Jobs Archive - Gillian Executive Search

1189 Estimator – Luxury Single Family
Our client brings 40+ years of experience in luxury residential development and construction. The firm is actively involved in rebuilding homes across the Pacific Palisades and Malibu, providing turnkey services from design and budgeting through permitting, procurement and construction.

We are seeking an experienced Estimator ( with purchasing ability) to support residential construction projects from early budgeting through final buy-out. This individual will turn drawings, specifications and project concepts into accurate cost estimates while also supporting purchasing, subcontractor negotiations and procurement as projects move into construction.

The Estimator will perform detailed takeoffs, develop cost breakdowns, solicit and analyze bids, negotiate pricing and work closely with project management and field teams to ensure budgets reflect current market conditions and actual project requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop accurate cost estimates from conceptual budgets through hard bids and construction.
- Perform detailed takeoffs and cost breakdowns for labor, materials, equipment and subcontracted work.
- Review drawings and specifications to identify scope, cost drivers, potential gaps and project risks.
- Solicit, level and evaluate subcontractor and vendor bids to ensure complete scope coverage.
- Negotiate subcontractor and supplier pricing, terms and scope.
- Participate in project buy-out, including bid comparisons, scope clarification and final vendor/subcontractor selection.
- Assist with purchasing and procurement of materials, equipment and long-lead items.
- Maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers and vendors and stay current on market pricing.
- Identify value-engineering opportunities and alternative materials or methods that improve cost without compromising project objectives.
- Work closely with project management and field teams to align estimates, purchasing and construction requirements.
- Maintain and refine historical cost data, unit costs and vendor pricing.
- Assist with proposals, budgets and presentations of project costs.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience estimating residential construction, preferably high-end or luxury residential.
- Experience with purchasing, procurement, subcontractor negotiations and/or project buy-out.
- Strong ability to read architectural and structural drawings, specifications and scopes of work.
- Knowledge of construction methods, materials, subcontractor scopes and current market costs.
- Experience soliciting and comparing subcontractor and supplier bids.
- Strong negotiating skills and ability to evaluate both price and scope.
- Proficiency with estimating software and spreadsheets.
- Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates, purchasing requirements and deadlines simultaneously.
- Comfortable working directly with project managers, field personnel, subcontractors and suppliers.
Call Kipp Gillian, Gillian Executive Search, kgillian(at)gessearch.com, 866-600-0437×1, 949-637-6401c
September 18, 2026
1188 Director of Operations – Repairs, Maintenance and Renovations
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS – REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE & RENOVATIONS

Our client is an established real estate development and investment company that has launch a new division focused in the growing real estate field-services and home repairs arena. Providing best-in-class repair, maintenance, renovation and building-system services across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, carpentry, drywall, painting and general construction for multifamily, commercial and single family properties.

Location: Long Beach, California (NOT REMOTE or HYBRID)

The Director of Operations – Repairs, Maintenance & Renovations will run day-to-day operations, leading a team of field technicians and supervisors responsible for a high volume of projects and service work (small and large projects). This individual will oversee work from initial scope and scheduling through field execution, cost control, quality and closeout.

This is a hands-on operating leadership role with responsibility for people, field productivity, scheduling, purchasing, job costing, quality control and P&L performance. The Director will work directly with ownership to build the team, systems and operating structure necessary to support continued growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Operations & Project Execution
- Lead daily operations across multiple field teams, maintenance technicians and supervisors.
- Oversee work involving repairs, maintenance and finishes for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, carpentry, general repairs and renovation projects.
- Manage projects and work orders from initial scope through scheduling, execution and closeout.
- Balance manpower, technician capabilities, customer priorities and project schedules across a high volume of active work.
- Maintain visibility into schedules, labor, materials, costs and outstanding field issues.
- Resolve project and field problems quickly while maintaining schedule, quality and profitability.
- Establish consistent procedures for estimating, scheduling, field reporting, change orders and closeout.
- Utilize specialty subcontractors when appropriate and manage their scope, pricing and performance.
Financial & Operational Management
- Assume responsibility for the operating P&L, including revenue, gross margin, labor utilization and operating expenses.
- Develop and manage operating budgets, staffing requirements and expense controls.
- Monitor labor, materials and project costs against estimates and budgets.
- Track profitability by project and service category.
- Oversee purchasing of materials, equipment and supplies.
- Establish and monitor operational KPIs including field productivity, technician utilization, gross margin, project completion, callbacks and quality.
- Identify cost, productivity and scheduling issues early and implement corrective action.
Team Leadership
- Recruit, hire, train and retain maintenance technicians, supervisors and field personnel.
- Build a strong internal field organization capable of supporting increasing project volume.
- Develop supervisors who can independently manage crews, schedules and field execution.
- Establish clear expectations around productivity, quality, safety, documentation and professionalism.
- Hold teams accountable for performance and project results.
- Evaluate staffing and field capacity against current and projected workload.
Operational Growth
- Build and improve systems for estimating, scheduling, purchasing, job costing and field reporting.
- Standardize workflows across work authorization, scheduling, procurement, execution, invoicing and closeout.
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity, margins and field capacity.
- Help expand the company’s capabilities across additional trades and service categories.
- Work directly with ownership on staffing, budgets, operating strategy and growth.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- 7+ years of progressive operations or construction leadership experience within field services, specialty contracting, facilities, property maintenance, renovation or a related construction environment.
- Demonstrated experience leading multiple technicians, crews and supervisors across simultaneous projects and service work.
- Strong working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, renovation and general construction.
- Experience managing scheduling, field productivity, labor utilization and technician performance.
- Strong understanding of estimating, purchasing, labor costs, job costing and project financial controls.
- Proven experience managing operating budgets and P&L performance.
- Experience recruiting, training and developing field personnel.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage a high volume of work with competing priorities.
- Experience with field-management, scheduling, estimating and job-costing systems.
IDEAL BACKGROUND

