Program Management Director - Great Lakes Region

Burns & McDonnell; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 205,000 - 450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

401(k) retirement program

Extensive benefits package

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking a Program Management Director for the Great Lakes Region to provide managerial leadership and direction for complex program execution. This role is crucial in aligning with the Global Program Management Organization strategy while developing a high-performing team.

You will be responsible for guiding business development efforts, overseeing program budgets, and driving client engagement to maximize efficiency across multiple disciplines.

Qualifications

• 13 years of relevant consulting experience in engineering or construction industry.
• 5–10 years of experience in strategic planning and organizational transformation.
• Expert decision-making skills using metrics and analytics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of GLR's strategic business initiatives.
• Evaluate and mitigate risks of major programs within GLR.
• Present monthly GLR financial information to leadership.

Skills

Client and business development

Strategic planning

Change management

Operational excellence

Program management methodologies

Education

Bachelor Degree in engineering or business

Tools

Procore

Oracle Primavera P6

Job description

Description

The Program Management Director for Great Lakes Region is responsible for the managerial leadership and direction of large, complex program execution within the Great Lakes Region (GLR). This role will align with the Global Program Management Organization (GPMO) strategy and planning, with a focus on delivering results for Program development, and execution. The Regional Director of Program Management will develop and lead a high‑performing team of program managers and support personnel, driving successful program execution and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. This role is pivotal in developing and training top talent within the region's program execution space.

The Regional Director will be responsible for leading the GLR program management team in a dynamic and profitable manner, based on Burns & McDonnell's core values of client satisfaction, commitment, dedication, integrity, safety and overall service. The role will cover multiple global practices with emphasis on program management growth in new markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the GLR program's strategic business initiatives to achieve regional and global goals and objectives.


• Provide direction and support for GLR business development efforts in the identification and vetting of prospective clients and programs.


• Provide leadership to the GLR Program team; direct and coordinate the multi‑discipline department, maximizing efficient and cost‑effective utilization of staff.


• Evaluate the health of major programs within the GLR, identify and mitigate risks, analyze deficiencies and implement changes as required.


• Oversee the development and implementation of department tools and workflows to increase efficiency in GLR program execution.


• Collaborate with the Global Program Management Organization (GPMO) and other regional leaders to maintain alignment and consistent application of the program management model.


• Liaise with company stakeholders and provide strategic leadership to progress the Program Management Office model nationally. Collaborate cross‑functionally to align strategies that drive client engagement, operational excellence, and market growth across industries and geographies, ensuring consistent and high‑quality implementation of the program management model enterprise‑wide.


• Direct oversight and management of GLR program budgets and expenditure of funds.


• Achieve stated targets and standards for the GLR's program financial performance.


• Present monthly GLR financial information to leadership, including program revenue and sales forecasts.


• Support strategies for cross‑selling engineering, consulting and other services across the organization.


• Contribute to the development of long‑term strategies for GLR program growth and service diversification.


• Recruit, hire, develop and retain program management employee‑owners within the GLR.


• Coordinate with other GLR global practices to align existing program management staff with broader GLR business plans and organizational structures.


• Responsible for mentoring, managing, training and conducting performance evaluations for direct reports.


• Implement, and maintain compliance with Burns & McDonnell's Quality Control program, as well as company and site safety policies.


• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring that collaborative efforts are aligned with client success.


• Target new markets and clients that have program management opportunities through proposal development, client presentations, and business development.


• Lead risk reviews for new opportunities in collaboration with key stakeholders from GLR and GPMO.


• Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging new ideas and solutions to complex challenges.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in engineering, business or related degree from an accredited program, and 13 years relevant consulting experience, preferably in the engineering or construction industry or project management required.


• Expert experience in client and business development.


• 5–10 years of progressive experience in strategic planning, change management, talent development, organizational transformation, and operational excellence, including building, scaling, or transforming organizations in leadership, strategy, or organizational development roles preferred.


• Data‑driven decision‑making skills – substantial experience using metrics, KPIs, and analytics to assess organizational health and performance.


• Advanced certifications such as EVMP, PMP, PMI‑CP or PSP are highly preferred.


• Expert experience in client and business development, with a proven track record of winning and managing large‑scale programs.


• Diverse and extensive industry experience, with a preference for experience in industrial, utilities, commercial, or any other complex construction related environment. Target industries are power, transmission & distribution, buildings & infrastructure, aviation, federal, water, and environmental.


• Expert experience in managing programs, including proposal development, contract negotiations, program planning, design team coordination, communication, budgeting and schedule management.


• Expert facilitation, collaboration, organization and problem‑solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to thoughtfully and positively influence, lead and manage.


• Proven success in relation to budget, savings and/or profit margins on completed programs.


• Excellent planning, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to all levels of employees, management and clients.


• Expert knowledge of program management methodologies and tools, such as Procore, Oracle Primavera P6, or other industry standard PMIS tools.


• Willingness to travel up to 50% to program and company locations as required.

Compensation

205,000.00-450,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year‑end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee‑owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans