Direct and manage all civil construction operations for marine and heavy civil projects.
• Oversee project managers, superintendents, and engineering teams to ensure effective project execution.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that improve productivity, safety, and cost efficiency.
• Monitor project performance metrics including schedule, budget, safety, and quality.

Project Oversight

• Provide executive oversight for multiple concurrent projects from preconstruction through completion.
• Review project budgets, schedules, procurement plans, and resource allocations.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, regulatory standards, and company policies.
• Lead risk management and mitigation strategies for complex marine and civil construction projects.

Business Development & Client Relations

• Support business development efforts including proposal reviews, estimating strategies, and client presentations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, port authorities, municipalities, and engineering firms.
• Identify opportunities for project expansion and new market growth in the Gulf Coast region.

Financial Management

• Oversee project financial performance including cost control, forecasting, and profitability.
• Approve major expenditures and subcontractor awards.
• Collaborate with finance and estimating teams to ensure accurate project budgeting and reporting.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture across all job sites.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, USACE, Coast Guard, and environmental regulations.
• Support continuous improvement of safety programs and procedures.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing construction leadership teams.
• Provide strategic guidance to project managers and superintendents.
• Foster a collaborative culture focused on accountability, innovation, and performance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in heavy civil or marine construction.
• 7+ years in senior leadership or executive construction management roles.
• Extensive experience managing large-scale projects such as:
• Ports and terminals
• Marine structures (bulkheads, docks, wharves)
• Bridges and coastal infrastructure
• Dredging support structures
• Strong knowledge of USACE projects, maritime regulations, and coastal construction practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Experience working with Port Authorities, USACE, TxDOT, and large industrial clients.
• Proven track record managing projects exceeding $50M–$200M+ in value.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership
• Project portfolio management
• Financial acumen
• Contract negotiation
• Risk management
• Team development
• Client relationship management

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive salary
• Performance-based bonus
• Vehicle allowance
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)