Design Program Manager

DLB Associates is a premier engineering and consulting firm specializing in innovative, mission-critical solutions across hyperscale data centers, advanced infrastructure, and high-performance building systems. With over four decades of expertise, we partner with some of the world’s most influential companies to design and optimize environments that demand precision, scalability, and resilience.

The Program Manager is a strategic position accountable for leading all aspects of a collection of projects (i.e. Program). This person will work as part of the project team and interact closely with the owner, designers, contractors, subcontractors and other trades on mission critical projects and other department initiatives as required.

• 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

• 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 follow company and site safety requirements
• 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 effectively plan and delegate the work of others
• Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues

• B.A. / B.S. degree in engineering, construction or related discipline

The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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