Construction Associate Program Manager

Gordian is the leader in facility and construction cost data software and services for all phases of the building lifecycle. As the pioneer of Job Order Contracting (JOC) Gordian delivers innovative solutions including proprietary RSMeans data and Facility Intelligence tools. Our mission is to help customers maximize efficiency optimize cost savings and improve building quality from planning and design to procurement construction and operations.

As an Construction Associate Program Manager at Gordian you will lead complex programs with construction and facility-related projects from initiation through completion ensuring they are delivered on time within budget and aligned with client expectations and company this leadership role you will manage a team of project managers and support staff providing guidance mentorship and performance oversight to drive operational excellence. You will be responsible for strategic planning stakeholder communication risk management and continuous improvement across all phases of project execution. Success in this role requires exceptional leadership organizational and communication skills along with deep expertise in construction processes and project management methodologies. This role supports Gordians partnership with theThe New York City School Construction Authority (SCA)and involves managing renovation and modernization projects across school buildings in all five boroughs of NYC. This is a full-time on-site position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The key responsibilities associated with this role include:

Portfolio Oversight & Strategic Project Leadership

• Lead and manage a portfolio of programs and construction projects ensuring successful execution from planning through closeout.
• Provide strategic oversight and support direct reports managing individual projects ensuring consistency in delivery documentation and stakeholder engagement.
• Establish and enforce project governance standards ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer expectations.

Team Management & Development

• Supervise mentor and develop a team of project managers fostering a high-performance culture and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular check-ins performance reviews and coaching sessions to ensure team members are supported and aligned with project objectives.
• Allocate resources across projects based on complexity risk and strategic priority.

Executive Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of escalation for customer and contractor issues across all team-managed projects.
• Lead high-level stakeholder meetings to align on scope schedule budget and risk mitigation strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to support long-term partnership and program success.

Project Planning & Execution

• Ensure all project prerequisites are completed and verified prior to construction start.
• Oversee development of scopes of work proposal reviews and contract compliance across the teams projects.
• Guide implementation of standardized project procedures and best practices.

Site Oversight & Quality Assurance

• Conduct site visits across active projects to assess progress quality and compliance.
• Identify and mitigate risks and delays through proactive site assessments and reporting.
• Schedule and perform compliance inspections as required by SCA and NYC regulatory agencies.
• Support project managers in identifying and resolving risks delays and quality issues.

Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure comprehensive and consistent documentation across all projects including:
  • Project requirements and deliverables
  • Submittals RFIs and schedules
  • Contractor pay applications and change orders
  • Final project binders for customer records
• Manage material take-offs from plans and specifications and review detailed construction line-item estimates and proposals.
• Review and approve key project documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Contract & Compliance Management

• Ensure all projects adhere to customer-specific procedures contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve change orders and scope adjustments ensuring proper documentation and stakeholder communication.

Financial & Schedule Oversight

• Monitor project budgets and schedules across the portfolio ensuring alignment with financial controls and procurement timelines.
• Review and validate contractor invoices and financial documentation in collaboration with team members.

Risk & Safety Mitigation

• Champion a culture of proactive risk identification and mitigation across all projects.
• Proactively identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies to minimize delays disruptions and safety incidents.
• Apply experience in safety and risk management to ensure compliance and maintain a secure project environment.

Change & Issue Management

• Lead resolution of escalated issues and changes in scope schedule or budget.
• Support project managers in navigating complex negotiations and stakeholder communications.
• Manage changes to project scope schedule or budget with proper documentation stakeholder communication and formal authorization.
• Address and resolve issues or conflicts that arise during construction using negotiation and mediation skills to maintain project momentum.
• Ensure all changes and issues are tracked assessed for impact and resolved efficiently to keep the project on track.

Training & Enablement

• Lead training initiatives for contractors and team members on Gordian software and customer-specific procedures.
• Support team members during contract bidding processes and ensure alignment with procurement best practices.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration to ensure consistent delivery and stakeholder alignment.

KEY SKILLS The ideal candidate for this role will excel in the following areas.

• Customer Obsessed Builds strong relationships through clear communication and proactive support.
• Leadership Guides teams with clarity accountability and a focus on shared success.
• Collaboration Works well with others encourages teamwork and values diverse input.
• Organization Skilled in managing project documentation and workflows with accuracy and efficiency.
• Initiative Takes ownership anticipates needs and acts without requiring direction.
• Adaptability Responds well to change learns quickly and embraces feedback.
• Problem Solving Thinks creatively explores options and resolves issues effectively.
• Professionalism Maintains confidentiality and always acts with integrity.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Proficient in reading construction plans and specifications; experienced in comprehensive price proposal reviews.
• Bachelors degree in Engineering Architecture Construction Management or related field; equivalent work experience may be considered.
• 8 years in construction procurement management or general contracting with experience in both horizontal and vertical construction preferred.
• Deep understanding of commercial public construction operations pricing contracting scope development and estimating.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; capable of managing multiple concurrent projects in both planning and execution phases.
• Exceptional communication customer service and teamwork skills; flexible strategic results-driven and highly organized.
• Strong knowledge of NYC regulatory agency requirements for project filing permitting inspection and closeout (DOB FDNY DOT DEP)
• Highly organized strategic and results-driven; able to navigate ambiguity and drive continuous improvement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word Excel); able to create custom tracking tools and reports.
• Skilled in construction management platforms such as Procore and MS Project.
• Experience with Job Order Contracting (JOC) or IDIQ required and a solid understanding of public procurement and delivery methods.
• Experience with Smartsheet work management software is a plus but not required.
• Ability to travel 100% locally within the five boroughs and work primarily on-site at the NYC Long Island City office and SCA project locations

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