Traveling Construction Program Manager (Industrial Construction)

About the Role

Construction Program Managers oversee the strategic planning, management, and execution of industrial construction projects for food and beverage production facilities. They ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards while fostering strong client and stakeholder relationships. This role involves oversight of large projects and includes directing, supervising, and mentoring onsite construction managers.

Client Relations

• Manage and foster relationships with clients by actively listening and addressing feedback transparently.
• Review project schedule, work progress, and budget with the client.
• Communicate project progress, issues, and updates proactively.
• Set and manage project timelines, deliverables, and expectations with the client.
• Adapt to changing client needs while maintaining a professional approach.
• Build trust and rapport by delivering on expectations and driving value.
• Develop professional relationships where clients rely on the guidance and experience of the Construction Program Manager.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct site-based construction managers, field administrators, and office-based technical staff from conception to completion, including safety oversight.
• Review and monitor team members’ work, provide mentorship, evaluate performance, and offer guidance to complete tasks.
• Provide field input to the office project manager regarding project accounting, budgeting, and cost management.
• Work with the office project manager to develop and update project scope, budget, and schedule.
• Develop relationships with inspectors to ensure adherence to project permit requirements.
• Manage change orders and general construction administration.
• Oversee third-party testing, inspection, and relationships.
• Conduct jobsite walks/audits to ensure project progress and efficiency.
• Support and coordinate facility start-up.
• Develop construction reports focused on client executives.
• Work with project controllers and office project managers on supplier invoices and client billing.
• Promote continuous and productive communication between project participants, including internal and external clients and partners.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in construction science, building science, construction engineering, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of progressively responsible job site experience working on industrial building projects (preferably in the Food & Beverage Industry).
• 15+ years of experience working with sub-contractors, including motivating them and resolving issues.
• Demonstrated ability to drive project schedules.
• 15+ years of building or sustaining client relationships.
• Strong technical, organizational, managerial, and communication skills involving multiple disciplines, drawings, and 3D models.
• 7+ years of Design-build experience (preferred).
• Refined, polished, and professional in all forms of communication.
• Fundamental understanding of all phases of construction and ability to read and interpret construction documents and schedules, specifically with MS Project.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking around project sites with uneven surfaces.
• Ability to traverse and inspect all areas of jobsites in all types of weather; this may include walking, climbing, reaching, bending, crawling, or stretching.
• Exposure to characteristic construction site dangers.
• Must be on-call to address delays, emergencies, bad weather, and other issues at the jobsite.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.

Schedule

This is a site-based position with a 10 days onsite / 4 days off work schedule. Projects typically last 12+ months.

Travel

Projects are located throughout the United States and Canada, requiring up to 100% overnight travel based on project needs. Meal and lodging per diems are provided along with reasonable travel provisions.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages.
• Comprehensive employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Paid time off, including an open vacation policy.
• Bonus, profit-sharing, and retirement plans.

About Us

We plan, design, engineer, and build food plants for major brands across the country and the world. For the past three decades, we’ve focused exclusively on the food and beverage industry, helping your favorite brands put your favorite foods in the grocery store. Simply put, food isn’t one thing we do, it’s all we do.