Sr Program Director

AtkinsRéalis•Vestavia Hills, AL

1d•$230,000 - $270,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Sr Program Director/Owner’s Representative Lead to join our team in Richmond, VA. Our Pharmaceutical team is growing! The Program Director/Owner’s Representative Lead serves as the client’s single point of accountability for the full lifecycle of the Owner’s Representative engagement. This role is responsible for directing and aligning all workstream leads, governing scope, schedule, and performance, managing the client relationship, and ensuring successful delivery of program outcomes. The individual operates as a strategic leader, integrator, and decision authority, driving execution excellence while safeguarding the client’s interests. This is a lead role at an exciting mega campus site for a pharmaceutical client in Alabama/Virginia with the opportunity to direct a career-making program on a greenfield campus. We are offering a full-time position with AtkinsRéalis that comes with the opportunity to prove your true potential, provide expert services on world class projects, collaborate, and grow with professional services experts, and receive an attractive compensation package with robust benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related field and ten years related experience including personnel.
20+ years professional experience (BS) or 15+ years (MS/MBA), with at least 5 years managing highly complex projects/programs in a senior capacity.
Experience working on multi-billion-dollar programs.
Pharmaceutical industry experience; also will consider experience in other heavy process industries such as semiconductor/high tech, chemical, EV battery, and oil and gas.
Experience building teams and processes/systems from scratch.
Apply analytical and organizational skills to manage workflows, prioritize tasks, and improve operational efficiency.
Demonstrate strong leadership and managerial skills to effectively guide and support team members.
Excellent communications skills and comfort with executive level client interface.

Nice To Haves

Engineering design experience desirable.

Responsibilities

Plan and organize the observation and documentation of construction projects.
Schedule and coordinate observation of ongoing work and testing and sampling of materials.
Assign, lead and supervise internal staff engaged in observation and testing and in related record keeping.
Monitor contractors' progress against schedule and prepares progress reports.
Oversee all aspects of program, from chartering and governance, to design and construction, to controls and technology.
Review payment requests and determines amount owing to contractor(s) based on on-site observations and contract stipulations.
Oversee compilation of final estimate documents.
Develop/maintain master program plans, budgets, and schedules.
Coordinate with cross-functional teams and ensure alignment to client program objectives.
Ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope/budget, and meet quality standards.
Perform non-manual field work that involves a combination of conventional and complex features, requiring the application of sound and diversified professional knowledge in board areas of assignments, usually including the coordination of various projects.
Serve as the sole accountable leader for the owner’s representative program across all phases, from planning through execution and closeout.
Lead, coordinate, and direct all workstream leads.
Establish clear program governance structures, decision-making protocols, and escalation pathways.
Drive a high-performing, integrated team environment aligned to client strategic objectives.
Act as the primary point of contact for client stakeholders, ensuring strong, transparent, and trusted relationships.
Translate client business objectives into actionable program strategies and execution plans.
Provide clear, consistent communication on program status, risks, and performance metrics.
Facilitate executive-level reporting and decision-making.
Own and govern overall program scope, ensuring alignment with approved objectives and contractual requirements.
Ensure seamless coordination across all program functions, contractors, and external partners.
Oversee integrated master scheduling, ensuring milestones and critical path activities are achieved.
Supervise field representatives and field office personnel, ensuring performance standards, accountability, and consistent communication.