Director, Accounts - Design and Construction

Job Description

Job Description

At Cresa, we believe our clients deserve better. A better space to work, create, build, grow. A better outcome for their people and organization. A better partner who puts their needs first, helping them navigate the landscape, tilting the playing field in their favor and giving them an insider’s edge.

Our mission is to find and foster the best environment for every business. Our purpose is to think beyond space - strengthening those we serve and enhancing quality of life for our clients and employees. We are built to champion our clients’ aspirations through real estate. When considering partnership, we strive to connect with those who share our values: Work Together, Create Value, Be Tenacious, Enhance Community, and Embrace Diversity .

We believe in being the change. We work together to find new ways of doing things that create value for our clients — and for each other. Because there is not much that feels better than collaborating to make a positive difference each day.

At Cresa, we offer an opportunity to be part of something bigger. To learn, advance, mentor and be recognized. Your voice will be heard, and you will be valued for both your individual and team contributions.

Summary

Cresa is seeking a Director, Design and Construction with Architectural or Construction expertise to be embedded within a global luxury brand to lead major capital projects for a client in the Americas. This is a position designed to provide specialized expertise, and involves collaborating with Workplace Strategy, Facilities Management, and client leaders, managing external resources, prioritizing needs, and providing technical expertise to ensure efficient project implementation and functionality. They will oversee several projects, small and large, that are managed by external resources. Capital projects will range from multiple small relocations and office renovations (less than $500k) to one/two concurrent large capital investments over $20MM each.

The Director will report within the client’s organization to the AVP of Workplace Strategy & Facility Management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a Design & Construction PMO, including governance frameworks, SOPs, performance metrics, and standardized delivery processes across the portfolio.
• Provide executive-level reporting and presentations in partnership with the AVP, delivering clear insights for capital planning, project performance, financials, and risk.
• Oversee end-to-end design and construction delivery, ensuring projects meet scope, budget, schedule, quality, and brand standards across multiple markets.
• Lead portfolio-level capital planning, vendor strategy, and risk management, aligning project execution with broader business and workplace objectives.
• Build relationships with different business leaders across the organization to represent the Workplace Strategy & Facility Management team.
• Create, and maintain a project roadmap, define a project delivery process and ensure the appropriate allocation of resources.
• Manage multiple high-impact projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment, ensuring seamless communication, on-time execution and continuous value delivery for key and strategic corporate capital projects.
• KPI’s include, cash flow management & projections, total payment management, cost variance tracking, project progress and ensuring safety measurements are aligned with client requirements.
• Define project scope, budgets, schedules, and deliverables in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage client service and project communication, maintaining proactive communication throughout the project life cycle.
• Maintain regular communication with clients’ internal stakeholders and sub-consultants to ensure satisfaction with the project process and engineering work product, and that client views are managed toward the best solution.
• Monitor and ensure adherence to budgets and financial expectations.
• Manage and develop program contracts and project fee matrices.
• Define and manage project quality expectations.
• For projects delivered under the Design-Build model:
  • Perform all aspects of construction management oversight to confirm that the design-builder is in full compliance with the safety, quality, cost, and schedule commitments of the contract, including:
    • Review of design documentation
    • Review of Architectural specifications
    • Review of contract documents
    • Submittal review
    • Monthly walkthroughs with owner to review construction progress relative to billing
    • Periodic site walkthroughs for general progress review (2 per month)
    • Punch list walkthrough with owner
    • Review of closeout documentation per phase
  • Prepare technical reports, review designs for constructability and future operations/ maintenance concerns, monitor permit for compliance, attend and participate in stakeholder coordination meetings, attend meetings with the design-builder team, contribute to the quality assurance oversight plan, enforce compliance by the design-builder with its QA/QC Plan, safety plan and contract schedule.
• Negotiate contracts and oversee compliance, risk management, and quality assurance.
• Maintain awareness of and compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations and requirements across the region.
• Oversee and facilitate, as necessary, the timely and accurate processing of all relevant vendor invoices. Provide technical evaluations, advice, and guidance to the Project team.

Qualifications

• This position requires a strategic and results-driven leader with a strong background in project management and Architecture understanding of facilities management outsourcing models, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven track record of managing complex projects from conception through completion. Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Recognized ability to lead and motivate clients’ internal stakeholders and external project teams
• Strong communication skills at multiple project levels ranging from tradespeople to facility executives
• Demonstrated project success in meeting project budgets and schedules
• Understanding of building codes, safety regulations, permits, ADA, sustainability/energy management, and other related compliance requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in project management standards and execution required.
• Advanced knowledge and application of building design and construction principles required.
• Clear, concise, and professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organization and project management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated agility and adaptability to manage multiple complex projects across different facilities.
• Proficient use of technology tools, e.g., intranet platforms, SharePoint, Microsoft Office applications, etc. Familiarity with SAP, a plus.
• Experience with Revit, CAD, and/or Bluebeam preferred.
• Project management certification (PMP) preferred, MS Project knowledge.

Education/Experience

• 12-15+ years leading corporate construction projects.
• Background in architecture and luxury retail, hospitality, or premium environments preferred.
• Vendor management expertise (RFPs, negotiation, multi-site programs).
• Exceptional leadership and communication.

Physical Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• This role is based in New York, NY and will oversee major capital projects, as well as smaller ones across the region. The role may travel 25-40%, or as required for project delivery and execution.

NOTE: The job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every duty and requirement for this position; supervisors may assign additional duties as deemed necessary.

Cresa is committed to developing and maintaining a diverse workforce. Cresa strongly believes in equal opportunity extended to all individuals in all aspects of the employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, belief, creed, age, sex, pregnancy or maternity (including childbirth and related conditions), family responsibility (e.g. child care, elder care), nationality, ethnic or national origin or ancestry, citizenship, marital status, civil partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, veteran’s status, genetic information, political view or status as a qualified individual with a disability, protected leave status or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.