Construction Program Manager, Architecture
About The Position
The Airport Design & Construction department is looking for a Construction Program Manager with a collaborative leadership focus on architectural and tenant improvement programs to help shape and deliver projects that support the evolving passenger experience at San Diego International Airport. This role is responsible for overseeing complex capital improvement and tenant improvement initiatives in active airport environments, guiding projects from early planning and scope development through construction and implementation. Serving as a strategic partner across the organization, this role works closely with project managers, contractors, consultants, tenants, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to ensure projects are aligned, operationally thoughtful, and successfully delivered. The ideal candidate understands that successful airport projects start with focusing on partnership, process, and the passenger experience. They are highly collaborative, operationally minded, and comfortable navigating complex environments where priorities, timelines, and stakeholders intersect daily. This role requires someone who can balance strategic thinking with practical execution, proactively remove roadblocks, foster strong working relationships, and support teams through evolving project demands. This is an exciting opportunity to help influence highly visible projects across the airport, including terminal and concession improvements that directly impact how travelers experience SAN. The role offers the chance to work on interconnected capital programs in one of the most dynamic and operationally complex environments in the region, where no two projects and their challenges ever look exactly the same.
Requirements
- Ten years of progressively responsible experience involving design, construction, construction project management, or a closely related field, at least three years of which were in a management role overseeing staff specializing in design and construction, construction project management, and/or airport management; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in degree in architecture, civil engineering, construction management, or a closely related field.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field.
- Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer (PE) in any state within the United States.
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification through the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA).
- Design-Build Professional (DBIA) certification through the Design-Build Institute of America.
Responsibilities
- Develops and implements long and short-term strategies, operational objectives, and financial approaches for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects aligned with organizational goals.
- Manages and integrates complex design projects from planning through implementation while ensuring compliance with standards and operational requirements.
- Identifies and mitigates project risks, dependencies, and logistical challenges to support project delivery within budget, schedule, and organizational priorities.
- Leads cross-functional teams and fosters collaboration among stakeholders, consultants, contractors, tenants, and leadership to resolve issues and support successful program delivery.
- Provides leadership, coaching, and performance management to develop high-performing teams and cultivate a collaborative and positive work environment.
- Oversees technology-based solutions, project reporting, metrics, and documentation while supporting safe work practices, sustainability initiatives, and continuous process improvement.
Benefits
- 14 paid holidays
- 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO)
- Parental and child care benefits
- Salary continuance for family & parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan
- Annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account
- Multiple on-site gyms
- Outdoor workspaces
- Fitness discounts
- Volunteer-time rewards
- Financial wellness advisors
- Scenic walking trails
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
