Senior Program Manager, Operational Excellence

About Suffolk

Suffolk is a national enterprise that builds, innovates, and invests. We provide value across the entire project lifecycle through our core construction management services and complementary business lines in real estate investment, design, self-perform construction, and technology start-up investment (Suffolk Technologies). By integrating data, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology through our Seamless Platform, we connect design, construction, and operations to deliver smarter, more predictable results and redefine how America builds.

Suffolk – America’s Contractor – is a national company with more than $9 billion in annual revenue, 3,000 employees, and 17 offices, including Boston (headquarters), New York City, Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Estero, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Herndon, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other key markets. Suffolk manages some of the most complex and transformative projects in the country, serving clients across healthcare, life sciences, education, gaming, aviation, transportation, government, mission critical, and commercial sectors. Suffolk is privately held and is led by founder, chairman and CEO John Fish. Suffolk is ranked #8 on ENR’s list of “Top CM-at-Risk Contractors.” For more information, visit www.suffolk.com and follow Suffolk on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , YouTube , and Instagram.

At Suffolk, we believe that our total rewards program should offer you and your family the support you need when it matters most. That’s why we have created a program that provides employees with access to a wide variety of options that can be personalized to support you and your loved ones physically, emotionally, and financially.

Benefits include, competitive salaries, auto allowances and gas cards for certain roles, access to market leading medical and emotional and mental health benefits, dental, and vision insurance plans, virtual care options for physical therapy and primary care, generous paid time off, 401k plan with employer match and access to expert financial resources, company paid and voluntary life insurance, tax deferred savings accounts, 10 backup daycare days each year, short- and long-term disability, commuter benefits and more. For more information, click here.

Role Summary

The Operational Excellence (Ops Ex) team shapes how Suffolk builds — defining standards, driving improvement, and delivering programs that help our projects and people succeed at scale.

As Senior Program Manager, Operational Excellence, you will be a key leader driving Suffolk’s most important operational initiatives. You’ll blend strategic problem-solving, structured program delivery, and hands-on field engagement to identify opportunities, design solutions, and lead cross-functional implementation that strengthens operational performance across the company.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in complexity, enjoys turning problems into actionable plans, and wants to influence how Suffolk operates today and in the future. You will collaborate closely with executive management, operational leaders, regional teams, and all Ops Ex functions — from Analytics to Construction Technology — to deliver measurable results.

The Senior Program Manager, Operational Excellence is required to be on-site in our vibrant Boston office five days a week, where they can take advantage of free parking, an on-site gym, a cafeteria, and other perks that contribute to a welcoming culture and distinctive workplace environment!

Responsibilities

Program Development & Problem Framing

• Lead the development of Suffolk’s most critical initiatives and long-term operational solutions, shaping them from early conceptualization through defined objectives, workplans, and success metrics. You will clarify problem statements, build hypotheses, structure analytical approaches, and uncover root causes using both qualitative and quantitative methods. In this work, you will identify value-creation opportunities across Suffolk’s operations and translate them into clear, actionable programs that drive meaningful performance outcomes.

Program Definition, Structuring, & Prioritization

• Partner closely with Ops Ex leadership to define, scope, and prioritize major strategic programs within the broader portfolio. You will translate operational challenges into structured program roadmaps with measurable, scalable solutions. A critical part of this work includes ensuring alignment across interconnected Ops Ex efforts—particularly between Mission Control, Change Management, and Process Excellence—as new initiatives are shaped and resourced.

Program Management & Cross-Functional Delivery

• Lead day-to-day execution of complex, cross-functional programs by building project plans, managing dependencies, tracking risks, and facilitating effective decision-making. You will play a central coordination role across all Ops Ex teams—including Operations Performance Management, Operations Analytics, and Construction Technology—as well as regional operations leaders to maintain alignment and drive progress. This role requires balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution to ensure initiatives are delivered on time and at a high standard of quality.

Data-Driven Insights & Operational Analysis

• Partner with Data and IT teams to ensure analysis meaningfully informs strategy and decision-making. You will define the key questions to be answered, scope the analytical approach, and provide the direction and business context needed to guide technical teams’ work. With a strong understanding of field operations, you will interpret insights, refine problem statements, uncover root causes, and identify the operational levers that matter most. Your leadership will ensure that data-driven insights translate into clear recommendations, targeted solutions, and measurable improvements in performance.

Stakeholder Engagement, Governance, & Alignment

• Drive stakeholder engagement and alignment across regional teams, functional leaders, and executive management to ensure buy-in, clarity, and adoption. You will support governance structures through organized meeting cadences, high-quality steering committee materials, and clear communication. In doing so, you will serve as a strategic thought partner to leaders at all levels, helping to shape decisions and guide operational direction across the enterprise.

Implementation, Adoption, & Change Enablement

• Develop and execute implementation and adoption plans in partnership with the Change Management capability, including communications, enablement, and training strategies. You will engage deeply with jobsites to understand operational realities, validate assumptions, and pilot solutions to ensure initiatives are practical and field-informed. This includes defining success metrics, monitoring outcomes, and capturing lessons learned to strengthen the Operations Playbook and support enterprise-wide scaling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, STEM, Construction Management, or a related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in management consulting, strategy execution, program management, or operations improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives from strategy through implementation.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down ambiguity and drive clarity.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging executive management, operational leaders, and field teams.
• Ability to influence, build relationships, and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Willingness to dive into operational details while maintaining a strategic view.
• Experience working with data, analytics, or technology teams on operational enablement.
• Proficiency with program management tools (Asana, Smartsheet, etc.) and dashboarding/reporting platforms preferred.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; talk or hear; perform fine motor, hand and finger skills in the use of a keyboard, telephone, or writing. The employee is frequently required to stands; walk; and reach with arms and/or hands. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will spend their time in an office environment with a quiet to moderate noise level. Job site walking.

EEO Statement

Suffolk provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, disability, protected veteran, gender identity, age or any other status protected by law. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Suffolk will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination toward, or harassment of, applicants or employees by anyone at Suffolk, or anyone working on behalf of Suffolk.

Compensation Information

Where required by law, pay ranges can be found in Suffolk's job postings. Base Salary for this position is just one component of Suffolk’s total rewards package for employees. Actual salaries may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's skill set, experience, education and other qualifications. Suffolk offers a comprehensive benefits package as part of its overall total rewards strategy. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly to reflect market trends.