Program Manager, Site Delivery

Company Overview: Swearingen Development Partners provides technical and business growth consulting services for the high-tech and industrial market sectors. We are a network of experienced professionals with backgrounds in Architecture, Engineering, Planning, and Construction. Our mission is to support the development of physical assets, vertical facilities, and infrastructure for our clients. We partner with Owners, Consultants, Developers, Contractors, and Investors to optimize strategies, delivery approaches, and resources to help achieve business goals. Engagements range from short-term advisory services to longer-term project support, with travel and onsite presence as needed.

Position Summary: The Program Manager will lead the planning, permitting, development, and execution of large-scale industrial real estate projects, including mission-critical facilities. This role is responsible for driving projects from early due diligence through construction completion, serving as a key connector between internal teams, external partners, and regulatory agencies. The ideal candidate brings strong program management expertise, deep permitting experience, and the ability to influence outcomes across multiple stakeholders in fast-paced environments.

Key Responsibilities: Lead multiple development programs independently from initiation through delivery. Gather program requirements, develop project plans, and proactively identify risks, impacts, and mitigation strategies. Coordinate with land development, design, construction, operations, and environmental teams to create integrated permitting and delivery strategies across multiple projects. Conduct comprehensive assessments during due diligence, design, and construction to identify permit requirements and associated risks. Serve as the primary point of contact with AHJs, regulatory agencies, government officials, and other external stakeholders for all permitting, planning approvals, and early development activities. Create and manage permitting and project delivery timelines to ensure alignment with overall program objectives. Educate internal teams on permitting requirements and ensure compliance with approval conditions throughout the program lifecycle. Support the development of scalable program tools and processes to continuously improve delivery of permits, approvals, and entitlements. Provide regular project updates to leadership and stakeholders, including schedule, budget, and risk status. Drive high-level operational planning and strategic decision-making across assigned programs. Collaborate closely with architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to ensure successful execution. Maintain comprehensive documentation and tracking of permits, approvals, and entitlement conditions. Support investor and ownership communications as needed regarding development progress and milestones.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Operations, Engineering, or a related field. Minimum of 5 to 6 years of experience in program management, development management, or related disciplines. Proven track record of successfully obtaining construction or development permits. Experience managing projects from concept through completion. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Proficiency with project management and permit tracking tools. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience delivering mission-critical projects (e.g., data centers or high-tech facilities).Experience managing large-scale or complex developments exceeding $100M in project value. Direct experience securing permits, planning approvals, and entitlements for major construction projects. Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with environmental consultants, attorneys, contractors, regulatory agencies, and community partners. Work Environment Swearingen Development Partners is a small but growing firm supporting multiple projects at various stages of development. Team members work collaboratively in a remote environment and are encouraged to take ownership of their work, contribute ideas, and grow professionally alongside experienced industry leaders.