Program Manager Design & Construction -ISA

Introduction

At IBM Finance & Operations, we are the backbone of IBM’s transformation driving efficiency, transparency, and smart decision-making across the business. Our teams provide the insight and discipline that guide strategy, ensure financial strength, and enable IBM to invest in innovation and growth. Working in Finance & Operations means combining analytical skills with collaboration and curiosity. You’ll partner with colleagues across functions and geographies, using data, technology, and process excellence to create solutions that improve performance and deliver measurable impact. IBM offers continuous learning, career development, and a culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us and be part of a global team that keeps IBM moving forward, while building your own future in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Your Role And Responsibilities

Role Summary

The Program Manager – ISA is the Design & Construction (D&C) and Project Management leader accountable for the end‑to‑end delivery of assigned capital and expense‑funded programs across the ISA geography.

This role serves as the single point of accountability for planning, governance, execution, cost control, risk management, and partner performance for the assigned portfolio. The incumbent provides both strategic leadership and hands‑on program management, working closely with internal GRE teams, global Centres of Excellence (CoEs), executive stakeholders, and external service providers.

The role ensures IBM’s workplace strategy is delivered with speed, discipline, innovation, and consistency, while balancing cost, risk appetite, compliance, and employee experience.

Key Objectives

• Act as the focal point for Design, Construction, and Project Management for assigned ISA projects
• Deliver predictable outcomes aligned to capital absorption, cost, schedule, risk, and experience targets
• Drive standardization, innovation, and continuous improvement in project delivery
• Ensure alignment with global workplace, technology, finance, procurement, and risk frameworks
• Strengthen IBM GRE’s credibility through disciplined execution and stakeholder confidence

Core Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance

• Lead assigned Design & Construction programs across ISA with clear prioritization, decision‑making, and accountability
• Own program governance, including adherence to GRE processes, controls, and global standards
• Provide recommendations and inputs to Capital Review Board (CRB) and Expense Review forums
• Act as the single escalation point for project‑related risks, issues, and trade‑offs
• Ensure compliance with all IBM GRE offerings, policies, and delivery guidelines

Program & Project Delivery

• Accountable for end‑to‑end delivery of capital projects from execution planning through completion and handover to operations
• Oversee planning, design, construction, commissioning, readiness, and occupancy
• Ensure projects meet time, cost, quality, safety, risk, and experience objectives
• Develop and approve project briefs, execution plans, and change control mechanisms
• Ensure robust due diligence, including cross‑functional alignment (IT, Security, CH&S, Facilities, Finance, Procurement)
• Own GO / NO‑GO decisions, project close‑out, and documentation of lessons learned

Financial & Commercial Management

• Develop and validate project business cases, including budgets, options appraisal, and recommendations
• Manage capital and expense forecasts, spend projections, and variance reporting
• Lead reporting of Capital PIS metrics and financial performance
• Ensure full execution of the approved annual capital plan
• Hold contract execution responsibility across the full project lifecycle

Service Provider & Partner Management

• Own relationships with assigned external service providers (project managers, designers, contractors, and key suppliers)
• Manage partner performance through SLAs, KPIs, audits, and Quarterly Business Reviews
• Act as contract administrator, including scope, service‑level, and compliance management
• Lead and participate in RFPs, sourcing decisions, vendor evaluations, and partner transitions
• Collaborate with Global Procurement to optimize commercial outcomes and cost savings

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Drive innovation in workplace design, delivery models, and commercial structures
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, construction methodologies, and emerging technologies
• Lead pilot programs and test‑and‑learn initiatives
• Streamline delivery processes to improve efficiency, predictability, and consistency
• Actively contribute to the GRE Design & Construction Council, supporting global alignment and best practices

Stakeholder & Executive Engagement

• Own relationships with key internal stakeholders including CIO, Security, CH&S, Finance, HR, Procurement, CEA, and Business Leaders
• Integrate internal advisors and SMEs into delivery
• Engage executives to shape and deliver strategic workplace initiatives
• Provide thought leadership on delivery and partner strategy
• Champion a strong client and employee experience

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with IBM Construction Health & Safety standards
• Participate in theatre‑wide CH&S initiatives and audits
• Act as auditor for design, construction, procurement, and delivery processes

Success Measures

• Capital and expense programs delivered on time and within approved budgets
• Strong service provider performance and commercial results
• Consistent application of global standards, governance, and controls
• Measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and employee experience
• High confidence and positive feedback from executives and stakeholders

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

Required Expertise & Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent (BE / BArch required)

Post‑graduate qualification in Project Management, Real Estate, or Business Management is preferred

• Professional certifications such as PMP, RICS, MRICS, LEED, or equivalent are desirable

Experience

• 12–15 years of progressive experience in Design & Construction, Capital Project Management, or Real Estate Program Delivery
• Proven experience leading large, complex, multi‑site capital programs within a global or matrixed organization
• Demonstrated accountability for end‑to‑end project delivery, from business case development through handover to operations
• Strong background managing external service providers including project managers, designers, contractors, and key suppliers
• Experience working within global governance frameworks, capital approval processes, and enterprise risk environments
• Exposure to workplace transformation, hybrid workplace strategies, or large corporate real estate portfolios preferred

Technical & Functional Expertise

• Deep expertise in Design & Construction management, including planning, design development, construction delivery, commissioning, and occupancy
• Strong knowledge of capital planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
• Experience developing business cases, option appraisals, and investment recommendations
• Solid understanding of construction health & safety, regulatory compliance, and risk management
• Demonstrated capability in contract administration, commercial negotiations, SLAs, and vendor performance management
• Familiarity with global workplace standards, technology integration, and sustainability principles

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Advanced Construction Planning: Experience with managing construction projects, including planning, budgeting, and scheduling. Proven ability to develop and implement effective project plans, ensuring timely completion and minimizing risks.
• Complex Contract Negotiation: Skilled in negotiating complex business terms, lease documents, and other agreements that meet organizational goals and objectives, while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Executive-Level Communication: Experience with presenting project updates and results to executive management, facilitating open communication and collaboration to drive project success.