Design and Construction Project Lead

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic Design and Construction Project Lead to join the Places organization. This role will help evolve our physical workspaces, creating environments that inspire innovation and reflect the company’s mission-driven culture.

The Design and Construction Project Lead will drive the end-to-end delivery of workplace and capital projects, ranging from office refreshes to major renovations and build-outs. This person will manage external service providers and collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to established design and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project activities to ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget.
• Provide project leadership and logistical support, including meeting coordination, progress tracking, and documentation.
• Lead projects from initial concept through detailed design, evaluating trade-offs and maintaining alignment with stakeholders and partners.
• Lead the interview and selection process for major project vendors, including architects, contractors, consultants, and other service providers.
• Align projects with project delivery processes and governance requirements.
• Manage all aspects of project design, construction, budgets, schedules, scopes, and workplace experience.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses and evaluate project trade-offs to drive optimal outcomes.
• Lead and deliver capital projects across the United States and globally.
• Define project requirements during front-end planning, including scope, budget, schedule, and overall project objectives.
• Collaborate with internal design team and external consultants throughout the design process.
• Oversee external project managers, architects, consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Lead all project phases end-to-end, including:
• Project initiation
• Planning and design
• Construction
• FF&E
• Occupancy
• Project closeout
• Prepare and analyze project cost estimates, budgets, and forecasts.
• Develop and analyze project schedules, including procurement lead times and activity relationships.
• Maintain accurate project status reports and ensure adherence to workplace procedures.
• Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Accounting, Corporate Communications, Real Estate, Space Planning & Occupancy, Technology, Security, and Site Operations.
• Identify and implement industry best practices to improve project delivery and facility operations.
• Utilize AI and other tools to improve productivity, collaboration, and project workflows.
• Lead multiple project teams and initiatives simultaneously.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in design, construction, and/or project management.
• Experience managing interior improvements and major capital projects.
• Proven ability to lead multiple project teams and manage end-to-end capital projects.
• Expertise in the design and delivery of corporate office spaces.
• Strong understanding of project development, design phases, construction, fit-out, occupancy, and closeout.
• Experience working with user groups, stakeholders, jurisdictions, and city planning organizations.
• Strong experience preparing and analyzing:
• Project cost estimates
• Budgets
• Forecasts
• Project schedules
• Experience managing external architects, consultants, contractors, vendors, and project management teams.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and Google Suite.
• Experience with project/construction-related software and tools.
• Willingness to learn, utilize, and drive adoption of AI tools and participate in new AI collaboration pilots.

Preferred Qualifications

• Corporate technology office/campus design and construction experience.
• Familiarity with Smartsheet and Bluebeam.
• Experience with construction management tools such as Procore and e-Builder.
• Experience with PlanGrid, Coupa, and Oracle.

Education

• Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or Architectural Engineering preferred.