Director of Construction – Development & Construction
Equinox · New York City
Company Description
WHO WE ARE
- Equinox is a category of one, setting the global standard for luxury health, wellness, and hospitality. Our spaces are intentionally elevated, our standards uncompromising, and our expectations high. We attract people who take pride in excellence, care deeply about quality, and want to be part of something that feels different the moment you walk through the door.
- We are builders, operators, and innovators who believe great environments and meaningful human connection change lives. Diversity, belonging, and ownership aren’t slogans here, they’re how we work. At Equinox, colleagues don’t just support the business; they shape the future of wellness. Because for us, it’s not fitness. It’s life.
WHAT WE DO
- We create premium, immersive experiences where performance, hospitality, design, and human connection converge—and every detail matters. This is not a traditional fitness environment. It is a place where high standards, accountability, and pride in craft define the work.
- Fueled by an entrepreneurial mindset, we trust our people with real responsibility and real impact. Growth is earned through action, learning is hands‑on, and careers are built by those who want to operate at the highest level. At Equinox, we don’t just offer opportunities—we offer long‑term pathways for people who want to do meaningful work in an environment that expects more and delivers more.
Job Description
Equinox is seeking an experienced Director of Construction to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of new club developments.
In this executive leadership role, you will oversee a portfolio of complex construction projects from site acquisition through grand opening. Working closely with Real Estate, Design, Operations, Finance, Procurement, Facilities, and executive leadership teams, you will help guide project strategy, manage budgets and schedules, and ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
The Director of Construction is responsible for building strong partnerships across internal and external stakeholders while maintaining the quality standards associated with the Equinox brand. The ideal candidate has significant commercial construction leadership experience, strong financial and project management skills, and a proven ability to deliver high-quality hospitality, fitness, retail, restaurant, or other design-focused commercial projects.
What You’ll Do Daily
- Drive Construction Strategy: Oversee all phases of construction for nationwide club developments, while constantly refining our delivery methods and processes.
- Own the Portfolio & Financials: Direct multi-site schedules and multi-million-dollar capital budgets. Proactively manage project risks and identify smart value-engineering opportunities that protect design integrity.
- Negotiate & Manage Contracts: Lead the selection, contract negotiations, and performance management of general contractors, architects, engineers, and owner’s representatives.
- Lead & Mentor the Team: Build and develop a high-performing team of Project Managers and APMs, fostering a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture that prioritizes accountability.
- Align Cross-Functional Teams: Serve as a key internal partner to Real Estate, Design, Club Operations, and Facilities to guarantee seamless handoffs and operational alignment.
- Navigate Regulatory Frameworks: Ensure full compliance with building codes, ADA regulations, permitting, and environmental standards across diverse municipal jurisdictions.
Qualifications
What We’re Looking For
Must-Haves:
- 12+ years of commercial construction experience, with at least 5 years leading multi-site programs.
- High-value portfolio history: Proven success managing complex, high-end commercial, hospitality, or retail builds exceeding $10M+ in scope.
- Expert technical foundation: Mastery of commercial construction methods, building codes, contract negotiations, and complex MEP/life-safety systems.
- Travel flexibility: Ability to travel extensively throughout the U.S. and internationally to oversee active developments.
- A bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
Preferred Experience:
- Deep experience working with luxury lifestyle, hospitality, health club, or premium retail brands.
- Professional credentials such as a PMP, CCM, LEED AP, PE, or Registered Architect license.
- An advanced degree (Master’s) in related discipline.
- Proficiency in Procore, Bluebeam, MS Project, AutoCAD, and Revit.
Why Equinox?
At Equinox, our physical environment is the cornerstone of our experience. As Director of Construction, you won't just manage square footage, you will shape the iconic spaces where our members train, connect, and thrive, driving the physical evolution of our premium lifestyle brand.
Pay Transparency: $170k - $190k
Additional Information
AS A MEMBER OF THE EQUINOX TEAM YOU WILL RECEIVE:
- We offer competitive salary, benefits, and industry leading commission opportunities for club employees
- Complimentary Club membership
- Perks and incentives with our products and services including Personal Training, Pilates, Spa and Shop
NOTE: This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the position. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Other duties not listed here may be assigned as necessary to ensure the proper operations of the department.
Equinox is an equal opportunity employer. For more information regarding our career opportunities, please visit one of our clubs or our website at https://careers.equinox.com/
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Must have a legal right to work in the United Kingdom.