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.

Join us and be part of a team where your voice matters, your work makes an impact, and your growth is a shared priority.

Position Title: Program Manager

Position Location :
Remote - work virtually from anywhere in the United States

Job Summary

The Program Manageris 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.

On a per project basis, the role may include managing the design and construction administration phases of projects either directly, or through direction provided to Project Managers. These duties may include performing site visits, leading, and representing DLB in client meetings, coordinating with internal and external members, and general project overhead tasks.

The Program Manager will be self-directed on day-to-day work and independently performs most responsibilities. Will lead project teams of complex scope and broader programs. Will coordinate activities of other personnel. Assists in the development of policies and procedures.

The Program Manager will communicate and operate in line with organizational and client goals and values, as well as departmental objectives.

Manage all Elements of Routine and Complex Projects (40%)

• 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.

Monitor and Control Project Financials (15%)

• 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

Manage Stakeholder Relations (25%)

• 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

Development and Continuous Improvement (20%)

• 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

Technology, Digital Tools & AI-Enabled Efficiency

• 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…