Construction Program Manager

Job Summary

Construction Program Managers oversee the strategic planning, management, and execution of industrial construction projects of food and beverage production facilities, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards while fostering strong client and stakeholder relationships. They supervise onsite construction managers and provide mentorship and guidance throughout the project lifecycle.

• Manage and foster relationships with clients by actively listening, addressing feedback, and ensuring transparent communication.
• Review project schedule, work progress, and budget with the client.
• Communicate project progress, issues, and updates proactively.
• Set and manage project timelines, deliverables, and expectations with the client.
• Adapt to changing client needs while maintaining a professional approach.
• Build trust and rapport by delivering expectations and driving value for clients.
• Develop professional relationships where clients rely on the Construction Program Manager’s guidance and experience.

• Oversee site‑based construction managers, field administrators, and office‑based technical staff from conception to completion, providing direction on safety, mentoring, performance evaluation, and guidance.
• Provide field input to the office project manager regarding accounting, budgeting, and cost management.
• Assist in developing and updating project scope, budget, and schedule.
• Develop relationships with inspectors to ensure adherence to permit requirements.
• Handle change order and general construction administration.
• Manage third‑party testing, inspection, and relationships.
• Conduct jobsite walkthroughs and audits to ensure progress and efficiency.
• Support and coordinate facility start‑up.
• Develop construction reports for client executives.
• Collaborate with project controllers and office project managers on supplier invoices and client billing.
• Promote continuous, productive communication among project participants and partners.

• Bachelor’s degree in construction science, building science, construction engineering, or a related field (strongly preferred).
• 15+ years of progressively responsible job‑site experience on industrial building projects (preferably in the Food & Beverage industry).
• 15+ years of experience working with subcontractors, including motivation and issue resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to drive project schedules.
• 15+ years of building or sustaining client relationships.
• Strong technical, organizational, managerial, and communication skills across multiple disciplines, drawings, and 3D models.
• 7+ years of design‑build experience (preferred).
• Professional communication in all forms.
• Fundamental understanding of all construction phases and ability to interpret construction documents and schedules, especially MS Project.
• Willingness to travel up to 100% for projects throughout the USA and possibly Canada.
• Work schedule:
  
  10 days onsite, 4 days off.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, as well as standing and walking around uneven project sites.
• Ability to traverse and inspect all areas of the jobsite in all weather conditions; may involve walking, climbing, reaching, bending, crawling, or stretching.
• Exposure to characteristic construction site dangers.
• On‑call availability to address delays, emergencies, bad weather, and other site issues.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

Projects are located throughout the United States and Canada. This site‑based position requires up to 100% overnight travel on a 10‑day on / 4‑day off schedule. Projects typically last 12+ months. Per‑diem meals and lodging are provided along with reasonable travel provisions.

We plan, design, engineer, and build food plants for major brands across the country and the world. For three decades, we have focused exclusively on the food and beverage industry, helping your favorite brands put their products on grocery store shelves. Simply put, food isn’t one thing we do; it’s everything we do.

Dennis Group offers competitive compensation packages commensurate with experience and comprehensive employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off with an open vacation policy, as well as bonus, profit‑sharing, and retirement plans.

Dennis Group is proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.