Associate Director - Project Management - Construction Administration

DLB Associates

3d • Remote

About The Position

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, and 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.

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
• 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

Responsibilities

• Define and communicate the Design Department's goals, direction, and standards for functioning in construction administration.
• Establish and execute PM-CA departmental priorities and strategic initiatives in alignment with divisional objectives.
• Oversee delivery of construction administration services across all assigned projects and client programs, ensuring consistency, quality, and client satisfaction.
• Monitor departmental performance metrics and provide reporting, recommendations, and operational insights to the Division Director.
• Monitor operational risks across the construction administration portfolio and proactively recommend solutions.
• Partner with department leadership to shape organizational strategy and structure as construction administration service offerings grow.
• Lead change management initiatives and cultivate a high-performance culture within the PM-CA team.
• Develop and implement policies, standards, workflows, and best practices for construction administration phase execution, including site visits, field reports, RFI responses, submittal and change order reviews, punchlists, and record drawings.
• Establish QA / QC expectations for construction administration deliverables and ensure alignment with project scope and DLB guidelines.
• Standardize coordination protocols between internal design trades, external team members, and contractors.
• Ensure construction administration processes integrate effectively with design phase workflows across the Design Department.
• Develop recommendations using operational metrics and reporting to improve departmental performance.
• Manage, coach, and mentor the Senior Project Managers and Project Managers responsible for construction administration execution.
• Lead resource forecasting, staffing coordination, and workload planning across projects and client programs.
• Support hiring, staffing strategies, succession planning, and organizational growth for the department.
• Conduct performance management and leadership development for direct reports.
• Assist in planning, budgeting, and operational coordination, maintaining accountability for departmental utilization and profitability.
• Serve as senior relationship owner for strategic and major clients receiving construction administration services.
• Serve as the escalation point for client concerns during the construction phase and ensure timely resolution.
• Support proposals, presentations, and business development for construction administration services within the data center and MEP consulting sectors.
• Anticipate client and market shifts, aligning construction administration service offerings and capabilities accordingly.
• Champion technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives within the department, including construction management platforms such as Procore.
• Drive the adoption of AI-enabled tools, data analytics, and workflow automation to improve forecasting, documentation, reporting, and quality processes.
• Ensure technology solutions align with DLB standards for data security, privacy, and operational integrity.
• Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager