Program Manager - Small Business Mentor Programs

What You Will Do:

GFT is seeking an experienced Program Manager specializing in small business MENTOR programs to join our Construction Services team in New York, NY. This is a full-time, onsite opportunity to work on school projects, ensuring accurate cost evaluations, quality, and efficiency throughout the estimating process.

At GFT, we are meticulously building the future. Our construction and program management services reflect our commitment to excellence, safety, innovation, and sustainability. We oversee every construction phase to ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards.

As a Program Manager specializing in small business MENTOR programs, you will oversee the execution of high-impact initiatives by the City and State of NY to identify, train, and facilitate entry of small businesses in the AEC sector into the NY market. Leveraging your expertise in program and construction management, you will lead a range of projects utilizing mentee firms. Your role will be essential in ensuring that projects delivered by the mentee firms meet strict quality and safety standards and are delivered on time and within budget to advance NY State and NY City’s mentoring initiatives.

• Develop and lead the execution of an instruction program for small contractors.
• Lead a diverse portfolio of projects, ensuring quality and adherence to construction standards and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure the quality and high standards of performance and compliance in both design and construction by all mentee vendors.
• Make decisions and take action in a timely manner to expedite the completion of the construction process.
• Track mistakes and errors in construction as early in the process as possible.
• Make decisions on phasing and scheduling of projects; prepare and ensure preparation of construction schedules.
• Monitor schedules and take appropriate actions to ensure the project is completed on schedule and within approved cost limitations.
• Provide ongoing interface with mentee contractors, local personnel, and the client on project issues.
• Participate in the development and issuance of project procedures and policies; review and make recommendations on procedures and policies.
• Resolve issues and problems raised in field reports from inspectors and construction management staff.
• Work with architect/engineer of record regarding change orders, interpretation of contract documents, shop drawing submittals/approvals and other technical matters to ensure a structurally sound, code compliant, and aesthetic facility.
• Issue field memoranda or directives to mentee contractors to enforce contract compliance.
• Use independent judgment to make on‑site decisions and negotiate with mentee contractors.
• Review mentee contractors’ claims or disputed work and advise senior management on appropriate action.
• Compile contract and project documentation necessary for adjudicating or denying such claims.
• Visit various job sites as required to perform the above duties.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, architecture, or construction‑related field.
• 15+ years of experience in construction management in New York City with a focus on MENTOR programs.
• Clear and concise oral and written communication skills.
• Understanding of contract documents such as specifications and drawings.
• Ability to address issues as they arise and solve problems.
• Organized and able to manage logistics of multiple projects concurrently.
• Experience in new, rehab, and modernization construction projects.

The salary range for this role is $160,000 - $220,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, and medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support for active participation…