Director, Design (Real Estate)

Job Description

Role Purpose/Mission:
We are seeking a director – Desing (Real Estate) Will Plan, establish and implement sound organizational and procedural plans for design and construction services. Leads, directs and develops the management team and staff of engineers, architects, and support personnel providing architectural, engineering and construction services to plan, budget, program, design, and construct facilities supporting Wayne State’s research and teaching missions.
will play a key role in overseeing and executing our design and construction projects across our portfolio of hotels and resorts. This is your chance to showcase your creativity, drive innovation, and make a lasting impact on our properties. Join us in shaping the future of hospitality design and construction!

Accountabilities:
Establish and leads teams of customers, architect-engineer and construction firms, consultants, and City and State officials to determine requirements and develop facilities strategies consistent with customer desires and funding constraints. Directs the design, contracting and execution of new construction, renovation and major maintenance projects.
Select, develop, and supervise a quality-focused team of in-house and out-sourced design and construction professionals in executing design, contracting, construction, and renovation programs; establish standards for quality of work performed, and monitor results to enable and ensure high performance. Manage individual performance to optimize contribution to unit objectives and university operations.
Direct operations to accomplish required work within the customer’s budget. Monitor expenditures for labor and contracts to ensure best value for the customer and compares budget and expenses to meet established unit financial goals. Anticipate changing requirements sufficiently in advance to allow the customer to adjust priorities or reprogram resources if required.
Evaluate needs for contracted labor and services; manages in-house and contract Project Managers to ensure proper preparation of plans, specifications and contracts, and proper contractor performance.
Continuously improves the quality of services provided by motivating and empowering employees, implementing new technology, and revising processes and standard operating procedures to improve individual and team effectiveness. Monitors results and invites customer feedback.
Lead and serve on departmental and University-wide committees to establish and define the strategic direction of facilities to effectively support varied and diverse program initiatives.
Responsible for all construction, field operations, and an in-house self-performing construction trades crew including Construction Technicians, Commissioning Agents, and Testing Agencies.
Work closely with customers, Facilities Planning and Space Management, Office of Sustainability, Office of Environmental Health & Safety, Computing & Information Technology, Risk Management, City of Detroit, and Facilities Operations and Maintenance to sustain comprehensive programs and projects that effectively addresses all building needs in a way that supports their maintenance and operation.
Meets regularly with customers to establish requirements, develop construction programs, and identify opportunities for improving services. Make regular facilities inspections.
Conduct investigations and analyses of all service-related incidents; prepare reports and implement corrective actions.
Coordinate the activities of other Facilities Planning and Management service units to ensure efficient delivery of all services.
In conjunction with Plant Operations and Maintenance, develop and update design and construction standards and ensure compliance by contracted designers and contractors.
Reviews project progress programs and drawings and attends team meetings for select third party owned and developed franchise
Assembles and leads Project Team as required to ensure that each member can participate in decisions that affect their departments.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including operations, development, and finance, to ensure projects align with business objectives
Oversee project budgeting, scheduling, and quality control to ensure successful project delivery
Stay up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in design and construction
Conduct site visits and inspections to monitor project progress and ensure compliance with design and quality standards