Director of Construction

Desai Companies continues to expand, and we are seeking a visionary builder to establish and lead our internal construction division from the ground up.

About Our Company: Traditional Values. Modern Thinking.
Desai Companies is a diversified holding company where a commitment to stability and
opportunity sets us apart from purely profit-driven entities. Our investment philosophy
leaves a lasting positive impact on all who engage with us. Under the umbrella of Desai
Companies, a robust ecosystem of subsidiary companies operates, where synergy and
vertical integration form the cornerstones of our approach.

Our Core Values – Defined by D.E.S.A.I.
At Desai Companies, our culture is shaped by five core principles:

• D – Dedication: We are dedicated to delivering exceptional value to our customers, employees, and stakeholders by consistently exceeding expectations.

• E – Eternality: We believe in creating products, services, and experiences that have a lasting impact on customers, employees, and the world.

• S – Service: We are committed to providing outstanding service to our customers and stakeholders, going above and beyond to meet their needs and exceed their

• expectations.

• A – Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for our actions and decisions, taking ownership of our successes and failures.

• I – Innovation: We embrace innovation, continually seeking new and better ways to solve problems, enhance our products and services, and drive growth.

We invest in our people and empower them to reach their full potential, creating careers that grow with them, not just jobs to fill.

About the role
The Director of Construction will report directly to the CEO and lead all hotel construction and renovation initiatives across the organization. This is a true builder role: the successful candidate will create and scale the construction function from the ground up, initially operating as a highly effective team of one.

The Director of Construction is a pioneering leadership role responsible for building and
scaling Desai Companies’ internal construction division from the ground up. Reporting
directly to the CEO, this hands-on leader will spearhead all construction efforts for our
hotel portfolio, initially operating as a lean, high-impact team of one. This is a demanding
and entrepreneurial position for a results-driven individual who thrives on challenge and is
motivated by the opportunity to create transformative value.

The ideal candidate is a curious and adaptable construction professional with a proven
track record in ground-up hotel projects. You are not just a builder; you are a strategic
thinker with a frugal mindset, constantly seeking value and efficiency in every process. You
are excited by the prospect of leveraging AI and innovative technologies to redefine
construction workflows and achieve ambitious cost-reduction goals. This role is perfect for
a Type 3 on the Enneagram, an achiever who is energized by ambitious goals and the
opportunity to build a legacy.

A significant component of this role includes working collaboratively with a remote workforce and leveraging AI-based systems to maintain speed and accuracy while keeping operational excellence.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of ground-up hotel construction and hotel renovation projects, from initial planning and budgeting to final turnover.

• Develop and execute a strategic plan to reduce construction costs to 50% of market value through consolidated labor, elimination of subcontractor overhead, and effective material procurement.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all construction-related matters, communicating effectively with the CEO, remote team members, vendors, and other stakeholders.

• Build and lead a high-performing construction division, with a long-term vision of vertically integrating Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) services.

• Champion the exploration and integration of AI tools and other technologies to improve workflows, enhance productivity, and drive process improvement.

• Conduct rigorous vendor negotiations and cultivate strong relationships to secure the best possible pricing and value.

• Travel extensively to job sites to provide hands-on leadership, monitor progress, and ensure quality control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.

• A minimum of 5 years of ground-up construction experience is required; hotel construction experience is highly preferred.

• Proven experience managing construction projects up to $20 million in value.

• Demonstrated expertise in vendor negotiation with a track record of achieving significant cost savings.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with a wide range of individuals, from construction industry personnel to executive leadership.

• A strong understanding of construction project management software and a curiosity to explore and implement new technologies, including AI-powered solutions.

• A frugal, value-driven mindset with a relentless focus on process optimization and efficiency.

• An entrepreneurial spirit, with the ability to work independently and build a new division from scratch.

• This is an in-person role based in the Jackson, MS area and requires heavy travel.

Professional Growth

• Impact: Directly drive the company’s strategic initiative to achieve a reduction in construction costs, fundamentally reshaping our competitive landscape.

• Legacy: Build a vertically integrated construction division from the ground up, creating a lasting and powerful asset for Desai Companies.

• Innovation: Pioneer the use of AI and technology in our construction processes, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

• Growth: This role offers a clear path to a divisional leadership position as the team expands.

• Compensation: In addition to a competitive base salary, this position includes a lucrative, project-based bonus plan tied directly to cost savings and on-time completion.

For leaders who excel in innovation, disciplined execution, and the creation of enduring value, this is an opportunity to build something meaningful and lasting.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person