Director of Projects - Construction

As the Director of Projects – Construction with Ryman Hospitality Properties, you will oversee construction projects from concept through completion, including a new Guestroom Tower of roughly 500 guestrooms and an Indoor Water Park, for the Company's expanding portfolio. You’ll be responsible for planning, oversight, execution, and management of related design, engineering, and construction processes and will lead a team of project managers and staff. As the ideal candidate, you bring proven construction management leadership with experience in complex, large‑scale new construction projects and the ability to deliver high‑quality results.

This position is based onsite at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a design and construction schedule for departmental coordination. Establish procurement, delivery, and installation schedules to ensure on‑time opening of each project.
• Coordinate cross‑functionally with corporate leadership and operational teams to ensure effective alignment throughout each project's design and construction phases. Lead and document project meetings involving all relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee project inspections to ensure compliance with quality control standards.
• Review and provide recommendations on proposed changes to design and construction documents that fall outside established approval authority and may impact project cost or schedule.
• Negotiate, document, and manage relationships with consultants and contractors.
• Review, monitor, and process all correspondence to/from contractors/vendors and coordinate the submission of periodic reports as required by contracts.
• Oversee project financial management, including approval of contractor/vendor invoices and ongoing review of cost forecasts to ensure alignment with budgets and project performance.
• Maintain progress reports, budgets, and files for reference and coordination to meet internal audit and record retention procedures.
• Produce final punch lists and work with necessary departments and contractors to close out the project.
• Oversee job closeout process to turn over as‑built drawings, warranties, owner's maintenance, operations manuals, and vendor/contractor lists to operations leaders; manage closeout of all contractor and vendor contracts and turn over utilities management to operations leaders.
• Coordinate with city, county, and state officials to secure all required permits and ensure regulatory compliance for building projects. Negotiate and coordinate with all relevant authorities to ensure successful project completion and compliance.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to oversee and direct real‑estate development, design, and construction activities, including conducting physical, financial, and legal due diligence to assess the viability of potential acquisition properties and renovations, expansions, or alterations to existing and acquired facilities.
• Oversee preparation of final billing and filing with jurisdictional agencies.
• Lead department staff, including project managers, interns and/or other staff. Develop direct reports by communicating performance expectations and delivering timely feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $180,000 – $200,000, based on factors such as skills, relevant experience, education, internal equity, and geographic location. This role is also eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and business unit/corporate performance and an annual stock equity grant through a long‑term incentive plan. Benefits include competitive medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy plans; insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with company match; paid time off including parental leave; and other employer‑sponsored benefits.

Posting will remain open until at least May 22, 2026.

Education

• Degree in Architecture, Construction Management, or related field required.
• Additional industry certifications and continued education preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years in large, complex hospitality construction projects and a superior understanding of the construction industry and practices.
• 7+ years in a project leadership role with responsibility for project budget, schedule, and supervision of design and construction project teams.
• Extensive experience representing the client owner on all aspects of large construction projects (negotiations, documentation, bidding, management of consultants, dispute resolution, cost tracking controls, and budget reporting systems), and leading a team of professionals.
• Demonstrated experience dealing with construction trade unions and union issues.
• Strong background in real estate and contract negotiation related to development, design, and construction projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present information and respond to questions at an executive level.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Licenses / Certifications

• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires a pre‑employment drug screening (4‑panel: phencyclidine, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates).

Physical Requirements

Speak and hear to communicate; use near and far vision. Stand and walk for extended periods, including on uneven surfaces and while carrying items. Occasional lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs. Continually use gross motor skills with frequent use of bi‑manual dexterity and fine motor skills for computer use.

Working Conditions

In‑office position in close proximity to others. Frequently required to attend construction site visits, in outdoor weather conditions, with elevated noise levels.