Senior Construction Manager I

DLB Associates•Buffalo, NY

About The Position

The Senior Construction Manager I (Senior CMI) is a seasoned leader responsible for overseeing large-scale or multi-site mission-critical projects from design through turnover and closeout. This position combines advanced Owner’s Representative, Construction Management, and program leadership responsibilities to ensure scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety objectives are achieved across all project phases. As a senior professional, the Senior CMI converts client and organizational goals into executable construction strategies, leads teams across diverse technical disciplines, and serves as a trusted advisor to clients and executive stakeholders. This role operates with a high degree of autonomy - providing mentorship to project teams, resolving complex field challenges, and driving alignment with DLB’s construction excellence standards and enterprise objectives. The Senior CMI will be self-directed on day-to-day work and receive high level instruction on new projects, tasks or assignments. Will execute and lead teams and projects, tasks or assignments of complex scope. May coordinate activities of other personnel.

Requirements

Strong working knowledge of commissioning processes for electrical, mechanical, and controls systems in mission-critical environments.
Knowledge of industry trends, project management and construction procedures and best practices.
Knowledge of materials, methods and the 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.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies and procedures, including NFPA 70E, LOTO, and OSHA standards.
Skilled in clear, concise communication with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Skilled in stakeholder management and representing the owner with professionalism when interacting with contractors, designers, and clients.
Skilled in managing project schedules, enforcing commissioning standards, and coordinating activities across multiple stakeholders.
Skilled at using construction management software such as Procore.
Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management.
Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation
Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence.
Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with onsite and remote team members.
Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.
Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to rent vehicles.
75–100% travel across the U.S. unless assigned to an extended project (>6 months; typical assignments 9 months–4 years).
Ability to relocate within 1–3 months if required (when 100% travel isn’t supported).
Effective May 7, 2025, and in accordance with U.S. federal regulations for domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for travel associated with this position.
Ability to achieve NFPA 70E and/or OSHA training as required; strict adherence to HSE/LOTO policies.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related discipline
OR
Two years of hands‑on install/testing/validation/troubleshooting of mechanical, controls, and/or electrical infrastructure
PLUS
Minimum of eight years of additional related experience

Responsibilities

Translate strategic objectives into tactical construction plans and performance targets across multiple concurrent projects.
Lead cross-functional teams in design coordination, procurement, construction execution, and project turnover.
Mentor and coach mid-level and junior construction managers to strengthen organizational capabilities.
Serve as a subject matter expert in mission-critical construction, guiding decision-making and process improvement.
Anticipate and resolve complex technical and contractual issues, providing sound recommendations to senior leadership.
Represent the owner’s interests across all project phases, ensuring alignment with budget, schedule, and quality objectives.
Lead construction coordination meetings, design reviews, and field progress evaluations.
Manage and review contractor submittals, change orders, pay applications, and project documentation.
Monitor cost and schedule performance; identify and mitigate risks early through data-driven tracking and forecasting.
Coordinate with design, commissioning, and operations teams to maintain continuity from preconstruction through turnover.
Direct and oversee field execution to ensure compliance with contract documents, drawings, specifications, and codes.
Validate quality assurance and control processes, ensuring installation integrity and readiness for commissioning (L1–L5).
Implement proactive issue resolution strategies to minimize rework, downtime, or scope drift.
Enforce safety standards and environmental compliance, maintaining a zero-incident culture.
Administer contracts for general contractors, subcontractors, and vendors; ensure adherence to commercial and technical terms.
Lead change management, claims mitigation, and dispute resolution activities.
Oversee the completion of closeout documentation, warranty handover, and lessons-learned reporting.
Provide executive-level reporting on cost, schedule, risk, and performance KPIs.
Produce and present high-quality executive dashboards and progress summaries.
Maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication, transparency, and reliable delivery.
Support business development activities by contributing to proposals, presentations, and strategic growth initiatives.
Represent DLB as a senior ambassador at client meetings, industry events, and professional forums.
Drive lessons-learned and process-improvement initiatives to enhance consistency and efficiency across DLB programs.
Champion digital and AI-driven tools to improve data analysis, reporting, and predictive performance management.
Lead internal training and mentorship sessions to advance construction management best practices.
Identify opportunities and lead the strategic use of technology, digital platforms, and AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency through workflow automation, reduced manual effort, and improved accuracy in forecasting, documentation, reporting, and quality processes.
Support adoption of emerging technologies - including advanced analytics, data visualization tools, and digital construction management platforms - to strengthen readiness, quality assurance, and project controls.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure technology solutions align with DLB standards for data security, privacy, and operational integrity.
Promote a culture that embraces innovation, continuous improvement, and the strategic use of technology to optimize performance and scalability.
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
Relocation assistance available