The ideal candidate has run an internal field operation with technicians working across multiple building trades ( such as a plumbing or electrical subcontracting company or the capex division of a real estate company ). They understand how to evaluate incoming work, determine what is required, deploy the right technicians, coordinate materials and specialty resources, control costs and make sure projects are completed correctly and profitably.

Most importantly, this is someone who can run the operation—people, projects, scheduling, purchasing, job costing, quality and P&L—while building a field organization capable of handling continued growth.

Contact: Kipp Gillian, Gillian Executive Search, kgillian(at)gessearch.com, 949-637-6401c, 866-600-0437×1
September 18, 2026
1187 Director of Real Estate Development and Construction
We are seeking a Director of Real Estate Development & Construction to lead the planning, design, and construction of primarily large retrofit fitness club projects throughout the midwest. The position will be based in their SAINT CHARLES (CHICAGO area), IL office. This individual will oversee the full project lifecycle from site evaluation and due diligence through design, permitting, construction, commissioning, and operational turnover.

Our Client owns and operates fitness clubs throughout the United States and Canada. The Development Department is responsible for evaluating, designing, entitling and constructing new fitness clubs across the portfolio, with a typical development year producing approximately 45–50 new locations.

The Director will serve as the company’s primary representative for architects, engineers, consultants, landlords, and general contractors, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and consistent with company standards. The portfolio will primarily consist of complex adaptive reuse, redevelopment, and retrofit projects involving the conversion of existing commercial properties into high-end fitness facilities.

This role requires a strong combination of development, design, construction, and operational leadership, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously across various stages of execution.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Development & Pre-Construction Leadership
- Lead all pre-development activities including due diligence, site assessments, budgeting, scheduling, feasibility analysis, and project planning.
- Direct the architect and consultant selection process, including RFP preparation, fee negotiations, contract execution, and performance management.
- Oversee civil, architectural, structural, MEP, and specialty consultant teams throughout design and permitting.
- Partner with internal real estate, operations, finance, and executive leadership teams to establish project objectives, scope, and business requirements.
- Evaluate existing building conditions and identify redevelopment, infrastructure, and operational challenges associated with adaptive reuse and retrofit projects.
- Develop project budgets, schedules, cash flow forecasts, and capital expenditure
- Lead value engineering efforts while maintaining design intent, operational functionality, and member experience standards.
Design Management
- Oversee the design process from schematic design through construction
- Ensure all club layouts support operational efficiency, member experience, brand standards, and revenue-generating amenities.
- Review architectural and engineering plans for constructability, cost efficiency, and long-term maintenance considerations.
- Coordinate specialty fitness requirements including aquatics, group exercise studios, locker rooms, recovery areas, food service, childcare facilities, and specialty equipment
- Drive consistency of design standards across multiple markets while adapting to unique site constraints.
Construction Management
- Lead the general contractor procurement process, including bid solicitation, proposal evaluation, contract negotiations, and award recommendations.
- Oversee all phases of construction from mobilization through project closeout and
- Monitor contractor performance, schedule adherence, budget management, quality control, safety compliance, and issue resolution.
- Conduct regular project reviews to identify schedule risks, cost overruns, and potential construction challenges.
- Review and approve change orders, draw requests, contingency expenditures, and project
- Coordinate furniture, fixtures, equipment (FF&E), fitness equipment installation, technology systems, and operational readiness activities.
- Ensure successful project commissioning and turnover to club operations
Financial & Project Controls
- Manage multiple concurrent project budgets and
- Track project performance against approved financial objectives and development
- Review monthly cost reports, contractor pay applications, forecast updates, and project cash flow analyses.
- Develop executive-level reporting regarding project status, budget performance, schedule milestones, and key risks.
- Maintain accountability for overall project delivery and capital expenditure
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for architects, consultants, contractors, landlords, and municipal agencies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local jurisdictions, permitting agencies, landlords, and development partners.
- Lead cross-functional coordination between development, construction, operations, finance, legal, and executive leadership teams.
- Mentor and supervise internal project managers, construction managers, and development staff as the department grows.
- Provide regular project updates and strategic recommendations to executive
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate Development or a related field is preferred but not required. Consideration will also be given to those with 15+ years of similar experience regardless of degree or lack thereof.
- 15+ years of progressive experience managing commercial /retail development and construction
- Experience leading large-scale retail, hospitality, fitness, entertainment, automotive center style projects.
- Demonstrated experience managing projects from initial planning through operational
- Strong understanding of commercial construction practices, building systems, permitting, entitlements, and project controls.
- Experience overseeing architect, consultant, and general contractor selection and
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and teams
- Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, contract negotiations, and cost
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing fitness facilities, athletic clubs, hospitality projects, entertainment venues, or other customer-facing environments with a high-level of finish.
- Experience with complex renovation, redevelopment, and adaptive reuse
- Familiarity with building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, pools, and specialty fitness infrastructure.
- Experience utilizing project management and construction related software.
- Professional certifications such as PMP, CCM, LEED, PE, RA, or related credentials are a plus.
Work Environment & Travel
- This position is based in St. Charles (CHICAGO) area and focuses on a territory in the midwest. Though candidate will be working remotely it is preferred that they hub out of a close project office location. Open to discussion.
- Limited remote flexibility may be available; however, the successful candidate should expect to spend the majority of their time at a regional office and project sites.
- Regular travel will be required to support projects throughout the assigned
- Combination of office-based, field-based, and project site
- Full-time position requiring flexibility to support active construction schedules and critical project milestones.
Compensation

