Design-Build Manager

Design-Build Manager

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re 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 career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us: 

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s 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 client’s 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 O’Brien’s 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 O’Brien 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 O’Brien 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.

Team Leadership & Development

1. Demonstrate leadership behaviors that reinforce the company’s core values, and clearly communicate the team’s vision
2. Communicate and enforce expectations to their project team members for leadership behaviors and professionalism that reinforce the company’s core values and the team’s vision.
3. Provide day-to-day project management for the team, including securing work, planning, and accountability
4. Participate in employee peer reviews and support leaderships evaluation of employee performance.
5. Promote a collaborative culture that supports innovation, engagement, and knowledge sharing
6. Support the Director of Construction regarding candidate screening, interviews, and provide hiring recommendations to the Director

Client Relationship Management

1. Manage and nurture existing client relationships to identify expansion opportunities
2. Aligning with the client on project success criteria and focusing the project delivery to meet and/or exceed client expectations.
3. Ensure client satisfaction and retention through strong project execution
4. Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers across target clients and markets
5. Collaborate closely with Directors and other Project Managers to shape pursuit strategies, and review client proposals

Cross-Functional Collaboration

1. Collaborate closely with divisional leadership team to align activities with overall company strategy and ensure growth targets and profit goals are met
2. 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
3. Support other Project Managers and Discipline Leads to maintain effective checks and balances when estimating deliverable progress and determining earned revenue

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience

1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
2. Minimum 10 years of progressive experience, preferably in engineering, construction, or related technical services
3. Proven track record of managing teams
4. Experience in at least two of the following markets: Agricultural, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage, Chemical, Consumer Products, or heavy industrial

Technical & Professional Skills

1. Excellent understanding of industrial engineering and construction services
2. Strong acumen and understanding of project execution driving safety, schedule, quality, and profitability metrics
3. Proven track record of successfully managing clients and conflict management
4. Develop marketing collateral to drive brand awareness and cross-selling opportunities engage clients
5. Proficient in using project collaboration software platforms such as MS Teams, Zoom, Sharepoint, and others.
6. Proficient in Project Management applications such as AutoDesk Construction Cloud, Procore, BIM, Sharepoint, or similar applications.
7. Proficient in with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and MS Project.
8. OSHA 30 for general industry and for construction. Training can be provided through Salas O’Brien.

Core Competencies

1. Team leadership and development
2. Relationship building and management
3. Cross-functional collaboration
4. Results-oriented mindset
5. Adaptability and resilience
6. Excellent communication and presentation skills
7. Problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Performance Metrics

1. Client retention driven by strong project execution
2. Team project delivery performance (quality, budget, and schedule)
3. Successful implementation of initiatives and best practices

Behaviors

1. Customer Focus – Demonstrates an understanding of client needs in industrial environments and delivers technical solutions that emphasize safety, reliability, compliance, and long-term value.
2. Passion for Growth – Continuously develops technical, industry, and consulting skills to support personal effectiveness and firm growth
3. Leadership Impact – Influences project outcomes through sound engineering/technical judgment, professionalism, and accountability
4. Communication – Clearly communicates technical information, project status, issues, recommendations, etc. to clients and internal stakeholders
5. Ownership – Takes responsibility for quality, schedule, and deliverables within assigned work scope
6. Act With Urgency – Demonstrates a proactive sense of urgency in addressing client needs, project issues, and commitments while maintaining safety and quality standards
7. Teamwork – Works collaboratively across disciplines to deliver integrated and collaborative technical solutions
8. Technical Excellence – Applies solid engineering /technical fundamentals, codes, standards, and best practices to projects
9. Functional Excellence – Executes work processes efficiently using tools, systems, and methodologies

Location: The DBM will be part of the Salas O’Brien 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.

Benefits

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

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien 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 O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice

Salas O’Brien 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.

Qualifications Education Preferred Bachelors or better. Experience Preferred Minimum 10 years of progressive experience, preferably in engineering, construction, or related technical services Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.