Program Director, Commissioning
About The Position
The Program Director for Commissioning leads the strategic planning, execution, and oversight of commissioning and construction programs for building systems. The role ensures projects meet organizational objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices while supporting owners, engineers, and cross-functional teams throughout the project lifecycle. The Program Director drives continuous improvement, champions safety, and promotes operational excellence across commissioning and construction activities. The position oversees multiple teams and concurrent projects, developing program management plans and commissioning strategies, coordinating resources and scope, optimizing schedules, and ensuring the safe execution, testing, turnover, documentation, and closeout of building systems. It also provides project reporting, risk oversight, and support, mentoring, and training for project personnel. The role directly supervises three or more employees and has broader oversight of cross-functional project teams.
Requirements
- At least 10 years of progressive experience in commissioning, construction management, or building systems.
- At least 5 years in a senior leadership or program management role overseeing large-scale, complex projects.
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, construction management, or a related field.
- Deep understanding of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, commissioning methodologies, and construction processes.
- Proficiency with project management and scheduling software such as Microsoft Project or Primavera, and with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and deliver results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences and build stakeholder relationships.
- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills and a record of resolving complex project challenges.
- In-depth knowledge of safety regulations, quality assurance, and industry standards related to commissioning and construction services.
- Ability to develop and execute long-term program strategies.
- Expertise in managing budgets, schedules, and resources for multiple concurrent projects.
- Ability to build consensus, manage client expectations, and facilitate cross-functional collaboration.
- Experience driving organizational change and process improvement initiatives.
- Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.
- Commitment to implementing best practices and fostering learning and innovation.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and motor vehicle record review. For positions requiring driving, the MVR must meet company and insurance carrier standards.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree, such as a Master’s degree or MBA.
- PMP certification.
- Professional certifications such as PMP, PE, or CxA.
Responsibilities
- Lead multiple commissioning and construction teams to complete, functionally test, and turn over complex building systems.
- Develop and implement program management plans and commissioning strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Coordinate resources to define, manage, and optimize commissioning and construction scopes across multiple projects.
- Ensure commissioning procedures and construction processes are developed, approved, and finalized with sufficient detail for safe, thorough execution.
- Oversee design reviews and schedule optimization to minimize commissioning and construction timelines.
- Establish system turnover priorities and manage safe commissioning in parallel with ongoing construction activities.
- Define and maintain prioritized system and sub-system lists.
- Validate systems against performance specifications and regulatory and safety standards.
- Ensure execution plans provide for necessary materials, equipment, specialist engineering, and vendor support.
- Monitor and coordinate contractors, vendors, internal stakeholders, and other cross-functional teams.
- Resolve commissioning and construction punch list items in a timely and accurate manner.
- Establish and manage two-week look-ahead work plans and daily management routines to monitor schedule progress.
- Oversee preparation and timely handover of final reports, documentation, and closeout materials.
- Support, mentor, and train project personnel to ensure competency and continued professional development.
- Provide accurate and timely reporting on project status, risks, and issues affecting program delivery.
- Take immediate action to rectify or halt unsafe work or operations and intervene when health and safety responsibilities are not being met.
- Promote safety, accountability, and excellence in commissioning and construction practices.
- Supervise three or more employees, including interviewing, hiring, training, planning and assigning work, directing work, and appraising employees.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
