Director, Program Management

Cushman & Wakefield•Santa Clara, CA

3d•$204,000 - $240,000•Onsite

About The Position

Lead the Future of Construction, Technology, and Portfolio Delivery. Are you a construction and project delivery leader who thrives at the intersection of capital projects, technology, process innovation, and client strategy? Do you enjoy building scalable programs, implementing new technologies, and driving meaningful change across complex project portfolios? We are seeking a Director, Program Management to lead a global portfolio of capital projects while shaping the future of how construction programs are managed, tracked, and delivered. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned construction professional with experience in tenant improvements, corporate real estate, design management, owner's representation, or general contracting who is passionate about leveraging technology to improve project outcomes. In this role, you will combine the hands-on expertise of a construction project leader with the strategic mindset of a program executive. You will oversee portfolio-level planning, capital budgeting, project governance, technology integrations, reporting, and process optimization while partnering with executive stakeholders around the globe. If you're energized by solving complex challenges, implementing innovative solutions, and influencing how large-scale construction programs operate, we'd like to hear from you.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related field required.
7+ years leading capital projects, construction programs, or portfolio delivery initiatives.
Experience managing complex construction budgets, schedules, and stakeholder groups.
2+ years of team leadership experience, including hiring, coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
Experience working in fast-paced client environments with multiple concurrent projects.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Strong experience with project management and reporting platforms such as Smartsheet, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Procore, ServiceNow, or similar systems.
Strong understanding of construction reporting, project controls, budgeting, scheduling, and portfolio analytics.

Nice To Haves

Experience with technology implementation, workflow design, systems integration, or digital transformation initiatives is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Drive Strategic Capital Program Delivery: Lead portfolio-wide capital planning, forecasting, and budget management for a global construction program. Develop and maintain portfolio-level CAPEX budgets, schedules, risk registers, and performance metrics. Partner with clients and stakeholders to align project delivery strategies with business objectives. Oversee project reporting, executive dashboards, and portfolio health metrics to support data-driven decision making.
Transform Construction Through Technology: Lead the implementation and adoption of industry-leading project management and reporting platforms. Serve as a champion for digital transformation initiatives, integrating technology with project delivery processes. Drive improvements in construction reporting, budgeting, scheduling, and portfolio analytics through automation and system enhancements. Leverage platforms such as Autodesk, Smartsheet, ServiceNow, and other construction technology tools to create scalable solutions. Identify process gaps and implement best-in-class workflows that improve visibility, efficiency, and project predictability.
Influence Client Strategy and Program Governance: Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing recommendations on portfolio governance, reporting standards, and construction best practices. Develop consistent global reporting structures, dashboard frameworks, and KPI standards across multiple service providers. Present program updates, strategic recommendations, and performance insights to executive-level stakeholders. Support business development efforts, including client presentations, pursuits, and solution development.
Lead High-Performing Teams: Manage and mentor a team of Program Managers, Project Managers, Coordinators, and support staff. Provide strategic leadership across regional and global construction teams. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Support talent development, succession planning, and team growth initiatives. Provide indirect oversight and governance of local market project and construction managers globally.
Ensure Operational Excellence: Oversee consultant and contractor procurement, contracting, and performance management. Ensure program compliance with contractual obligations, company standards, and regulatory requirements. Maintain data integrity across all project systems and reporting platforms. Standardize project controls, reporting methodologies, and operating procedures across the portfolio.