Design-Build Manager

Salas O'Brien•Cincinnati, OH

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Design-Build Manager (DBM) leads design, delivery, installation, and integration of engineered solutions for industrial and manufacturing clients. This candidate leads project teams of engineering, automation, commissioning, and project support resources to deliver safe, efficient, high-quality, and profitable projects in a timely fashion. They have experience managing project teams, project cost, scope, and schedule. They will have the ability to manage multiple projects totaling and estimated $15MM to $20MM in construction and turnkey solutions annually. Additionally, a DBM wins new work, strengthens client relationships, reinforces company values, and delivers sustainable growth and profitability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience, preferably in engineering, construction, or related technical services
Proven track record of managing teams
Experience in at least two of the following markets: Agricultural, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage, Chemical, Consumer Products, or heavy industrial
Excellent understanding of industrial engineering and construction services
Strong acumen and understanding of project execution driving safety, schedule, quality, and profitability metrics
Proven track record of successfully managing clients and conflict management
Develop marketing collateral to drive brand awareness and cross-selling opportunities engage clients
Proficient in using project collaboration software platforms such as MS Teams, Zoom, Sharepoint, and others.
Proficient in Project Management applications such as AutoDesk Construction Cloud, Procore, BIM, Sharepoint, or similar applications.
Proficient in with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and MS Project.
OSHA 30 for general industry and for construction. Training can be provided through Salas O’Brien.
Team leadership and development
Relationship building and management
Cross-functional collaboration
Results-oriented mindset
Adaptability and resilience
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Customer Focus – Demonstrates an understanding of client needs in industrial environments and delivers technical solutions that emphasize safety, reliability, compliance, and long-term value.
Passion for Growth – Continuously develops technical, industry, and consulting skills to support personal effectiveness and firm growth.
Leadership Impact – Influences project outcomes through sound engineering/technical judgment, professionalism, and accountability.
Communication – Clearly communicates technical information, project status, issues, recommendations, etc. to clients and internal stakeholders.
Ownership – Takes responsibility for quality, schedule, and deliverables within assigned work scope.
Act With Urgency – Demonstrates a proactive sense of urgency in addressing client needs, project issues, and commitments while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Teamwork – Works collaboratively across disciplines to deliver integrated and collaborative technical solutions.
Technical Excellence – Applies solid engineering /technical fundamentals, codes, standards, and best practices to projects.
Functional Excellence – Executes work processes efficiently using tools, systems, and methodologies.

Responsibilities

Lead responses to client requests-for-proposal (RFP), serving as liaison between the client and project team and coordinating proposal development between engineering, automation, and project support resources.
Lead a team of engineers, architects, designers, and automation professionals to design industrial solutions that meet our client’s objectives. The DBM is the first point of contact for addressing project-related questions, interpreting contract documents, clarifying and resolving project design issues, changes in scope of work, quality concerns or project delays.
Maintain a wholistic focus across the project team as projects transition from design phase to procurement and pre-construction planning. Direct the project team through material procurement and securing of construction subcontracts. Lead the coordination of material delivery and mobilization planning for construction. Lead the project permitting effort throughout the design and pre-construction phases to support the project execution schedule.
Lead all facets of on-site construction of Salas O’Brien’s turnkey solution including HSE (health, safety, environmental) management and quality management to meet project schedule and cost objectives. Lead a team of Salas O’Brien team members and subcontractors to execute construction in both new construction and operating plant environments. Coordinate with client site personnel to manage project impact to existing operations. Lead communication between client, engineering, subcontractors, and suppliers including RFI and Submittal management. Responsible for project cost, schedule, and progress reporting and communication. Run and direct daily and weekly construction meetings, document control, and record keeping. Coordinate project handoff for commissioning and startup as well as project turnover and closeout.
Work independently but be quick to ask questions and draw upon the best internal, customer, and industry resources to meet customer requirements accurately and efficiently.
Build and maintain healthy, long term, professional relationships with coworkers, customers, suppliers, and industry partners.
Maintain excellent composure, especially under pressure.
Comfortable communicating with client, engineering, and project management resources.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive project documentation, project plans, safety reports, including design specifications, test plans, and progress reports.
Communicate effectively in person and in writing to keep customers, contractors, and Salas O’Brien project team well informed of pertinent information in a timely manner.
Assume responsibility for filling in gaps in customer communication.
Foster an environment where new ideas are discussed and developed collaboratively.
Help others overcome resistance to change.
Be dedicated to creating solutions to customers' problems.
Demonstrate leadership behaviors that reinforce the company’s core values, and clearly communicate the team’s vision.
Communicate and enforce expectations to their project team members for leadership behaviors and professionalism that reinforce the company’s core values and the team’s vision.
Provide day-to-day project management for the team, including securing work, planning, and accountability.
Participate in employee peer reviews and support leaderships evaluation of employee performance.
Promote a collaborative culture that supports innovation, engagement, and knowledge sharing.
Support the Director of Construction regarding candidate screening, interviews, and provide hiring recommendations to the Director.
Manage and nurture existing client relationships to identify expansion opportunities.
Aligning with the client on project success criteria and focusing the project delivery to meet and/or exceed client expectations.
Ensure client satisfaction and retention through strong project execution.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers across target clients and markets.
Collaborate closely with Directors and other Project Managers to shape pursuit strategies, and review client proposals.
Collaborate closely with divisional leadership team to align activities with overall company strategy and ensure growth targets and profit goals are met.
Coordinate with multiple project delivery teams to ensure a seamless transition from sales through execution and strong project performance across the Cincinnati division, the broader Business Unit, and other divisions.
Support other Project Managers and Discipline Leads to maintain effective checks and balances when estimating deliverable progress and determining earned revenue.