THE ROLE The
Director of Capital Projects is responsible for leading the planning, development, and execution of large-scale capital expansion and redevelopment projects across the convention center campus. This role manages complex, multi-year initiatives including facility expansions, new construction, major renovations, and infrastructure improvements to the quality and safety standards of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) and Legends Global. This role oversees the full lifecycle of capital projects, including planning, design, construction, and closeout, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with operational needs.
The Director serves as a key strategic leader, aligning expansion efforts with enhancing guest experience, organizational growth objectives, market competitiveness, and long-term asset value, while ensuring seamless integration with ongoing venue operations within an active convention center environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES - Capital Development: Lead the planning and execution of major expansion projects including facility expansion, site improvements, new building construction and infrastructure upgrades.
- Strategy: Partner with executive leadership and board members to define long-term strategy and priorities.
- Leadership & Oversight: Direct multiple large-scale capital projects simultaneously as part of a coordinated expansion program and provide executive-level reporting on project status, risks, and financial performance.
- Construction Management: Oversee full lifecycle delivery of expansion projects from design management to contracting to construction, managing external teams such as architects, engineers, planners, construction managers, inspectors, owner's representatives and consultants.
- Financial Management: Develop and manage large-scale capital budgets while monitoring expenditures, contingency usage, and change management, then identify value engineering opportunities without compromising quality or user experience when necessary.
- Stakeholder Interface: Serve as key liaison with executive leadership, authority board, city and public agencies, developers and private partners through presentations and ensuring approval alignment and clear communication.
- Team Development: Lead and develop a team consisting of a construction project manager, accounting manager and assistant project engineer ensuring standardized processes for capital program delivery.
- Quality & Safety: Conduct routine site visits to monitor progress and enforce DRCFA/Legends Global specifications, quality standards, and OSHA practices.
- Risk Management: Identify risks early and implement mitigation strategies to protect budget and timelines.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate records including contracts, change orders, task orders, reports, drawings, and progress documentation.
- Permitting & Inspections: Secure AHJ permits and coordinate inspections; ensure complete documentation prior, during, and post-inspection.
- Contract Management: Interpret contractual language and hold partners accountable to defined roles, responsibilities, and deliverables.
- Purchasing & Competitive Bidding: Develop scopes of work and material specifications under the DRCFA Purchasing Policy for competitive bidding in partnership with the Purchasing Director.
- Other duties as assigned.
KEY DELIVERABLES - Projects delivered within approved scope, schedule, and budget.
- Complete and accurate documentation across permitting and financial reporting.
- Safety, quality, and code compliance at all phases.
- Minimal disruption to events and guest experiences during construction activities.
- Effective communication and collaboration across all project stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, preferred and/or 15+ years of field experience managing large scale capital and expansion project schedules and budgets.
- 10+ years of experience in construction management or a related discipline with a focus on project execution; strong understanding of construction methods, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office/Outlook, project management software and tools; AI tools, e-Builder and/or Bluebeam preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and coordinate diverse stakeholders in fast-moving environments.
- Critical thinking and proven problem-solving abilities, including the ability to execute projects even when design documentation is evolving.
- Ability to make decisions under pressure and deliver results in high-stakes, timeline-sensitive conditions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication with strong organizational skills.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus:
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits starting day one
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
- 401(k) with company match
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS This position operates onsite in a live-event environment that requires flexibility, professionalism, and adherence to safety practices. Work occurs both in an office setting and throughout the facility - including active construction zones, back-of-house areas, rooftops, loading docks, and outdoor spaces.
The role requires walking, standing, climbing ladders, wearing PPE, and occasional lifting up to 40 lbs. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required based on project milestones and event schedules.
