Design Program Lead

Cushman & Wakefield • Raleigh, NC

11d

About The Position

The Design Program Lead is responsible for guiding the overall direction, governance, and operational performance of a multi vendor architectural and engineering (A&E) delivery program. This role establishes a disciplined, collaborative operating environment across internal teams, external vendor partners, and related service lines. The Design Program Lead ensures that the program operates with clarity, consistency, and transparency, serving as a neutral facilitator who ensures alignment to standards, data driven decision making, and predictable delivery outcomes. The role oversees partner performance, fosters proactive communication, and resolves issues before escalation—transforming a traditionally fragmented ecosystem into a cohesive, well governed program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Real Estate, or related discipline.
• 8+ years experience in design management, program management, or operational leadership within a multi‑vendor environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to facilitate cross functional alignment.
• Proven ability to lead governance design, operational frameworks, and scalable delivery processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate dynamic environments and manage shifting priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with CAFM/IWMS or design related systems a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define immediate and long-term program goals related to governance, operating model design, vendor performance, and cross functional alignment.
• Maintain strong partnerships across internal stakeholders, vendor partners, and adjacent service lines.
• Lead development and scalability of the A&E program delivery model in a fast paced, multistakeholder environment.
• Ensure adherence to all program standards, guidelines, SLAs, KPIs, and performance reporting requirements.
• Establish structured workflows, decision pathways, and communication protocols to support consistent program execution.
• Drive proactive issue resolution, root cause analysis, and solution development to improve delivery predictability.
• Oversee program level tools, templates, process documentation, and playbook maintenance.
• Guide vendor management practices, including capacity alignment, performance assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support executive level briefings, strategic planning discussions, and program level reporting.

Benefits

• Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work.
• In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
• The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
• The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level