[Hiring] Associate Director - Project Management - Construction Administration @DLB Associates

Role Description

The Associate Director, Project Management, Construction Administration provides strategic leadership for the Project Management, Construction Administration (PM-CA) department within DLB's Design Department, overseeing the project management teams responsible for construction administration on mission critical and data center projects. This role is responsible for defining the Design Department's goals, direction, and standards for functioning in construction administration, driving operational excellence, and ensuring successful execution of business objectives.

Reporting to a Division Director, the Associate Director is accountable for departmental performance, staffing strategy, resource planning, client relationship management, and the quality and consistency of construction administration services delivered across all projects. This leader manages the Senior Project Managers and Project Managers who lead the design and construction administration phases of projects, including:

• Site visits
• Field reporting
• RFI responses
• Submittal and change order reviews
• Punchlists
• Implementation of contractor redlines and record drawings

The Associate Director serves as a senior organizational leader with broad decision-making authority, influencing how the Design Department engages in construction administration, standardizing CA processes and deliverables, and strengthening the connection between design and field execution. Success in this role requires balancing strategic planning with operational execution while fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture that supports DLB's organizational goals and client commitments.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in mechanical, electrical, architectural, structural, industrial or civil engineering or construction management, or 12 years of additional experience in related field in lieu of degree
• Minimum of 12 years of industry-related experience
• Minimum of 5 years of onsite/field or construction administration experience
• Minimum of 2 years experience in a leadership or management level position, with a demonstrated record of people leadership in previous roles

Requirements

• Knowledge of MEP / FA / FP trades and the general requirements for each
• Knowledge of construction administration procedures, project management best practices, and industry trends
• Knowledge of materials, methods, and tools involved in the construction of mission critical, commercial buildings or other structures
• Knowledge of the importance of the Method of Procedure (MOP) process and work notifications
• Operational leadership across multiple project teams or client programs
• Resource forecasting, staffing coordination, and workload management
• Budget management and operational planning
• Client relationship management and program oversight
• Performance management, coaching, mentoring, and leadership development
• Experience utilizing operational metrics and reporting to support decision making
• Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams) and construction management software such as Procore
• Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation
• Ability to analyze complex business challenges, develop strategic solutions, and execute organizational initiatives
• Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, employees, clients, and external stakeholders
• Ability to effectively plan, prioritize, and delegate work across multiple teams and leadership levels
• Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication, self-motivation, proactiveness, and strong organizational skills
• Ability to follow company and site safety requirements

Benefits

• 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