Jobs Archive - Page 2 of 2 - Gillian Executive Search

1170 Project Engineer & Estimator
Our client is a vertically integrated real estate development and construction firm specializing in high-end custom homes. Their platform manages the full lifecycle of each project — from early-stage planning and site analysis through construction completion — delivering refined residences with a disciplined, hands-on approach.

They are seeking a Project Engineer & Estimator to support budgeting, preconstruction analysis, and active project administration for luxury single-family homes.

Project Engineer & Estimator | Luxury Single-Family Residential | Southern California

Position Overview

This role blends detailed cost estimating with day-to-day project coordination. The ideal candidate is comfortable reviewing architectural plans, producing comprehensive budgets with some oversight, and supporting project management field execution to ensure projects remain on schedule and financially aligned.

Core Responsibilities

Preconstruction & Estimating
- Analyze architectural and structural drawings to prepare detailed cost estimates
- Perform quantity takeoffs for custom homes, major renovations, and ground-up builds
- Develop localized budgets covering labor, materials, permits, and appropriate contingencies
- Conduct cost analysis based on current market pricing and regional conditions
- Assist with bid preparation and scope clarification to minimize financial risk
- Identify gaps or inconsistencies in plans prior to construction start
Project Engineering & Administration
- Coordinate daily construction activities and subcontractor communication
- Manage project documentation including contracts, change orders, invoices, and permits
- Support scheduling efforts and monitor milestone progress
- Track procurement and material deliveries
- Monitor job cost performance and maintain alignment with approved budgets
- Facilitate communication between ownership, consultants, and trade partners
Technical Skills
- Experience with construction takeoff and estimating software
- Proficiency in plan review and digital markup tools
- Familiarity with cost databases and budgeting platforms
- Working knowledge of construction management software systems
Professional Skills
- Strong attention to detail and organizational discipline
- Ability to interpret complex construction documents
- Knowledge of residential building codes and permitting processes
- Experience managing subcontractor and vendor relationships
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
Qualifications
- 3–6 years of experience in construction estimating, project engineering, or project administration
- Experience in custom residential, luxury remodels, or high-end ground-up construction strongly preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred but not required.
  
  Compensation: 100-120K plus bonus potential
  
  Contact Kipp Gillian to learn more
  kgillian@gessearch.com, 866-600-0437 x 1, c 949-637-6401
February 25, 2026
1169: Vice President of Mixed Use Development
The Vice President of Development (confidential) will oversee all development projects from initiation through completion. This individual will manage dedicated Development Teams for each project and supervise the full development lifecycle, including financial analysis, due diligence, design, planning, permitting, construction, sales, and post-sale activities.

Company Background

Our client is a real estate development firm specializing in luxury multifamily buildings, and high-end mixed-use properties. For over 2 decades the firm has invested in highly sought-after residential and commercial properties in the United States and internationally.

The firm is actively developing in premier mountain resort communities throughout the Rockies, as well as exclusive beach and coastal destinations, while selectively expanding into other luxury markets domestically and abroad. Each project is executed in collaboration with leading architects, designers, contractors, and master craftsmen to create distinctive, high-end properties.

Headquartered in the Rockies the firm is seeking a Vice President of Development to join its growing team.

VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT (Confidential)

Overview

The Vice President of Development will oversee all development projects from initiation through completion. This individual will manage dedicated Development Teams for each project and supervise the full development lifecycle, including financial analysis, due diligence, design, planning, permitting, construction, sales, and post-sale activities.

The role requires direct oversight of Directors of Development, Development Managers, Construction Managers, architects, consultants, and contractors. The Vice President will manage multiple project budgets and schedules while ensuring quality, design standards, and financial objectives are achieved.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee Development Teams managing multiple mixed-use development projects
- Supervise Development Managers through all phases of development
- Provide regular progress updates to the President
- Oversee planning, design, entitlements, permitting, construction, and sales processes
- Manage predevelopment activities including due diligence, entitlement strategy, and permitting
- Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, lenders, brokers, and key stakeholders
- Supervise contractor and consultant selection processes, including fee negotiations and contract execution
- Oversee General Contractor performance during construction
- Review and interpret legal documents including purchase agreements, title reports, surveys, government agreements, and closing documentation
- Develop and refine cost estimates and project schedules during pre-construction
- Review architectural plans to ensure quality and cost effectiveness
- Direct project teams and external professionals to develop and implement successful project strategies
- Monitor project schedules and budgets, addressing material changes proactively
- Oversee financial projections, monthly draw requests, and development-related financial analysis
- Participate in strategic, negotiation, design, construction, and community meetings
- Conduct regular coordination meetings between Development Managers and construction teams
- Track and document performance against approved budgets, schedules, and project objectives
- Partner with the President to identify, evaluate, and secure new development opportunities
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Architecture, or related field
- 15 to 20 years of experience in real estate development, land development, and project management
- Proven track record leading major development projects and building effective teams
- Demonstrated experience developing luxury condominium, mixed use or resort projects through the full lifecycle including entitlements, design, permitting, construction, and sales
- Strong ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously
- Deep understanding of development and construction practices
- Strong leadership and relationship-building skills
- Highly organized with excellent time management abilities
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience reviewing and interpreting legal contracts, financial documents, and architectural drawings
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project
Job Requirements
- Remote flexibility “slightly” available but a successful candidate would either expect to live in the HQ home town or be there 3 out of 4 weeks each month. Client location will be revealed on a select basis.
- Weekly travel may be required depending on project status (currently the Rocky Mountain Regions)
- Combination of office-based and on-site project work
- Full-time position requiring 40+ hours per week
- Demonstrated commitment, professionalism, and dedication
Compensation

Salary and benefits are regionally competitive and highly commensurate with experience.

