Construction Program Manager

Willdan Energy Solutions, a subsidiary of Willdan Group Inc., is seeking a Construction Program Manager to lead and support delivery of DASNY-administered public-sector construction projects within the New York City region. This role is responsible for overseeing projects from planning and design through construction and closeout, while directing and supporting the construction management team to ensure successful execution. The Program Manager will work closely with the Vice President of Construction, Construction Managers, Project Managers, Project Engineers, inspectors, and support staff. Construction Managers, working on DASNY project, will report directly to the successful candidate. This position requires active engagement in the field, office, and remote environments, based on project needs.

This role requires a proven construction professional with strong technical knowledge, exceptional client-facing skills, and demonstrated success managing teams, stakeholders, schedules, budgets, safety, and risk in the New York City construction environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Program and Project Management:
  • Manage multiple DASNY-administered construction projects from planning and design through construction and closeout.
  • Responsibility for cross-project consistency, reporting, and escalation.
  • Work closely with the Vice President of Construction to align delivery, staffing, and client priorities with company objectives.
  • Provide leadership and day-to-day direction to the construction management team, including CMs, PMs, Project Engineers, inspectors, and support staff.
  • Support project delivery by ensuring alignment across scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and contractual requirements.
  • Participate in design development, constructability reviews, phasing plans, cost estimating, and schedule coordination.
  • Review and oversee project schedules, budgets, change orders, payment applications, and project documentation.
  • Identify project risks and issues and lead mitigation efforts in coordination with the project team and senior leadership.
• Construction and Stakeholder Coordination:
  • Maintain an active presence in the field as required to support construction activities and resolve day-to-day issues.
  • Coordinate closely with contractors to monitor progress, quality, and safety performance.
  • Ensure construction activities comply with contract documents, DASNY standards, and applicable codes and regulations.
  • Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and contractual requirements.
  • Support resolution of field issues, RFIs, and constructability challenges.
  • Ensure consistent use of project management and reporting tools across all CM projects.
  • Lead proactive management of claims, disputes, and change negotiations in coordination with DASNY and contractors.
• Client Interface and Stakeholder Coordination:
  • Serve as the primary day-to-day point of contact for DASNY and owner representatives.
  • Lead and participate in project meetings with DASNY, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
  • Maintain proactive communication to ensure transparency, alignment, and client satisfaction.
  • Coordinate with authorities having jurisdiction as required.
• Team Leadership and Development:
  • Lead, support, and mentor construction management staff assigned to the program.
  • Establish performance expectations and provide coaching, feedback, and professional development support.
  • Provide guidance, technical support, and issue resolution to ensure effective project execution.
  • Support staffing plans, workload balancing, and coordination across projects.
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and safety-focused team culture.
• Procurement, Safety, and Compliance
  • Support procurement activities including contractor prequalification, bidding, evaluation, and award recommendations.
  • Champion a proactive safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, NYC DOB regulations, DASNY safety standards, and site-specific safety plans.
  • Support quality control and quality assurance processes throughout all phases of construction.
  • Uphold Willdan policies, ethical standards, and professional conduct expectations.

Job Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (required).
• 5-8 years of progressive construction management experience, preferably within public-sector or institutional projects.
• Prior DASNY project experience preferred.
• Experience with DASNY CM-at-Risk, Design-Bid-Build, and/or Job Order Contracting (JOC) delivery models preferred.
• Working knowledge of MEP systems, HVAC upgrades, energy infrastructure, and building renovations.
• Experience leading and directing construction management teams.
• Familiarity with DASNY procedures, documentation, and reporting requirements.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• OSHA Site Safety Training (required or ability to obtain).
• Ability to work effectively in field, office, and remote environments, with localized travel within the NYC region as required.
• Provide consistent, high quality construction management services that meet or exceed client expectations.
• Successfully oversee delivery of multiple projects while managing risk, safety, schedule, and quality.
• Develop and retain a high performing construction management team.
• Support regional revenue goals through effective delivery and client satisfaction.
• Communicate proactively and effectively with the Vice President of Construction, clients, and project teams.
• Uphold Willdan's standards for safety, ethics, professionalism, and technical excellence.