US Foods^® is one of America’s great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With nearly 28,000 employees and more than 70 locations, we provide our customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology, and business solutions.

We are looking for a Commercial Director of Design and Construction to direct the building design and construction program and related new and expansion projects that support the overall growth and operating strategies of the organization. The main focus of the construction program is to develop new and expanded distribution centers, food processing facilities, test kitchens, offices and retail/wholesale food stores.

This position will require knowledge of the following:

1. Construction of large Distribution Centers “DC’s” and hopefully sustainability (energy/equipment/material) experience.
2. Must have cold storage, frozen storage, and multi-temperature storage in their background that aren’t kitchen, resort, or fast food related.
3. Design experience that  would include layout, furniture/fixture, and aesthetics.

This position has been segmented as Hybrid meaning there is a combination of two onsite days a week in the Rosemont, Illinois Support Office and the rest remote.

Responsibilities:

The Director of Design and Construction program requires the flexibility to manage at both the program and discrete project levels.

Program Level

• Manage facility prototypes and continuous improvement program to assure facility-to-facility consistency and operating excellence.   

• Research new building/design/construction technologies and materials that promote better functional and safety solutions. 

• Manage the design/construction procurement strategy and related contracts for the various facility development types.

• Develop and manage processes and tools to support project management effectiveness.

• Support on-going organizational capital prioritization, planning, and management initiatives.

• Provide technical support/recommendations including high level cost estimates and timelines to the mergers and acquisitions, supply chain network optimization, real estate and facility management functions. 

• Support Supply Chain Network initiatives which may require independent and team-based work, including market reviews, site selection, expansion evaluation, dispositions of properties and additional real estate strategies with a broader team.

• Promote positive departmental visibility throughout the organization by utilizing company portals and communications tools. 

Project Level

• Provide support for discrete project feasibility and capital approval.

• Support real estate site search, due-diligence, acquisition phases as well as ad hoc projects as warranted.

• Work closely with USF entities to establish project goals, teams, and responsibilities.

• Collaborate with Legal Department to draft contracts and evaluate other material matters that arise.

• Manage proposal activities and negotiate design/construction contracts.

• Design/construction administration – lead design activities, bid oversight, change order review, schedule and budget performance, quality reviews, pay requests, punch and project closeout.

• Appraise consultant, contractor and project team effectiveness.

• Conduct Post Project Analysis (PPA) and identify potential areas for change or improvements. 

Leadership:

• Manage a team of two -  Sr. Manager of Design and Construction and Assistant Project Manager with plans for further growth. 

Relationships:

• Internal: Work primarily in a team environment that includes leaders and subject matter experts in finance, safety, risk management, field operations, creative marketing, facilities management, real estate, legal, accounting, retail store development, supply chain, transformation office, continuous improvement, and information technology.

• External: Select and manage the activities of architects/engineers, LEED consultants, environmental consultants, furniture and equipment vendors, fire protection consultants, geotechnical engineers, design/build firms, general and specialty contractors. Interface with real estate consultants, real estate developers, building owners, and government building planning officials.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must possess a minimum of 10 years broad based design and construction industry experience at the project management level plus an additional 5 years experience directing a multi-project program dedicated to delivering food related facilities from feasibility through operations turnover.

• Must have high level cost estimating and scheduling ability, along with budget forecasting skills. 

• Computer skills must include basic CAD and PDF mark-up programs, Microsoft Suite of products - Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Notes, Outlook, and Teams.  Must be experienced at collaborating with team members located in different geographies.  

• Must be able to thrive in a fast paced, highly collaborative organizational culture.   

• Must have the knowledge and confidence to make balanced decisions related to design function, cost, and aesthetics.  Must have a strong safety orientation. 

• Must be able to travel up to 40% percent primarily to visit project sites.  Must be able to walk through construction sites and access roof level areas to assess construction progress and quality. 

• Expertise in industrial, distribution, cold storage and food industries preferred.

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in architecture or construction management from an accredited institution is required. 

Certifications/Training:

• PMP and/or PgMP certification is preferred.