Program Operations Director Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Position Summary:

The Program Management Director is a strategic leadership position responsible for building, growing, and institutionalizing Stanley Consultants' enterprise Program Management practice. This role serves as a bridge between executive leadership, market leaders, client service teams, and project delivery personnel to expand Stanley's services into higher-value advisory, program management, owner's representative, PMO, capital improvement program (CIP). As a practice builder you will steward existing programs and program staff, while leading the growth of this service area with existing and new clients across all sectors of our business.

The Program Management Director will support and enhance major client programs across Stanley's Water, Transportation, Energy, Federal, and Infrastructure markets while developing the tools, talent, processes, and client relationships necessary to establish a scalable national program management practice.

This position requires a proven leader capable of operating at executive, client, and project levels simultaneously. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable advising C-suite executives, leading complex pursuits, improving delivery performance, developing strategic growth plans, and mentoring teams responsible for program execution.

Practice Development & Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead Stanley's enterprise Program Management practice across all markets and geographies.
• Establish strategic vision, growth objectives, service offerings, and operational standards for program management services.
• Create scalable business models supporting Owner's Representative, PMO, CIP Management, Program Controls, Construction Management.
• Develop repeatable tools, methodologies, governance frameworks, and best practices that can be deployed across markets.
• Evaluate organizational capabilities and identify gaps in staffing, technical expertise, systems, and processes.
• Develop strategic hiring, succession planning, and workforce development recommendations to support growth.

Business Development & Market Expansion

• Support strategic pursuits and key account development activities across Stanley's markets.
• Lead or support capture planning, proposal development, interviews, and client engagement activities for major program management opportunities.
• Expand existing client relationships into larger, multi-year programmatic engagements.
• Collaborate with Market Leaders, Client Service Managers, and Business Development professionals to identify and advance opportunities.
• Enhance Stanley's visibility in the marketplace through industry engagement, conference participation, thought leadership, and strategic client outreach.
• Assist in developing strategic partnerships and teaming relationships that expand Stanley's ability to pursue and deliver large-scale programs.

Program Delivery Excellence

• Provide executive oversight and advisory support to high-profile programs and strategic client initiatives.
• Evaluate active programs and recommend improvements to governance, program controls, scheduling, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and performance monitoring.
• Establish standards for program reporting, financial management, quality management, and client communications.
• Support successful delivery of major capital programs while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.
• Promote consistency and excellence in program execution across markets and business units.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Program Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Certifications

• Relevant professional certification such as PE, Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), or equivalent advanced credential preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 18 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, project management, infrastructure delivery, engineering consulting, construction management, or owner's advisory services.
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams, programs, or business units.
• Demonstrated success developing and growing program management, PMO, CIP management and owner's representative services.
• Experience supporting municipal, transportation, water, energy, federal, or industrial infrastructure programs.
• Proven business development and client relationship management experience.
• Experience managing complex stakeholder environments involving public agencies, utilities, contractors, and executive leadership.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of engineering consulting operations, project delivery, financial performance, and resource management.
• Expertise in program governance, program controls, risk management, scheduling, and organizational change management.
• Ability to influence and lead across organizational boundaries without direct authority.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and executive presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker capable of balancing long-term growth initiatives with immediate client and operational needs.
• Strong coaching and mentoring capabilities with demonstrated success developing future leaders.

Managerial Scope

This position provides enterprise-wide leadership and influence across Stanley Consultants. The Program Management Director will collaborate closely with executive leadership, market leaders, client service managers, project managers, and technical leaders to advance strategic initiatives and program management capabilities. Direct supervisory responsibilities may evolve as the practice grows and dedicated program management resources are added.

Performance Measures

Success in this role will be evaluated based on:

• Growth of program management revenue and backlog.
• Successful delivery of program management engagements.
• Expansion of strategic client relationships and programmatic engagements.
• Improvement in program delivery performance and client satisfaction.
• Development and implementation of enterprise program management standards and tools.
• Successful recruitment, development, and retention of program management talent.
• Contribution to Stanley's overall strategic growth objectives.

Physical Requirements

Frequently required to sit for extended periods; use hands to operate computer equipment and office tools; communicate effectively in person and virtually. Occasionally required to stand, walk, travel, and participate in field visits or client meetings.

Work Environment

Hybrid work environment with regular travel to client locations, Stanley offices, industry events, and project sites. Travel requirements will vary based on business needs and strategic initiatives.