Associate Construction Director

Gotion is a global leader in next-generation lithium-ion battery technology, supporting the electrification of transportation and energy systems worldwide. Our Manteno, Illinois facility represents a strategic, large-scale manufacturing investment supporting EV battery cell and module production in North America.

The Associate Construction Director will play a critical leadership role in the execution of large-scale industrial and manufacturing construction projects at Gotion’s Manteno campus. This role partners closely with executive leadership, engineering, EPC firms, contractors, and government stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to Gotion’s safety and quality standards.

This position serves as a key operational leader responsible for overseeing day-to-day construction activities, contractor performance, schedule adherence, and risk mitigation across multiple concurrent projects within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

• Lead and manage construction activities for large-scale manufacturing, utility, infrastructure, and facility projects.
• Support the Construction Director in executing project strategies, schedules, and budgets for multi-phase developments.
• Oversee general contractors, subcontractors, EPC firms, and vendor partners to ensure performance, safety, and quality compliance.
• Ensure alignment between construction, engineering, manufacturing, and commissioning teams.

• Track construction schedules, milestones, budgets, and change orders; proactively identify and mitigate risks.
• Review and approve contractor pay applications, cost forecasts, and project reporting.
• Manage issue escalation, resolution strategies, and corrective action plans.
• Support contract negotiations, scope definition, and construction sequencing strategies.

• Enforce site safety programs and OSHA compliance; promote a strong safety-first culture.
• Ensure all construction activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain quality assurance standards throughout construction and commissioning phases.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews as required.

• Serve as a primary liaison between construction teams, internal stakeholders, utilities, and external agencies.
• Coordinate with permitting authorities, inspectors, and local officials.
• Communicate progress, risks, and status updates to executive leadership.
• Support workforce planning and contractor onboarding for ramp-up phases.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of progressive construction leadership experience, preferably in:
• Manufacturing
• Industrial facilities
• Energy, EV, battery, semiconductor, or large infrastructure projects
• Proven experience managing large-scale, multi-contractor construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction scheduling, budgeting, cost controls, and contract management.
• Familiarity with OSHA, building codes, and environmental compliance.
• Ability to work onsite in Manteno, IL.

• Experience supporting giga-factory, EV, or advanced manufacturing builds.
• Experience working with EPC firms and international stakeholders.
• PMP, CCM, PE, or similar professional certifications.
• Experience with fast-track or design-build project environments.

• Executive-level communication and stakeholder management
• Strong decision-making under tight schedules
• Hands-on leadership style with strategic oversight capability
• Ability to operate in high-growth, highly visible environments