Gillian Executive Search is a leader in recruiting for resort development and construction in luxury ski markets in the United States. Call or email Kipp Gillian to learn more about this opportunity.

Kgillian@gessearch.com
c: 949-637-6401
o: 866-600-0437×1
February 25, 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
January 5, 2026
1163 Director of Design & Pre-development
Palisades Fires took away not only homes but memories and futures for thousands in the Palisades and Malibu areas of Southern California. The task of rebuilding is daunting. Navigating the complexities of insurance companies and not know where to start has been a monumental task for so many. Our client is providing a silver lining to that process by helping those trying to rebuild create a conceptual vision, design that vision, entitle, permit and then …build it. They are a multi-dimensional team dedicated to rebuilding dreams in the Palisades.

This candidate should be highly experienced in the luxury residential arena that has overseen the full lifecycle of development projects—from concept and design through construction and FF&E installation. This individual serves as the owner’s advocate, ensuring that every element of the project aligns with the luxury home’s design vision, operational functionality, and financial objectives.

They act as a central liaison between the CEO, clients, architects, interior designers, procurement agents, and contractors—bridging creative direction with disciplined execution. This role demands deep expertise in both luxury residential architecture and interior design, exceptional communication skills. Experience stemming from a project management background in luxury hospitality is highly desired ( though not required).

WE RECENTLY FILLED THIS POSITION but stay tuned as we will be adding more positions to this client organization soon:

DIRECTOR of PREDEVELOPMENT – LUXURY HOUSING, PACIFIC PALISADES

Overview of the Role

This position combines owner’s representation, project management, and interior design leadership. The ideal candidate provides design guidance through daily project participation, formal design reviews, and oversight of all architectural and interior elements.

The role will interact with HNWs, celebrities and other notable figures, requiring a patient collaboration with internal stakeholders, external consultants, and ownership. The environment is highly collaborative, with an expectation to add measurable value and deliver world-class experiences in the luxury residential space.

You will be the right hand to the CEO who is a widely recognized name in luxury hospitality and residential development industries with over 40 years of experience delivering exceptional projects to the Los Angeles market.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Client Vision Integration
- Serve as the primary design and brand steward, ensuring that architectural and interior design concepts meet luxury residential standards and align with the client’s identity.
- Participate in setting and maintaining the direction of brand design for new and existing projects.
- Provide design guidance and feedback during concept, schematic, and design development phases.
- Select, train, and manage interior design consultants, fostering a collaborative and innovative design culture.
- Conduct formal reviews of design documentation to ensure compliance with the client’s vision, programmatic, and quality standards.
- Stay informed on global design trends, materials, and technologies, incorporating innovation and sustainability into project design.
Project Oversight
- Act as the owner’s representative on-site, overseeing project integrity, execution, and design implementation.
- Coordinate across architecture, interiors, and construction disciplines to maintain design continuity and execution excellence.
- Function as a project manager when required—guiding team activities, timelines, and deliverables.
- Develop and maintain liaisons with developers, architects, purchasing agents, and contractors.
Budget, Schedule & Procurement Management
- Monitor budgets for construction to ensure financial discipline and value alignment.
- Review design and contractor invoices, vendor proposals, and change orders for accuracy and compliance.
- Oversee the procurement and installation of custom furnishings, lighting, art, and millwork to meet design intent and schedule.
- Use project management tools to track progress and report updates internally.
- Develop strategies to mitigate schedule and cost risks.
Quality Control & Field Coordination
- Ensure that construction and design execution meet the craftsmanship and aesthetic expected in luxury residential.
- Oversee mockups, shop drawings, and submittals, ensuring quality and adherence to specifications.
- Conduct regular site inspections, progress reviews, and final installation walk-throughs.
- Gather field input for product development and ensure lessons learned inform future projects.
Qualifications

Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or Construction Management (advanced degree preferred).
- Interior Design license preferred.
Experience
- 8+ years of combined experience in architecture, interior design, and project management within the luxury residential, hotel or resort sector.
- Proven record managing design coordination, FF&E procurement, and construction execution for luxury hospitality or luxury residential assets.
- Strong understanding of luxury design standards, design review processes, and project delivery.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong business acumen and ability to align design with operational and financial goals.
- Exceptional interpersonal and client relationship management skills.
- Advanced knowledge of FF&E specification, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present and defend design concepts to senior stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and time management abilities with the capacity to manage multiple concurrent projects.
  
  Compensation:
  This will be based on the individuals experience level. Our client is willing to train a good design candidate up into this position or hire an experience executive. Client can offer competitive base salaries and profit sharing in addition to benefits etc. Call me for more details.
——————–

Gillian Executive Search – helping real estate developers, architects and construction management companies rebuild the Pacific Palisades after Palisades fires. Call Kipp Gillian – 866-600-0437×1
November 11, 2025
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
August 5, 2025