Compensation package includes a competitive base salary, comprehensive benefits package, and long-term career growth potential. Salary will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated project leadership experience.

Gillian Executive Search is a leader in recruiting for retail, fitness center, hospitality development, design and construction. Contact Kipp Gillian to discuss more. 866-600-0437×1, kgillian@gessearch.com
August 21, 2026
1186 DIRECTOR OF DESIGN – Luxury health and fitness clubs
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN: With its corporate office located in Orange County, California, Our Client owns and operates fitness clubs throughout the United States and Canada. The Development Department is responsible for evaluating, designing, entitling and constructing new fitness clubs across the portfolio, with a typical development year producing approximately 45–50 new locations.

Our Client is seeking a DIRECTOR OF DESIGN to provide hands-on architectural and design leadership for its newest generation of high-end fitness and wellness environments. These are sophisticated, highly programmed facilities combining fitness, boutique studios, wellness, recovery and hospitality-oriented amenities within a single development.

DIRECTOR OF DESIGN – LUXURY FITNESS CLUB DEVELOPMENT

Orange County, California | Corporate Office | Not Remote

Experienced architectural professionals with demonstrated design leadership who are ready to grow into a broader Director-level position are encouraged to apply.

THE POSITION

The Director of Design will lead projects from the earliest schematic concept. This is a hands-on architectural leadership role for someone who can oversee the development of original designs and work with outside architectural consultants to produce a completed product.

The Director is involved with the Real Estate Team before a project even begins, participating in the evaluation of prospective acquisitions and real estate opportunities. This person will assist in evaluations of potential sites and existing buildings to determine how effectively the club program can be accommodated, identify architectural and construction constraints, and provide design input that helps inform the viability of a deal.

Once a project moves forward, the Director oversees the development of the initial schematic design concept, site plan, building configuration, floor plan. CAD is a daily part of the position—not simply a review function. The Director will personally develop and modify drawings to explore ideas, solve problems and communicate clear design direction.

From there, the Director will work with the company development managers to lead outside architectural firms and specialty consultants through design development and construction documents, ensuring that the original concept is carried through to production and ultimately the completed club.

Projects incorporate a wide range of specialized fitness, wellness and hospitality environments with different structural, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lighting, acoustic, waterproofing and operational requirements. The Director must understand how these systems affect the architecture and be able to coordinate the appropriate disciplines without compromising the overall design.

