Program Manager of Projects

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 of Projects Position Location: Remote - work from anywhere in the United States. Must be located near a major airport. Travel Requirements: Up to 50% domestic travel. Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to rent vehicles. JOB SUMMARY The Program Manager of Projects (PgM-Projects) is responsible for execution quality, financial performance, and Project Manager development across multiple concurrent commissioning projects. This role is the primary driver of project delivery within the Field Services Group, converting program-level direction into consistent, predictable outcomes at the site level while providing the financial monitoring and demand-side labor forecasting that informs portfolio-level decisions. The Program Manager of Projects partners directly with the PgM-People and PgM-Technical verticals and reports to the Associate Director, ensuring the AD receives accurate delivery and financial reporting without being drawn into project-level execution. The Program Manager of Projects will convert tactical planning to tactical deployment / coordination to meet strategic objectives. The Program Manager of Projects will be self-directed on day-to-day work and receive high level instruction on new projects or assignments. Will execute commissioning and lead project teams and projects of complex scope. Will coordinate activities of other personnel. This person will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Project Execution & PM Leadership (40%) Oversee execution performance across all active commissioning projects and sites, ensuring scope is delivered consistently, on time, and to DLB quality standards. Directly manage, mentor, and develop Project Managers; elevate capability in planning discipline, risk identification, client communication, and financial management. Conduct weekly project execution reviews with each PM, covering schedule status, manpower forecast, risks, action items, and deliverables. Serve as the first escalation point for project-level execution issues; resolve at the PgM level before escalating to the AD. Validate PM project plans, schedules, and sequencing; identify and correct execution drift early. Maintain accountability for PM performance standards and prepare PMs for increasing project complexity over time. Financial Monitoring & Reporting (25%) Own weekly and monthly financial monitoring across the project portfolio. Conduct monthly detailed financial reviews with each PM covering labor, expenses, invoicing status, and projected billing. Report to the AD on any projects not meeting profitability targets, including root cause assessment and defined corrective action plans. Identify early indicators of budget risk, burn rate anomalies, or emerging change-order drivers and escalate with recommended mitigation. Ensure PMs maintain accurate, current financial records and that backlog, SOV, and VantagePoint data are updated as part of the monthly invoicing cycle. Demand-Side Labor Forecasting & AD Coordination (15%) Consolidate project manpower forecasts into a program-level demand signal. Coordinate monthly with PgM-People to compare the demand signal against the workforce supply signal; identify resourcing gaps or capacity surpluses. Present combined demand/supply analysis to the AD to support hiring, business development, and resource reallocation decisions. Provide the AD with a high-level weekly portfolio summary covering budget, schedule, manpower, and client relationship health across active projects. Client & Stakeholder Management (10%) Maintain active working relationships with client program representatives across assigned projects; support alignment, issue resolution, and client satisfaction. Mentor and assist Project Managers in managing key client interactions, escalations, and high-stakes communications. Conduct regular site visits to assess project health firsthand, reinforce client relationships, and provide PM coaching in the field. Identify and surface follow-on work opportunities during client and site engagement. Business Development Support (10%) Support the RFP and proposal development process by providing execution scope review, manpower planning input, and project risk assessment. Communicate resource and operational impacts associated with anticipated awards to the AD in advance of contract execution. Contribute to routine reporting by preparing the execution and financial performance sections for AD review and compilation. Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ADVANCED LEVEL FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING) Knowledge financial acumen - comfortable with project P&L, labor forecasting, and variance analysis. Skilled in Smartsheet, VantagePoint, and MS Office Suite. Strong risk identification, escalation discipline, and mitigation planning capability. Ability to operate effectively in a high growth, distributed, remote environment. Ability to leverage AI-enabled and digital tools to improve workforce visibility and reporting. Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and controls system principles Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication and organizational skills, self-motivation, proactiveness and resourcefulness in a distraction free workspace 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 serve as primary point of client contact Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with moderate supervision Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others Ability to achieve certification for NFPA70E and / or OSHA training as / if required Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously PHYSICAL DEMANDS The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is Frequently manipulating, moving or grasping small parts, devices or tools. Frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Frequently moving through various environments, including critical facilities, low / high temperatures, and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind. Frequently required to ascend/ descend stairs and ladders and move through tight or confined spaces to access equipment. On occasion the employee may be required to position self under or over equipment. On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to rent vehicles. Up to 50%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states. Must be located near a major airport. Effective May 7, 2025, and in accordance with U.S. federal regulations for domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for travel associated with this position. Travel may involve transportation by car or plane depending on the destination and nature of the business need. Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc. Potential for international assignments. Potential relocation opportunities may exist per project needs. EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field - or equivalent experience. 8+ years of commissioning or mission-critical construction experience. 5+ years in a people leadership or resource management role. Demonstrated ability to manage, develop, and retain technical field teams at scale. BENEFITS DLB Associates offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option) Flex spending accounts (FSA) Dental and vision plans Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance Paid parental leave after one year of employment CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is DLB's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location. DLB Associates is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce. Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award-winning team!​ ​NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES: DLB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to DLB in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where DLB has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of DLB and DLB will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.