About the role
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. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS
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