With approximately 45–50 new clubs developed during a typical year, this position requires someone who can maintain consistent design and quality standards across a significant development pipeline while adapting the product to different sites, buildings, jurisdictions and project conditions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ability to integrate the company’s visual brand identity into the architecture and built environment is key to the role
- Advanced understanding of the seamless integration of signage, environmental graphics, wayfinding, lighting and building materials is preferred.
- Lead projects from initial concepts through design development, construction documents and production.
- Personally develop initial concept designs, site plans, building configurations, floor plans and schematic designs.
- Participate in the evaluation of potential acquisitions, development sites and existing buildings, identifying architectural opportunities, limitations, and potential construction challenges.
- Use CAD as a daily design and communication tool to develop ideas and provide clear direction to internal teams and outside consultants.
- Direct and coordinate third-party architectural firms throughout the United States and Canada.
- Manage the integration of interior design, MEP, structural, lighting, landscape and specialty consultants into the overall architectural vision.
- Review design development and construction documents for design intent, technical coordination, constructability and consistency with established development standards.
- Provide architectural oversight for environments involving specialized HVAC, acoustical, structural, electrical, plumbing and waterproofing requirements.
- Evaluate materials, finishes and architectural details for design quality, durability, performance and long-term operational demands.
- Work closely with development and construction teams to resolve design and constructability issues as projects advance.
- Maintain established design standards while adapting the club program to different properties, site conditions and real estate opportunities.
- Manage numerous active projects and consultant teams simultaneously while maintaining schedule, consistency and design quality.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 7+ years of progressive architectural experience with a strong background in high-quality commercial, retail, hospitality, resort, wellness, fitness or similarly design-intensive projects.
- Professional Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture.
- Architectural licensure is preferred but not required.
- Strong experience in conceptual design, schematic design, site planning, building design and space planning.
- Demonstrated ability to direct outside architectural firms, engineers and specialty consultants.
- Strong construction knowledge with the ability to review detailed construction documents for technical coordination and constructability.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks, with the ability and willingness to remain personally involved in daily design work.
- SketchUp, Photoshop and other visualization/presentation capabilities are a plus.
- Working knowledge of the architectural and building-system demands associated with high-performance commercial, hospitality, wellness or fitness environments.
- Ability to manage a high volume of projects and design issues simultaneously in a fast-paced development environment.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

This position fits an architect who can start with a new real estate deal and stay engaged through production. Someone who still enjoys designing, drawing and solving architectural problems, but who also has the experience and confidence to lead outside design professionals and hold them accountable for execution.
Creativity is important, but so are constructability, execution and consistency. The objective is to create best-in-class fitness and wellness environments and maintain that level of design and quality as the portfolio continues to grow.

COMPENSATION: 140-155K, discretionary bonuses, plus benefits.

Contact Kipp Gillian | Gillian Executive Search, Inc. to learn more. kgillian(@)gessearch.com | 866-600-0437 |949-637-6401c
August 21, 2026
1184 Vice President of Development
VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT :The VICE PRESIDENT of DEVELOPMENT will serve as Our Client’s senior owner-side development leader, working as part of a small internal team and reporting directly to the CEO. This is a hands-on role in a deliberately lean organization: the Director will oversee the project management of the developments while personally handling much of the detailed work.
VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT

Long-term owner-side leadership across master planning, apartment development, infrastructure, design, construction, and operations.

During the current master-planning phase, an experienced external development partner is leading that process. The Director will work hand in hand with the partner and consultant team — absorbing institutional knowledge, providing informed ownership input, and helping Our Client make sound decisions without duplicating the partner’s work — while positioning the company for successful vertical development.

The development strategy is centered on long-term ownership rather than building, stabilizing, and selling. Decisions are therefore evaluated differently: not simply what can be built within the initial budget, but what will create enduring value over decades. That requires a disciplined balance among marketability, design quality, construction cost, operating efficiency, maintenance, durability, and long-term capital requirements. Apartments are expected to be a central component of the program, and the Director must understand how planning and construction decisions ultimately affect leasing, resident experience, operations, and long-term asset performance.

Why This Opportunity Is Unique

Our Client has the capital, patience, and perspective to create developments intended to remain in its portfolio for generations. The objective is not simply to complete projects — it is to create places that are well conceived, financially disciplined, operationally sound, and valued by residents and the surrounding community at opening and years later. Place-making is central to that effort, and so are relationships: the projects require extensive, professional, and respectful coordination with adjacent and nearby property owners, community stakeholders, public agencies, consultants, and development partners — relationships that will extend well beyond construction.

This is a senior role for someone with strong judgment and little ego — someone who knows when to lead, when to listen, when to challenge assumptions, and when to personally take ownership of the detailed work necessary to keep a project moving.

About Our Client

Our Client is a multigenerational, family-owned real estate company evolving from a traditional holding platform into an integrated owner, operator, and developer. Its current priorities include significant master planning and entitlement efforts in Southern California, together with a new corporate headquarters. Because the company develops to own, it considers planning, design, construction, operations, maintenance, marketability, and community relationships together.

REPORTS TO | Chief Executive Officer

LOCATION | Orange County, California

SCHEDULE | On-site Monday through Friday, generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

TEAM | Small internal development team supported by sophisticated external partners and consultants

Key Responsibilities

Full-Cycle Development Leadership

Lead projects across the full development lifecycle — feasibility, entitlement, master planning, infrastructure, product programming, design, preconstruction, horizontal and vertical construction, delivery, lease-up coordination, stabilization, and transition to long-term operations.

Serve as the CEO’s primary development counterpart, translating the company’s ownership objectives into practical development decisions and clear recommendations.

