Program Manager, New Build

Program Manager

The Program Manager will provide operational leadership for the New Build Project Team, serving as key extension for account leaders and providing oversight of program engagements from project initiation through scope execution. This role plays a critical part in ensuring consistent execution of standards, project processes, financial management practices, and maintaining client expectations across the portfolio. This role leverages expertise in delivery of FF&E professional services and experience in providing program-level management of Corporate Real Estate (CRE) portfolio projects.

The Program Manager will oversee a team of Project Leads and FF&E Specialists to provide alignment within internal workstreams, support of cross functional activities, and collaboration with external stakeholders to achieve both near- and long-term client and customer objectives. This role balances hands-on leadership with strategic execution, ensuring clear communications of operational requirements and project performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Delivery & Execution

• Lead FF&E program overseeing multiple projects and client initiatives; ensuring adherence to program management standards of procedures and enterprise tools.
• Mentor and grow a high-performing project team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Serve as cross-functional liaison with other departments and programs to identify inefficiencies, develop solutions in partnership and implementation strategies.
• Provide clear guidance on project priorities, timelines, and expectations, while supporting team members in overcoming obstacles and challenges.
• Manage the planning, execution and service delivery strategy of a diverse portfolio of projects, ensuring projects are aligned with client scope and budget requirements.
• Perform project intake, prioritization and scope assignments to ensure team resources are allocated efficiently based on customer needs and execution timelines.
• Monitor and report on project progress, providing regular updates to senior leadership and stakeholders on financials, forecasts and program risks.

Team & Workstream Leadership

• Directly manage Project Leads, Planners and FF&E Specialists, coach team members on delivery excellence, financial accountability, and client engagement.
• Manage resource capacity and workload, ensures efficient allocation to achieve performance across programs and ability to maintain account KPIs.
• Serve as escalation point for client/customer, external vendors and internal leaders on issues, concerns and opportunities within assigned programs.
• Ensure the team is equipped with the necessary tools, training, and resources to succeed in delivering complex projects.
• Collaborate with leadership on operational improvements and internal initiatives to address service gaps, improve tools and templates, or resolve emerging challenges.
• Monitor project milestones, task completion, and progress against timelines; assist with resource scheduling and workload balancing across assigned projects.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and development of program management talent.

Client Partner & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with client and key vendor partners, including direct workplace stakeholders, end-users and regional FM teams.
• Coordinate closely with internal teams; Project Implementation, Sourcing & logistics, Operations and Warehouse, and Finance/Accounting.
• Support change management, scope alignment and issue resolution impacting deliverables; timely communication for customer to evaluate options, solutions.
• Strategic partner to cross-functional teams and between departments; ability to calibrate communication and reporting to varied levels of client leadership.
• Manage stakeholder expectations, ensuring that projects meet business needs and that any issues are addressed promptly.

Financial Ownership & Risk Management

• Ownership of program level financials, partnering with project team to develop program forecasts, provide revenue tracking, and financial performance.
• Partner with Executive Director to identify financial risks and implement mitigation strategies, forecasting accuracy and impacts to revenue recognition.
• Support finance and billing teams with monthly and quarterly reporting.
• Evaluate and proactively identify potential risks and challenges to project success, review with project team to develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks.
• Provide strategic guidance on complex problem-solving and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
• Continuous attention to services quality, compliance, and risk; adjusting strategies and support systems as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Minimum 68+ years of experience in Project or Program Management for Corporate Real Estate (CRE) or related field of FF&E, furniture, or design professional services
• Progressive leadership of project teams, 3-5 years overseeing internal teams, or direct management of resources performing remote or on-site project management.
• Demonstrated experience leading projects (project teams) executing complex, multi-site programs, portfolio programs or annual CapEx projects.
• Experience setting strategic direction for project management processes in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong understanding of FF&E delivery, vendor coordination, procurement and installation workflows; knowledge of project executions.
• Financial acumen related to forecasting, budgeting, and revenue plans
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Experience supporting large corporate or enterprise CRE clients
• PMP or equivalent certification, accreditation or industry training
• Background in workplace or commercial interiors environments
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities with the ability to inspire and develop talent
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of PM methodologies and tools (e.g., Smartsheet, CORE, Jira, Asana).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills; ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing project budgets and resources

Computer Skills

• High degree of proficiency with Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams.
• Demonstrated ability in MS Project or similar project management software.
• Adaptability to client preferred platforms for communication, Slack, Teams, etc.