Program Director

CESO Inc.; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 108,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule

401K with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Job summary

CESO Inc. seeks a Program Director to lead a diverse portfolio of architectural and engineering projects across multiple client programs. You will grow client accounts, oversee delivery, and supervise teams to ensure high-quality outcomes.

You will train staff, manage risks and budgets, and coordinate with project managers, discipline leads, and operations staff to meet scope and schedule goals in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Surveying or related field; 15 years of direct project management experience in design/construction preferred, or 20 years related experience.
• Experience leading a team and managing multiple projects.
• Professional Licensure (RA, PE, PS, RLA) preferred; PMP certification preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook and entry of daily timesheet data; strong knowledge of MS Office, Deltek and Newforma.

Responsibilities

• Be accountable for the team’s quality of work, productivity, and actions.
• Provide technical direction to team members.
• Direct the execution of complex, portfolio-level architecture and engineering projects.
• Serve as primary client contact at the portfolio level and maintain client satisfaction.
• Lead planning, execution, and delivery within scope, schedule, budget, and quality targets.
• Coordinate project teams and resources with project managers and operations staff.
• Identify portfolio risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Oversee portfolio budgeting, forecasting, costs, billing, and profitability.
• Ensure adherence to contracts, codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide portfolio reporting to leadership and clients; support business development and proposals.
• Supervise direct reports and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Team leadership

Multi-project experience

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Surveying or related field

Professional Licensure (RA, PE, PS, RLA) preferred

PMP certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Deltek

Newforma

Job description

Are you seeking purpose, challenge, and talented colleagues? With a diverse portfolio of residential, energy, commercial, light industrial and public programs, CESO has the opportunity for you to develop your career. We develop leaders and empower our associates to use their skills and talents to positively impact the world through service – to our coworkers, clients, and communities. We subscribe to the mission of “empowering our people to impact communities by bringing clients’ visions to life,” so if this speaks to you, let’s connect!

At CESO, a Program Director is responsible for the execution of a portfolio—which may include a client program, a collection of related projects, or a regional operational area. The Program Director is responsible for the growth of client accounts. They will develop and execute strategies to grow client accounts by fulfilling other client needs and bringing in other services not yet performed for the client. They will coordinate client activities, monitor & forecast overall portfolio performance, and ensure the delivery of client projects. They will train and develop team members and identify those who can grow into more advanced roles.

Primary Responsibilities

• Be accountable for the team’s quality of work, productivity, and actions.
• Assist team members by providing technical direction.
• Directs and oversees the execution of complex, portfolio comprised of multiple, interrelated architecture and engineering projects.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for clients at the portfolio level, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and sustained relationships.
• Leads planning, execution, and delivery, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives are met.
• Coordinates project teams and resources in collaboration with project managers, discipline leads, and operations staff.
• Identifies portfolio-level risks and issues; implements mitigation strategies and ensures timely resolution.
• Oversees portfolio financials, including budgeting, forecasting, tracking project costs, monthly billing and ensuring portfolio profitability.
• Ensures adherence to contractual obligations, applicable codes, design standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provides regular portfolio reporting and updates to internal leadership and client stakeholders.
• Supports proposal development and participates in portfolio-related business development efforts.
• Supervising direct reports is a key responsibility of this job.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Surveying or related field, with a minimum of 15 years of experience directly managing projects in a design and construction related field is preferred;
• Or 20 years related experience and/or training is required.
• Experience leading a team and working with multiple projects.
• Professional Licensure (RA, PE, PS, RLA) is preferred.
• PMP certification is preferred.
• Computer skills necessary to enter daily timesheet data and use Microsoft Outlook for email correspondence.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, Deltek, and Newforma.
• Ability to travel.

Benefits and Perks

• Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule
• Paid Time Off – Credited to You 100% Upfront
• 401K with a Company Match
• Rewards and Recognition Program
• Training and Development to Foster Professional Growth
• Paid Holidays
• Medical / Dental / Vision Coverage
• Welcome Box
• Casual Dress Code
• Reimbursement for Professional Licenses
• Paid Time Off for Community Team Service Events
• Voluntary or Supplemental Short-Term / Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Paid Bonding and Recovery
• Employee Events such as Lunches and Outings to Foster a Positive Work Environment

$107,541 - $227,956 a year

CESO Compensation Transparency: The pay band shown reflects the minimum and maximum base salary for this position at CESO. Actual pay is determined by several factors, including location, experience, education, skills, and internal equity. Our pay structures are benchmarked against industry and market data to stay competitive. Each offer is based on a full review of a candidate’s background, qualifications, and fit for the role.

• Akron, OH: $107,541 - $142,681
• Rogers, AR: $107,541 - $142,681

CESO is a principle-centered organization that aligns with strong service values, integrity, and authenticity. We develop and inspire through training and coaching on the job. At CESO, we believe that work should be more rewarding than just a paycheck. In addition to a comprehensive benefit and compensation program, we create memories and friendships through our employee and service events.

CESO, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This organization participates in E-Verify and is a drug-free workplace. Criminal background checks and drug/alcohol checks are required.