Oversee the day-to-day project management necessary to advance multiple complex workstreams at once.

Apartment Development, Marketability and Operations

Provide experienced leadership in the planning, design, construction, and delivery of apartment communities.

Own the balance test at the heart of the strategy: durability and maintainability on one hand; design quality, amenities, unit planning, resident experience, and competitive market positioning on the other — supporting a strong initial lease-up without sacrificing the operating performance required of a long-hold asset.

Work closely with ownership, designers, consultants, leasing, property management, and operations so that decisions made in planning and construction serve the asset across its full life.

Place-Making and Long-Term Asset Quality

Help create developments that function as enduring places rather than collections of buildings — treating architecture, landscape, public spaces, amenities, circulation, mobility, parking, retail interfaces, and community integration as interconnected.

Judge design and construction investments by how the properties will perform and be perceived at opening, five years later, and over decades — within a disciplined budget, identifying where additional investment creates meaningful long-term value and where it does not.

Master Planning and Horizontal Development

Direct master-plan, entitlement, environmental-review, and land-development workstreams across large-scale phased projects, including infrastructure, grading, drainage, roads, utilities, sanitary sewer, civil engineering, parcel sequencing, and horizontal budgets.

Work alongside the external development partner and consultants while maintaining Our Client’s independent ownership perspective, and pressure-test assumptions where warranted.

Evaluate infrastructure, phasing, and entitlement decisions for their impact on cost, schedule, future vertical development, operations, and surrounding properties.

Team and Consultant Leadership

Co-lead the internal project-management staffing plan with the CEO and CFO, determining how the internal development organization should grow as volume and complexity increase.

Collaborate with the CEO and CFO in selecting and hiring the external consultant team — architects, engineers, planners, attorneys, contractors, cost consultants, and other specialists — with clear scopes, deliverables, budgets, schedules, and accountability.

Keep the internal organization lean while ensuring Our Client retains the knowledge, decision-making capability, and project controls to manage its developments effectively.

Stakeholder and Neighbor Coordination

Develop and maintain constructive working relationships with adjacent and nearby property owners and other stakeholders, representing Our Client professionally in discussions involving access, infrastructure, circulation, construction impacts, entitlements, and shared concerns.

Work alongside the CEO in relationships with municipalities, community stakeholders, neighboring ownership groups, and business partners, managing them as the long-term relationships they are.

Project Management, Reporting and CEO Support

Maintain or oversee project schedules, development budgets, cash-flow inputs, action lists, decision logs, scopes, contracts, invoices, consultant deliverables, meeting materials, and executive reporting.

Become Our Client’s internal source of truth for project history, assumptions, constraints, decisions, unresolved issues, and dependencies — so critical knowledge stays with the company through partner, consultant, and city-staff transitions.

Work closely with the CFO on underwriting, financing, financial controls, capital planning, and evaluation of development alternatives; the Director owns the underlying development assumptions, costs, schedules, and execution risks.

Escalate material issues early with concise, well-supported recommendations, and take ownership of coordination, follow-up, and workstreams that should not remain with the CEO day to day.

Initially serve as the owner’s representative for the company’s new office build-out alongside project responsibilities.

Qualifications

Required

Ten or more years of progressive real estate development experience with meaningful responsibility for complex projects.

Meaningful apartment/multifamily development experience, including an understanding of design, construction, leasing, property operations, maintenance, and long-term asset performance.

Demonstrated experience across horizontal and vertical development — entitlements, infrastructure coordination, design, preconstruction, construction, delivery, and stabilization.

Strong command of development budgets, schedules, contracts, change management, cost drivers, project controls, and consultant accountability, including experience managing sophisticated external project professionals.

Demonstrated ability to evaluate development decisions from the perspective of a long-term owner rather than solely a merchant builder.

Ability to operate effectively within a small internal team while personally managing detailed project work, with strong communication, judgment, and relationship-management skills.

Preferred

Large-scale mixed-use or master-planned developments in which apartments represent a significant component.

Southern California entitlement and development experience.

Experience integrating development, leasing, property management, operations, and asset-management considerations into project decisions.

Experience within a long-term ownership organization — family-owned real estate company, institutional owner/operator, or similarly patient-capital environment.

Experience building internal development teams and selecting external consultant teams.

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate will bring an owner’s mindset, seasoned judgment, high integrity, low ego, intellectual curiosity, and a strong work ethic — comfortable working directly with the CEO and CFO in a small organization while directing large external teams, and equally comfortable shaping strategy and completing detailed work.

Above all, the Director should be a hands-on development professional who understands the difference between developing a project to sell and developing a place you intend to own for generations.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary: TBD, based on experience.

Annual performance bonus eligibility; potential long-term incentive participation subject to final plan structure and company approval.

Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with employee premiums fully covered and 50% of dependent premiums covered.

