Senior Director Planning, Design & Construction
Position Overview
United Health Services (UHS) is seeking a Senior Director Planning, Design & Construction. This role is accountable for developing and executing comprehensive facility master plans and leading a Project Management Office (PMO) that ensures standardized governance, disciplined project delivery, effective risk management, and strong stakeholder alignment.The Senior Director oversees the successful execution of complex capital and facility initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and the delivery of high-quality patient care environments. This position also leads contract negotiations, bid review processes, and data-driven decision-making, while coordinating project management activities to support operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and system-wide growth.
Work Locations:
UHS Binghamton General Hospital, Binghamton, NY
UHS Wilson Medical Center, Johnson City, NY
There is more than one location associated with this position. This is either because there are multiple openings at different sites, or the successful candidate will be required to float across multiple UHS facilities. Your recruiter and hiring manager will clarify expectations during the interview process.
Primary Work Shift:
DayRegular Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40Compensation Range:
$65.54 - $98.31 per hour, depending on experience-----
Job Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead system-wide facility planning, design, construction, and activation initiatives aligned with strategic, operational, financial, and clinical priorities.
- Direct development and execution of long-range facility master plans, capital roadmaps, and space strategies to support growth, access, regulatory compliance, and care delivery transformation.
- Advise senior leadership on capital investment decisions, project feasibility, sequencing, and infrastructure implications.
- Align all projects with organizational mission, strategic plan, patient experience goals, and financial stewardship expectations.
PMO & Portfolio Governance
- Establish and lead a high-performing Project Management Office (PMO) to standardize governance, intake, prioritization, execution, reporting, and continuous improvement.
- Implement enterprise-wide project management frameworks, including stage-gate processes, dashboards, tools, and reporting standards.
- Drive capital portfolio governance through executive reviews, prioritization, resource allocation, and escalation of risks and change requests.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for PMO staff, ensuring accountability and delivery excellence.
Project & Program Execution
- Oversee the full lifecycle of capital projects: planning, programming, budgeting, design, procurement, construction, activation, and closeout.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and in compliance with life safety codes, regulatory requirements, and system standards.
- Monitor budgets, forecasts, schedules, contingencies, and key performance indicators; deliver actionable insights to executive stakeholders.
- Lead selection and management of architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants, including RFP development, contract negotiation, and performance oversight.
Regulatory & Compliance Leadership
- Provide strategic guidance on Certificates of Need (CON) processes with the NYS Department of Health, including application support, regulatory interpretation, and compliance oversight.
- Manage regulatory approvals and compliance across federal, state, and local requirements (e.g., CON, SEQR, DOT, FAA, EMS, Joint Commission).
- Oversee inspections, documentation, and pre-opening readiness to ensure full compliance and successful project activation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with executive leadership, clinical teams, operations, finance, legal, IT, supply chain, infection prevention, and safety to define requirements and ensure successful delivery.
- Collaborate with General Counsel on contract development and negotiation of third-party agreements.
- Strengthen stakeholder alignment through structured governance, communication cadence, and engagement models.
Risk Management & Operational Readiness
- Drive proactive risk identification and mitigation across projects, including patient care impacts, infection control, safety, utilities, and operational continuity.
- Lead transition and activation planning, including move management, staff readiness, and seamless handoff to operations.
Space Planning & Infrastructure Optimization
- Conduct system-wide space needs assessments, develop strategic options, and oversee implementation of optimized solutions.
- Oversee multidisciplinary teams responsible for design, construction, and execution of complex healthcare projects.
Culture & Continuous Improvement
- Champion a culture of accountability, service, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the PMO and across capital delivery functions.
- Drive consistency, transparency, and disciplined execution across the project portfolio.
Position Qualifications
Minimum Required:
Master’s degree preferred in business;
15+ years of experience in project management, financial analysis, and contract negotiation.
Preferred:
Experience in healthcare management, capital budgeting, and staff management.
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Why You’ll Love Working at UHS
At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection—to patients, to purpose, to each other—makes a difference. That’s why we’re intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job. Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we’re here to help you thrive in work and life.
A Culture of Connection – We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard. Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes for senior leaders are just a few ways we foster belonging and collaboration. Outside of work, we stay connected through team events like trivia, trunk-or-treat, volunteer days, our staff choir, or seasonal celebrations.
Comprehensive Benefits for Life & Family – We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week. With flexible plan options and coverage tiers, you can choose what fits your life best. Additional perks include discounted childcare through Bright Horizons and voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.
Well-Being & Financial Security – From day one, PTO starts accruing so you can take time to recharge. We support your long-term wellness with a 403(b) retirement plan and company match, flexible spending accounts, access to financial advisors, and up to $400/year in wellness rewards. When life gets tough, we’re here with 24/7 EAP counseling, virtual mental health support, a food pantry, PTO donation program, and professional attire through the Classy Closet.
Growth That Moves with You – With access to 100,000+ online courses, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility, we help you grow wherever your passion leads. We also continuously review compensation to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity, so you can feel confident your work is valued and rewarded fairly.
A Place to Call Home – Located in New York’s Southern Tier, UHS offers more than a career—we offer a lifestyle. Enjoy four-season recreation, affordable living, top-rated schools, minor league sports, craft brews, a close-knit community, and more, all within reach of the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and major Northeast cities.
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About United Health Services
United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system in New York’s Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long-term care and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two-thirds of the region’s population, produces $1.3 billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers.
At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we’d love for you to consider joining us!
United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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United Health Services, Inc. and the members of the UHS System neither are affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed nor approved by, nor otherwise associated with, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS), UHS of Delaware, Inc. nor their affiliates, which can be found at www.uhsinc.com.
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