Design Program Manager

DLB Associates is hiring a Program Manager to lead a portfolio of mission-critical projects and department initiatives. The role oversees project design and construction administration, financial performance, stakeholder relationships, team development, and the strategic use of technology to improve project delivery.

Responsibilities:

• Drive project design from inception (site acquisition) through design and construction with a high-level focus on Client Standards and overall application across multiple projects
• Develop owner project requirements (OPR) and initial space planning efforts / schematic design
• Schedule and sometimes represent DLB at site visits including existing condition surveys and punchlists
• Coordinate between internal design trades and external team members
• Manage directly or oversee DLB Project Managers to manage the construction administration phase of projects including RFI responses, submittal reviews, and change order reviews
• Coordinate and support resource forecasting across the design program
• Develop, manage and monitor project schedules
• Participate in, schedule, and / or lead project meetings with internal and external teams
• Coordinate / perform QA / QC plans and specifications to ensure completion in accordance with the project scope and appropriate guidelines and manuals
• Oversee / coordinate internal team member activities
• Oversee cost and time schedules for proposed work with the aid of team leaders. Assign and schedule duties to project team members
• Prepare, forecast and monitor project budgets, profitability, margins, bill rates and utilization and maintain overall accountability for the profitability of the project
• Communicate with the client when additional fees / change orders are required
• Identify potential project risks and develop / implement strategies to minimize impact and control deviations from estimated costs and project deadlines
• Accountable for development of cost schedules / schedules of value for client progress billing
• Lead preparation of proposals, presentations and the overall marketing efforts of the firm
• Lead the promotion of the firm, service and expertise to existing or potential clients
• Maintain client relationship to ensure an ongoing positive relationship and work with clients to identify and develop new projects
• Primary contact for clients and build effective, long-term client relationships
• Ensure client satisfaction through active communication
• Create / complete program reports
• Mentor associates and assist with training and development to create a learning and growing environment
• May assist or lead in the strategic planning for the group
• May assist with hiring process
• May assist or lead other department initiatives including development and standardization of tools relating to client management, business development, project / program profitability, workload / resource planning, etc
• May have direct reports / people manager responsibilities
• Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget
• Identify opportunities and lead the strategic use of technology, digital platforms, and AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency through workflow automation, reduced manual effort, and improved accuracy in forecasting, documentation, reporting, and quality processes
• Support adoption of emerging technologies - including advanced analytics, data visualization tools, and digital construction management platforms - to strengthen readiness, quality assurance, and project controls
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure technology solutions align with DLB standards for data security, privacy, and operational integrity
• Promote a culture that embraces innovation, continuous improvement, and the strategic use of technology to optimize performance and scalability
• Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned

Requirements:

• Knowledge of industry trends, project management and construction procedures and best practices
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, production methods and coordination of people and resources
• Knowledge of materials, methods and the tools involved in the construction mission critical, commercial buildings or other structures
• Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management
• Skilled at using construction management software such as Procore
• Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail
• Skilled at managing personnel and material resources
• Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation
• Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others
• Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form (technical and non-technical information)
• Ability to communicate effectively directly with clients and at times serve as primary point of client contact
• Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with onsite and remote team members
• Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues
• B.A. / B.S. degree in engineering, construction or related discipline
• Two years of additional experience in related field in lieu of degree
• Minimum of thirteen years of experience in related field
• Minimum of five years of experience managing mid to large scale construction, engineering, or manufacturing projects