Four weeks of paid vacation and SIMPLE IRA employer match up to 3% of compensation, subject to applicable plan terms.

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GILLIAN EXECUTIVE SEARCH – is a leader in real estate development executive level retained recruiting. Contact Kipp Gillian to learn more. 866-600-0437 x 1, 949-637-6401c, kgillian(@)gessearch.com
August 3, 2026
Senior Development Associate
Senior Development Associate, The Senior Development Associate will support our client’s affordable housing development team through every phase of their projects—from entitlements and design, through financial analysis, deal structuring, and construction oversight. This key support role offers significant professional growth and broad exposure to the full affordable housing development lifecycle. This position is based in Irvine/Los Angeles, California.

About Our Client
Our client is a leading affordable housing developer dedicated to creating high‐quality, sustainable communities across California.

Key Responsibilities
- Partner with Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Assistant Vice Presidents throughout the development process, with particular focus on affordable housing tax credit applications.
- Assist in all project phases: financing, entitlements/government approvals, consultant coordination, public relations, design, leasing/marketing, and construction oversight.
- Conduct financial analysis and due diligence for new development opportunities, including underwriting, cash flow modeling, and responses to RFQs/RFPs.
- Prepare business plans and deal memoranda, as well as annual operating plans, financial forecasts, and strategic plans.
- Compile comprehensive financing applications for municipal programs, such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and tax-exempt bonds.
- Support real estate closings—acquisition, construction loan closings, and permanent conversion.
- Coordinate loan draws, project budget forecasting, cash flow management, and deliverable tracking.
- Research target markets: track rents, sales per square foot, operating costs, competitive supply, and economic indicators.
- Identify and mitigate project risks to minimize exposure.
- Manage time-sensitive materials and meet multiple deadlines with precision.
- Communicate essential project updates to senior team members.
- Travel as needed to attend external project-related meetings.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $95,000 – $125,000 per year
- Bonus: Annual performance-based bonus
Qualifications
- 3–6 years of experience in real estate development; affordable housing experience preferred
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Real Estate, Business Administration, Public Policy, or Planning preferred
- Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project; Adobe Suite experience is a plus
- Strong project‐management skills with the ability to juggle multiple deadlines
- Highly analytical, intellectually curious, and detail-oriented
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a performance-driven “owner” mentality
- Self-motivated team player who thrives with limited direction in a fast-paced environment
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
If you’re passionate about driving affordable housing initiatives and eager to grow your career in a dynamic environment, our client would love to hear from you! Kipp Gillian, Gillian Executive Search, leaders in affordable housing development and construction recruiting
June 1, 2026
1177 Senior Project Superintendent – Multifamily

Our client is a vertically integrated modular design-builder and developer headquartered in Southern California.The company’s mission is to continuously evolve one of the industry’s most sophisticated and efficient housing delivery systems. Their focus is on reimagining how multifamily projects are designed, manufactured, and built—helping reduce costs, shorten schedules, and expand access to high-quality housing across both affordable and market-rate communities.

To date, the team has built or is actively developing approximately 1,500 modular units and continues to expand throughout Southern California and beyond. The company is currently scaling operations, increasing manufacturing capacity, implementing Lean Construction methodologies, and integrating advanced technologies across all areas of the business.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Title: Lead Multi-Family Project Superintendent
Business Unit: Construction
Reports to: Chief Construction Officer
Location: San Diego

The Project Superintendent will be an instrumental member of our client’s construction team and will oversee the field execution of multifamily development projects. This individual will provide leadership to subcontractors and field teams to help ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Overall supervision of all project field construction, including organization, planning, coordination, and scheduling
• Implement Lean Construction methodologies
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of subcontract documents, drawings, and specifications and develop on-site plans and procedures for implementation of work
• Plan construction programs including procedures, plant layout, equipment, manpower, and temporary construction services in coordination with the Project Manager
• Take a lead role under the direction of the Senior Project Manager or Project Executive in creating and maintaining project schedules. Microsoft Project skills required
• Prepare detailed area and trade schedules and maintain updates to ensure milestone completion
• Coordinate and direct inspection agencies and manage remedial actions as necessary
• Handle job labor relations with support from project leadership when needed
• Assist the supporting general contractor with monthly requisitions and related approvals
• Lead implementation of project-specific safety and accident prevention programs and maintain safe work areas through regular inspections
• Review and understand material, labor, and equipment budgets
• Monitor project costs and identify areas for improvement
• Provide leadership in quality control processes
• Document daily construction activities
• Chair weekly subcontractor coordination meetings
• Assist Project Engineers with review of shop drawings and submittals
• Assist Estimating with bidding opportunities and preconstruction services
• Verify that as-built drawings are maintained and kept current

