Program Director - Public Works

CESO, Inc.; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 114,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and Hybrid Work Schedule

401K with a Company Match

Paid Time Off

Medical / Dental / Vision Coverage

Training and Development

Job summary

CESO, Inc. in Columbus, OH is seeking a Program Director for Public Works to grow and manage a regional market, overseeing client accounts and delivering multi-disciplinary design and construction programs.

The role emphasizes leadership, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and strong client relations, with opportunities for team development and involvement in business development. Candidates should have Civil Engineering degree, extensive project management experience, PE licensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field and 15+ years managing design/construction projects.
• Alternatively 20 years of related experience and/or training.
• PE licensure and PMP certification preferred; ability to travel required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and ensure quality, productivity, and client satisfaction for programs.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to team members.
• Direct complex, multi-disciplinary programs with architecture and engineering projects.
• Maintain client relationships and serve as primary program contact.
• Lead planning, execution, and delivery within scope, schedule, budget, and quality.
• Monitor risks, financials, and program profitability; ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Team leadership

Program management

Client relationship management

Multi-disciplinary coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

PE licensure preferred

PMP certification preferred

Tools

Deltek

Newforma

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365

Job description

Are you seeking purpose, challenge, and talented colleagues? 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 for Public Works is responsible for growing and maintaining a regional market 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 program 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, multi-disciplinary programs comprised of multiple, interrelated architecture and engineering projects.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for clients at the program level, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and sustained relationships.
• Leads program planning, execution, and delivery, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives are met.
• Coordinates cross-functional project teams and resources in collaboration with project managers, discipline leads, and operations staff.
• Identifies program-level risks and issues; implements mitigation strategies and ensures timely resolution.
• Oversees program financials, including budgeting, forecasting, tracking project costs, and ensuring program profitability.
• Ensures adherence to contractual obligations, applicable building codes, design standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provides regular program reporting and updates to internal leadership and client stakeholders.
• Supports proposal development and participates in program-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 Civil Engineering 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 Engineer (PE) licensure 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.

Below are the typical new hire pay ranges for this position based on location:

* Columbus, OH: $113,515 - $150,607

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.