Senior Director, Mission Critical Predevelopment

Senior Director, Mission Critical Predevelopment

Location: On-site in Dallas, TX or Washington, DC

Our client is a rapidly expanding organization delivering highly technical, capital-intensive infrastructure programs in fast-moving markets. They are seeking a Senior Director, Mission Critical Predevelopment to help shape project strategy well before construction begins, bringing structure, foresight, and commercial discipline to major development efforts. This is a strong opportunity for a seasoned leader who enjoys influencing early-stage planning, guiding complex stakeholder groups, and helping high-visibility projects launch with greater clarity and confidence.

This leader will play a key role in aligning development, design, financial planning, and execution strategy across a growing portfolio of mission critical initiatives. The right candidate will bring a strong command of preconstruction leadership, budget planning, risk evaluation, technical coordination, and team development, along with the ability to operate effectively in a high-growth environment where speed and precision both matter.

What You Will Do

• Lead front-end planning for large, mission-critical construction initiatives, guiding projects from feasibility through pricing, partner alignment, and execution readiness
• Develop and refine preconstruction processes, standards, and reporting practices that improve consistency across multiple projects and markets
• Provide executive stakeholders with clear direction on cost exposure, timeline considerations, procurement strategy, and project risk
• Partner cross-functionally with development, design, finance, operations, and project delivery teams to support sound decision-making during early project phases
• Oversee conceptual budgeting, design-phase estimating, bid review, and commercial evaluation activities for complex capital projects
• Review proposals from contractors and trade partners, confirm scope alignment, and support negotiation strategy prior to project award
• Drive value analysis, constructability review, and early risk identification to improve project outcomes and protect capital plans
• Evaluate major infrastructure planning factors such as utility coordination, equipment procurement timing, phasing strategy, and technical building requirements
• Cultivate productive relationships with consultants, builders, vendors, and other external partners essential to successful project planning
• Lead, mentor, and strengthen a high-performing team focused on predevelopment and preconstruction excellence

What You Bring

• Significant experience leading preconstruction, estimating, or early-stage project planning for large and technically complex construction programs
• Strong background supporting mission critical, advanced industrial, manufacturing, or other highly engineered facility types
• Demonstrated success with budgeting, bid strategy, procurement planning, cost modeling, and commercial alignment during preconstruction phases
• Ability to interpret technical project requirements and convert them into actionable business and delivery recommendations
• Experience collaborating with executive leadership and cross-functional teams in dynamic, growth-oriented organizations
• Proven people leadership skills, including team development, process improvement, and performance management
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, especially when discussing risk, cost strategy, and project assumptions with senior stakeholders
• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related discipline is preferred

Why Candidates Are Interested

• Opportunity to influence nationally significant, technically advanced projects
• Strong visibility with executive leadership and meaningful strategic ownership
• Collaborative environment with continued portfolio growth
• Exposure to sophisticated infrastructure programs with substantial capital impact
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits offering

About Blue Signal:

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services.