Director Retail Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Description 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.

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 Florida and can be anywhere between Tampa through Miami, FL. 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.

866-600-0437x1, kgillian@gessearch.com