Design Program Manager at DLB Associates | All Remote Jobs
DLB Associates
Design Program Manager
United States · remote · USD 148838-193370.8 annual
himalayasseo_indexablePosted 2026-08-30First seen 2026-09-09
Role overview
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 Manager is 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.
Essential Functions
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 analytics, data visualization tools, and digital construction management platforms - to strengthen readiness, quality assurance, and project controls.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure technology solutions align with DLB standards for data security, privacy, and operational integrity.
Promote a culture that embraces innovation, continuous improvement, and the strategic use of technology to optimize performance and scalability.
Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned
Position Requirements (Advanced level for all the following)
Knowledge of industry trends, project management and construction procedures and best practices
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, production methods and coordination of people and resources
Knowledge of materials, methods and the tools involved in the construction mission critical, commercial buildings or other structures
Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management
Skilled at using construction management software such as Procore
Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail
Skilled at managing personnel and material resources
Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation.
Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others
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 at times serve as primary point of client contact
Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with onsite and remote team members
Ability to effectively plan and delegate the work of others
Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues
Physical Demands
The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is
Frequently required to remain in a stationary position
Frequently moving through office, facility and other environments
On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds
Travel Requirements
Approximately 10%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states
Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meeting for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc.
Education / Experience
B.A. / B.S. degree in engineering, construction or related discipline
OR
Two years of additional experience in related field in lieu of degree
PLUS
Minimum of thirteen years of experience in related field
Minimum of five years of experience managing mid to large scale construction, engineering, or manufacturing projects
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.