Director of Construction (Hybrid, Seattle)

The ideal Director of Construction will lead construction execution and delivery for new Rack stores, remodels, and selected projects across the off-price fleet. This leader is a proven change agent with deep, hands-on construction experience, ideally in big box retail, who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and demonstrates excellence in managing multiple concurrent rollouts with agility, cost discipline, and precision. 

This role demands a dynamic people leader who builds strong relationships, navigates difficult conversations with confidence, and balances strategic decision-making with hands-on execution to drive business and team outcomes, all of which are a regular part of day-to-day construction management. The Director will drive speed to market and cost efficiencies across the Rack portfolio, bringing a rollout mindset and a relentless focus on execution and accountability. 

This role requires a strong ability to lead and navigate cross-functional partnerships, including internal teams, general contractors, third-party vendors, and trade partners. The Director will be responsible for managing down the pyramid, ensuring alignment and execution across all levels of the organization. Travel is expected to support project oversight and stakeholder engagement, including regular site visits. 

This position reports to the Vice President of Real Estate and Store Development for Nordstrom. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Partner effectively with key executive leaders, internal and external stakeholders, and end users to understand needs, anticipate future business changes, and proactively build strategies that influence and lead cross-functional teams and third-party partners in delivering high-impact results aligned with business goals. 

• Lead construction rollout delivery across the Nordstrom Rack fleet, managing multiple concurrent job sites with a consistent, scalable, and cost-conscious approach. 

• Identify and establish goals and develop strategies for the project management team while overseeing the creation, implementation, and ongoing management of department processes to support Rack construction objectives and meet the needs of the off-price business. 

• Develop and evolve standardized project management tools, encompassing goals, scope, timelines, and task documentation, to ensure milestone progress while driving speed to market, cost optimization, and budget adherence across all projects. 

• Build and lead project teams, including general contractors, subcontractors, and vendors, providing clear roles and responsibilities through all phases of the construction lifecycle, from permitting and site prep through final walkthrough. 

• Manage and communicate information about project status and changes in strategy, initiatives, standards, priorities, and resource allocation. 

• Partner with Rack, Store Design, and Finance teams to develop, document, and refine construction estimates while managing and reporting on budgets to drive efficiencies.  

• Establish Rack construction standards and best practices through contractor, vendor, and supplier relationships to consistently meet quality, time, and cost expectations.  

• Conduct regular site visits and construction reviews throughout the project lifecycle to ensure work meets Nordstrom standards, code requirements, and schedule commitments. 

Qualifications: 

• Deep, demonstrated construction experience with a track record of delivering large-scale retail or big box construction projects. Experience at a direct competitor or comparable retailer strongly preferred. 

• Proven rollout expertise, with experience managing high-volume, multi-location construction programs on time and on budget. 

• Substantial hands-on construction delivery experience is required. This is not a design-focused role, though the position holds responsibility for Rack Store Design.  

• Working knowledge of construction means and methods, general contractor management, permitting, and site logistics. 

• Change agent with the ability to build new processes, challenge the status quo, and drive organizational improvement. 

• Strong financial acumen; cost-conscious decision-making is core to this role. 

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, able to influence at all levels and navigate complex stakeholder environments. 

• Demonstrated ability to make difficult decisions and lead challenging conversations with contractors, vendors, and internal partners. 

• Ability to travel as required to support project oversight and on-site presence across the Rack fleet.