Design-Build Manager
Cincinnati, OH - USA
Department:
Job Summary
Design-Build Manager
At Salas OBrien we tell our clients that were engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. Thats why were committed to living our values every day: inspiring achieving and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique meaningful and high-impact careerand theyll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us:
Founded in 1975 Salas OBrien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients our team and the world. We know that tomorrows requirements are todays opportunities and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers healthcare science and technology high-rise buildings clean energy education and other building types as well as structural and building sciences infrastructure asset management advanced robotics and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development human resources finance and accounting information technology and marketing professionals all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Process & Manufacturing Cincinnati Division:
The Cincinnati division serves clients across various markets including Agricultural Life Sciences Food and Beverage Chemical Consumer Products and Metals. Our multidisciplinary team delivers integrated solutions that address complex challenges while maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation.
Job Summary:
The Design-Build Manager (DBM) leads design delivery installation and integration of engineered solutions for industrial and manufacturing clients. This candidate leads project teams of engineering automation commissioning and project support resources to deliver safe efficient high-quality and profitable projects in a timely fashion. They have experience managing project teams project cost scope and schedule. They will have the ability to manage multiple projects totaling and estimated $15MM to $20MM in construction and turnkey solutions annually.
Additionally a DBM wins new work strengthens client relationships reinforces company values and delivers sustainable growth and profitability.
Reporting Structure:
This position reports to the Director of Construction and works closely with divisional leadership and other managers.
Key Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
- Proposal Management: The DB Manager will lead responses to client requests-for-proposal (RFP) serving as liaison between the client and project team and coordinating proposal development between engineering automation and project support resources.
- Design Management: The DBM leads a team of engineers architects designers and automation professionals to design industrial solutions that meet our clients objectives. The DBM is the first point of contact for addressing project-related questions interpreting contract documents clarifying and resolving project design issues changes in scope of work quality concerns or project delays.
- Pre-Construction/Procurement Management: The DBM maintains a wholistic focus across the project team as projects transition from design phase to procurement and pre-construction planning. The DBM directs the project team through material procurement and securing of construction subcontracts. The DBM leads the coordination of material delivery and mobilization planning for construction. The DBM also leads the project permitting effort throughout the design and pre-construction phases to support the project execution schedule.
- Construction Management: Lead all facets of on-site construction of Salas OBriens turnkey solution including HSE (health safety environmental) management and quality management to meet project schedule and cost objectives. The DBM leads a team of Salas OBrien team members and subcontractors to execute construction in both new construction and operating plant environments. The DBM coordinates with client site personnel to manage project impact to existing operations. The DBM leads communication between client engineering subcontractors and suppliers including RFI and Submittal management. The DBM is responsible for project cost schedule and progress reporting and communication. DBM runs and directs daily and weekly construction meetings document control and record keeping. The DBM also coordinates project handoff for commissioning and startup as well as project turnover and closeout.
- Collaboration: Work independently but be quick to ask questions and draw upon the best internal customer and industry resources to meet customer requirements accurately and efficiently. Build and maintain healthy long term professional relationships with coworkers customers suppliers and industry partners. Maintain excellent composure especially under pressure. Comfortable communicating with client engineering and project management resources.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and comprehensive project documentation project plans safety reports including design specifications test plans and progress reports.
- Communication: Communicate effectively in person and in writing to keep customers contractors and Salas OBrien project team well informed of pertinent information in a timely manner. Assumes responsibility for filling in gaps in customer communication.
- Innovation: Foster an environment where new ideas are discussed and developed collaboratively. They will help others overcome resistance to change. The candidate will be dedicated to creating solutions to customers problems.
- Demonstrate leadership behaviors that reinforce the companys core values and clearly communicate the teams vision
- Communicate and enforce expectations to their project team members for leadership behaviors and professionalism that reinforce the companys core values and the teams vision.
- Provide day-to-day project management for the team including securing work planning and accountability
- Participate in employee peer reviews and support leaderships evaluation of employee performance.
- Promote a collaborative culture that supports innovation engagement and knowledge sharing
- Support the Director of Construction regarding candidate screening interviews and provide hiring recommendations to the Director
- Manage and nurture existing client relationships to identify expansion opportunities
- Aligning with the client on project success criteria and focusing the project delivery to meet and/or exceed client expectations.
- Ensure client satisfaction and retention through strong project execution
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers across target clients and markets
- Collaborate closely with Directors and other Project Managers to shape pursuit strategies and review client proposals
- Collaborate closely with divisional leadership team to align activities with overall company strategy and ensure growth targets and profit goals are met
- Coordinate with multiple project delivery teams to ensure a seamless transition from sales through execution and strong project performance across the Cincinnati division the broader Business Unit and other divisions
- Support other Project Managers and Discipline Leads to maintain effective checks and balances when estimating deliverable progress and determining earned revenue
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in Engineering Construction Management or related field
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience preferably in engineering construction or related technical services
- Proven track record of managing teams
- Experience in at least two of the following markets: Agricultural Pharmaceutical Food and Beverage Chemical Consumer Products or heavy industrial
- Excellent understanding of industrial engineering and construction services
- Strong acumen and understanding of project execution driving safety schedule quality and profitability metrics
- Proven track record of successfully managing clients and conflict management
- Develop marketing collateral to drive brand awareness and cross-selling opportunities engage clients
- Proficient in using project collaboration software platforms such as MS Teams Zoom Sharepoint and others.
- Proficient in Project Management applications such as AutoDesk Construction Cloud Procore BIM Sharepoint or similar applications.
- Proficient in with Microsoft Word Excel Outlook and PowerPoint and MS Project.
- OSHA 30 for general industry and for construction. Training can be provided through Salas OBrien.
- Team leadership and development
- Relationship building and management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Results-oriented mindset
- Adaptability and resilience
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Client retention driven by strong project execution
- Team project delivery performance (quality budget and schedule)
- Successful implementation of initiatives and best practices
- Customer Focus Demonstrates an understanding of client needs in industrial environments and delivers technical solutions that emphasize safety reliability compliance and long-term value.
- Passion for Growth Continuously develops technical industry and consulting skills to support personal effectiveness and firm growth
- Leadership Impact Influences project outcomes through sound engineering/technical judgment professionalism and accountability
- Communication Clearly communicates technical information project status issues recommendations etc. to clients and internal stakeholders
- Ownership Takes responsibility for quality schedule and deliverables within assigned work scope
- Act With Urgency Demonstrates a proactive sense of urgency in addressing client needs project issues and commitments while maintaining safety and quality standards
- Teamwork Works collaboratively across disciplines to deliver integrated and collaborative technical solutions
- Technical Excellence Applies solid engineering /technical fundamentals codes standards and best practices to projects
- Functional Excellence Executes work processes efficiently using tools systems and methodologies
Location: The DBM will be part of the Salas OBrien P&M Division 84 Located in Cincinnati Ohio. A DBM candidate located in the Greater Chicago or Greater Atlanta regions will also be given positive consideration. During non-construction phases the DBM is assigned to a local office and is expected to work in-office an average of three days per week.
Travel: This position leads projects from design through construction and startup The DBM typically manages design and pre-construction phases in-office and manages the construction and commissioning on site. The role should expect between 20% and 50% travel with construction execution located throughout the United States.
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses equity participation and a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package including:
- Medical dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
- Professional development support
Salas OBrien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race colour religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state/provincial or local laws. Salas OBrien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Salas OBrien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Required Experience:
Manager
About Company
Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and technical consulting firm. We deliver impactful, sustainable solutions for the built environment.