Vice President of Construction (Greater Chicago Area)

Position Description

BEAR Construction is seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President of Construction (VPOC) – Healthcare Market to lead the continued growth, operations, and profitability of our Healthcare sector. This executive leadership position will have direct responsibility for all aspects of the Healthcare market, including business development, client relationships, project execution, financial performance, and team leadership.

The ideal candidate will bring an established network of relationships within the healthcare construction industry, including hospitals, health systems, medical facilities, healthcare developers, architects, and industry partners. This individual will serve as a trusted partner to healthcare clients, proactively identifying opportunities, strengthening existing relationships, and positioning BEAR as a preferred construction partner throughout the healthcare market.

The VPOC will be responsible for developing and executing strategic growth initiatives, with the expectation of building and sustaining a healthcare portfolio capable of generating at least $50 million in profitable annual construction volume .

Serving as the Profit & Loss (P&L) leader for the Healthcare sector, the VPOC will oversee financial performance, operational excellence, and the successful execution of healthcare construction projects. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges associated with healthcare construction, including occupied facilities, infection prevention, patient safety, regulatory compliance, and minimizing disruptions to ongoing healthcare operations.

The VPOC will collaborate closely with BEAR's executive leadership, Business Development, Preconstruction, Safety, and Operations teams to establish both short-term and long-term strategies that support sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and BEAR's overall business objectives.

Position Requirements

Business Development & Profitability Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic growth and financial performance of BEAR's Healthcare sector, with direct accountability for annual revenue, gross profit, and overall profitability goals.
• Develop and execute comprehensive business development strategies to expand BEAR's presence within the healthcare construction market.
• Leverage established relationships with hospital executives, healthcare systems, facility directors, real estate leaders, architects, and healthcare decision-makers to identify and secure new construction opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with existing healthcare clients while proactively pursuing new partnerships and market opportunities.
• Actively participate in healthcare industry associations, networking events, conferences, and professional organizations to increase BEAR's visibility and strengthen its market presence.
• Collaborate with BEAR's executive leadership and Business Development team to establish a consistent pipeline of opportunities and maintain a stable, growing backlog of healthcare projects.
• Identify opportunities across healthcare construction, including hospital renovations, medical office buildings, outpatient facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty clinics, and healthcare infrastructure improvements.
• Manage the Healthcare sector's operating budget and serve as its P&L leader, ensuring effective financial oversight, forecasting, and profitability.
• Partner with Preconstruction and Estimating teams to develop competitive proposals, evaluate project opportunities, and establish strategies for securing profitable work.
• Collaborate with Legal, Accounting, and executive leadership to evaluate contracts, mitigate financial and operational risks, and protect company interests.
• Monitor market trends, healthcare capital investment initiatives, and emerging construction opportunities to position BEAR for long-term growth.
• Provide regular financial reporting, market updates, revenue forecasts, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Participate in recruiting, hiring, performance evaluations, and professional development initiatives to build a high-performing Healthcare construction team.

Key Operational Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of multiple healthcare construction projects and project management teams, ensuring successful delivery within established budgets, schedules, quality standards, and client expectations.
• Lead the execution of complex healthcare construction projects, including renovations, expansions, interior buildouts, and construction within active and occupied medical facilities.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of healthcare construction requirements, including infection control risk assessments (ICRA), interim life safety measures (ILSM), containment procedures, patient safety protocols, and applicable healthcare facility regulations.
• Ensure project teams effectively coordinate with hospital administration, facility management, infection prevention departments, clinical staff, and other healthcare stakeholders to minimize disruptions to patient care and daily operations.
• Champion a proactive safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA standards, healthcare-specific safety protocols, and all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Oversee project planning, scheduling, budgeting, subcontractor coordination, quality control, and risk management across the Healthcare portfolio.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, trade partners, vendors, and consultants experienced in healthcare construction.
• Collaborate with BEAR's Safety, Estimating, IT, Field Technology, Business Development, and Marketing teams to improve operational processes and maintain a competitive advantage.
• Ensure project teams consistently deliver exceptional client service, responsiveness, and professionalism in sensitive healthcare environments.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Project Executives, Project Managers, Superintendents, and other construction professionals within the Healthcare sector.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, and alignment with BEAR Construction's culture, values, and operational expectations.
• Champion the adoption and consistent use of company-approved technology platforms, including Sage Estimating, P6 Scheduling, Procore, Salesforce, Viewpoint, and other project management systems.
• Identify operational challenges, implement process improvements, and develop scalable systems to support the continued growth of the Healthcare sector.
• Maintain a proven track record of delivering profitable, high-quality healthcare construction projects while prioritizing safety, client satisfaction, and operational excellence.

Qualifications & Experience

• 20+ years of progressive experience in commercial construction , with significant experience managing healthcare construction projects and leading construction operations.
• Demonstrated success in a senior leadership capacity overseeing healthcare construction projects, teams, and business development initiatives.
• Established relationships within the healthcare industry, including hospitals, health systems, healthcare facility executives, architects, and key decision-makers.
• Proven ability to generate new business, develop long-term client relationships, and build a sustainable pipeline of healthcare construction opportunities.
• Strong understanding of healthcare construction delivery, particularly within occupied and operational hospitals and medical facilities.
• Extensive knowledge of healthcare-specific construction requirements, including ICRA, ILSM, life safety, infection prevention, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Familiarity with healthcare accreditation and compliance requirements, including applicable Joint Commission, NFPA, OSHA, and local healthcare facility standards.
• Demonstrated experience managing P&L responsibilities, operational budgets, financial forecasts, project profitability, and business growth strategies.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple project teams and successfully deliver complex, high-value construction projects.
• Established relationships with qualified subcontractors and trade partners specializing in healthcare construction.
• Strong leadership, supervisory, and people development skills, with the ability to coach, mentor, and build high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strategic, forward-thinking leadership approach with the ability to balance long-term business objectives with day-to-day operational responsibilities.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high degree of accuracy, professionalism, and accountability.
• OSHA safety training and demonstrated commitment to construction safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency with construction management software and financial reporting tools.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BEAR Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination]]> <