QUALIFICATIONS

• 15+ years of building construction experience with at least 5+ years supervising all phases of ground-up multifamily residential construction projects
• Experience with Type III and Type IV multifamily residential projects required
• Extensive knowledge of construction scheduling, surveying, shoring, mass excavation, concrete, steel and wood structural systems, building envelope systems, MEP systems, and construction engineering principles
• Working knowledge of construction methods and materials, including installation procedures and tolerances
• Strong management, leadership, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and coordinate teams effectively
• Understanding that successful project execution requires a fully coordinated team effort
• Modular construction experience is a plus
• Strong planning, directing, and trade coordination abilities
• Knowledge of San Diego subcontractor market and permitting processes preferred
• Strong computer skills including MS Office

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience considered

WORK AUTHORIZATION

All prospective employees must be authorized to work in the United States.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive base salary dependent on experience, range $160k-$180k
• Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, and HSA benefits
• Vacation and sick pay
• Paid holidays
• Performance bonus opportunity
• Equity participation opportunity
• 401(k) Retirement Plan

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, stand, and work in varying environmental conditions for extended periods
• Ability to travel to project sites as needed

NOTE

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Duties and responsibilities may change as business needs evolve.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

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Gillian Executive Search is a leader in construction management project superintendent recruiting
Kipp Gillian | 866-600-0437 x 1 | kgillian@gessearch.com

May 6, 2026
1145 Senior Development Manager, Affordable Housing
Our client is looking for a Senior Development Manager for its Affordable Housing division. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Development, the ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in multi-family rental housing development, finance, and construction, focusing on new construction and the rehabilitation of affordable housing.

The SDM will oversee all project aspects, including entitlements, design, financial analysis, budgeting, and construction management.

HYBRID: This position is based in Irvine BUT has a nice hybrid schedule of Tuesday and Wednesday in office and the rest of the week is WFH. (work from home).

Firm Overview
- Established in 1989, our client is a full-service real estate firm in California, developing projects ranging from low-income townhomes to luxury apartments. They are committed to the highest standards in design, construction, and property management, consistently creating communities that set industry benchmarks.
Responsibilities
- Financial Analysis:Manage project proformas, development costs, and cash flows while researching funding sources.
- Acquisition: Conduct financial analysis and due diligence on new development opportunities and respond to Requests for Qualifications or Proposals.
- Government Subsidy: Compile financing applications for state and local programs, including low-income housing tax credits and tax-exempt bonds.
- Planning and Design: Manage the consultant team and ensure project deliverables are on track.
- Entitlement Processing: Assist in obtaining land use approvals and building permits, and prepare community outreach documents.
- Operations: Prepare budgets, cash flow projections, and financial forecasts.
- Construction: Coordinate loan draws and project deliverables while working with the construction manager.
- Lease-Up/Marketing: Support lease-up targets in collaboration with the property management company.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in real estate, business administration, public policy, or a related field.
- 3 to 6 years of experience in multi-family housing development and finance.
- Proficient in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project.
- Strong project management skills; able to manage multiple deadlines effectively.
- Intelligent thinker with strong curiosity and attention to detail.
- Excellent prioritization, organizational, and multitasking abilities
- High energy, team player, and self-starter.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Desired, but Not Required Qualifications
- Experience in Southern California.
- Knowledge of CEQA, including experience with planning and entitlements processes in California.
- Experience with HUD and Public Housing Authority programs.
- Masters Degree in related field.
Reasonable compensation expectation is a range based on experience in this field. We can fill this position from a Project Manager to a Senior Project Manager level.
145-185K plus strong bonus and benefits. Carry fund level

Gillian Executive Search – leader in affordable housing real estate development and construction recruiting. Contact Kipp Gillian to learn more about this position. www.gessearch.com 866-600-0437 x 1
May 1, 2026
1172 Senior Director, Project Management (Reconstruction & Capex)
The Senior Director, Project Management (reconstuction)- leads a regional team overseeing property damage repair , reconstruction, capital projects projects. This role is responsible for driving project efficiency, quality, cost control, and regulatory compliance across a large multifamily portfolio. The Senior Director partners with cross-functional teams to mitigate future property damage, reduce water intrusion incidents, and support long-term asset preservation.

Our client is building an “In-House” Project Management Team that is managing unplanned property damage, for example: water intrusion and mold incidents. It’s construction management, high volume and fast paced. Their San Diego team will be managing about 300 incidents per/month and they need to have them finished within 30 days.

Position is best suited for a San Diego based candidate, however, our client will consider Orange County based candidates as long as they are able to travel to San Diego 2-3 times a week.

Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop a team of Project Managers by setting clear expectations, providing ongoing training, and managing KPIs such as cost per incident and project timelines
- Maintain ownership of standard operating procedures, including oversight of project management tools, workflows, and defined roles and responsibilities
- Direct regional performance tracking and reporting for senior leadership; partner with Facilities, Capital Projects, and Community Management to perform root cause analysis and reduce recurring issues
- Collaborate with Risk Management and Legal teams to manage insurance claims and environmental incidents, ensuring compliance with all legal and policy requirements
- Ensure project quality and compliance through milestone tracking, site walks, and adherence to environmental regulations, safety standards, and company policies
- Oversee project financials including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and adherence to accounting controls (purchase orders, invoicing, GL coding)
- Manage vendor and contractor performance, align resources across the portfolio, and onboard new partners based on regional demand
Additional Skills:
- Ability to present complex operational and performance data to senior leadership
- Advanced proficiency in Salesforce, Coupa, and Google Workspace
- Experience managing high-volume project portfolios with a focus on risk mitigation and financial performance
- Strong knowledge of multifamily construction, environmental remediation standards, and restoration practices
- Experience with root cause analysis and data-driven risk mitigation strategies
- Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, or related field
- MBA, professional engineering license, or architectural license preferred
Experience Requirements:
- 10–15 years of relevant experience in construction management, facilities, environmental services, or engineering
- 7+ years of experience leading teams, including managing managers and cross-functional partners
- Proficiency in reading as-built plans
Certifications (Preferred):
- OSHA 10-hour certification or higher
- PMP or Construction Management certification
- IICRC certification
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to work on-site approximately 60% of the time
- Proficiency with Google Workspace, Salesforce, and capital project management systems (PPM preferred)
- Familiarity with Risk Management Information Systems (Riskonnect preferred)
- Valid California driver’s license and required insurance
- Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
- Occasional travel
Compensation:
Base salary range: $173,400 – $233,100
Actual compensation will vary based on experience

Comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off, 401(k) with match, and health benefits.

About Our Client:
Our Client is a leading owner and operator of a large-scale multifamily portfolio across premier coastal California markets. The organization is known for high-quality communities, strong operational standards, and a long-term approach to asset management.

The company offers a collaborative environment with experienced professionals and opportunities for growth across its platform.

Call Kipp Gillian | Gillian Executive Search, Inc. to learn more.
866-600-0437 x 1 | 949-637-6401 | kgillian@gessearch.com
April 3, 2026
1173 Project Manager – Restoration
Project Manager – Property Restoration & Reconstruction, Our Client is seeking a Project Manager to oversee the complete lifecycle of property damage restoration, remediation, and reconstruction projects across a portfolio of multifamily communities. This individual will be responsible for driving projects from initial assessment through final completion, ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently, and within budget. The role works closely with onsite operations teams, consultants, and contractors to minimize resident disruption, restore damaged assets, and identify long-term solutions that help prevent future incidents.

Primary Responsibilities
- Lead all phases of restoration and reconstruction projects, including damage assessment, scope development, permitting, contractor coordination, project execution, and final closeout.
- Conduct site inspections and progress reviews to ensure quality workmanship, schedule adherence, and compliance with project requirements.
- Manage environmental remediation activities involving mold, asbestos, water intrusion, and related issues, ensuring adherence to applicable regulations and safety standards.
- Coordinate and direct outside contractors, consultants, and service providers to ensure projects are completed in accordance with approved scopes, budgets, and quality expectations.
- Track project performance metrics, including schedule duration, cost control, and overall project outcomes, while identifying opportunities for improved efficiency.
- Prepare and manage project budgets, purchase orders, cost tracking, invoicing, and related documentation through project completion.
- Serve as a key point of contact among community management teams, risk management personnel, legal representatives, consultants, and vendors during active property damage events.
- Investigate recurring maintenance, moisture intrusion, and building performance issues to identify root causes and develop preventative solutions.
- Partner with facilities, operations, and asset management teams to implement strategies that reduce future property damage claims and reconstruction needs.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Facilities Management, Business, or a related field preferred.
- Approximately 5–8 years of experience in multifamily construction, maintenance, capital projects, restoration, remediation, or related project management disciplines.
- Direct experience managing mold remediation, water intrusion repairs, environmental restoration, or reconstruction projects strongly preferred.
- PMP, Construction Management, IICRC, or similar industry certifications are a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
- Experience working with project management, procurement, and collaboration platforms such as Salesforce, Coupa, Google Workspace, or comparable systems.
- Strong communication, vendor management, and problem-solving skills.
- Valid California driver’s license and ability to travel regularly between project sites.
- Position requires extensive field presence, with the majority of time spent at active construction and restoration projects.
- Flexibility to respond to urgent project needs, including occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays.
Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary Range: $123,000 – $161,500

Compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the position. Our Client offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, medical coverage, retirement savings programs with company matching, and other employee benefits available to full-time team members.

About Our Client:
Our Client is a large-scale owner and operator of multifamily communities across high-demand coastal markets. The organization emphasizes operational discipline, asset preservation, and long-term portfolio performance.

The company offers a collaborative environment with experienced professionals and opportunities for advancement.

Contact Kipp Gillian | Gillian Executive Search, Inc.
866-600-0437 x 1 | 949-637-6401 | kgillian@gessearch.com
April 3, 2026