Project Director

Basic Function

Responsible for management and delivery of planning, design and construction phases of a large transit project with constructed value of $1B+.  Manages the execution of work by METRO staff, consultants, construction contractors and third parties with adherence to scope, schedule and budget; actively manages the project toward accomplishing project milestones while complying with quality control standards and adherence to PE&C policies and procedures. Represents METRO at coordination meetings with partner agencies, utility companies and private businesses and stakeholders during the project life cycle. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Manages, oversees, instructs, and approves scope of work by consultants, contractors and third parties; actively manages work towards achieving project milestones and project delivery.
• Prepares a Risk Register for the Project during project inception and maintains and updates the register through the project lifecycle.  Works closely with executive management to reduce and manage risk and recommend release of contingency as appropriate based on project progress.
• Manages all work on the corridor to ensure documentation and design work meet FTA and EPA regulatory compliance, local and federal codes, METRO policies and procedures, and contracts negotiated between METRO and contractors and consultants.
• Defines roles and responsibilities within the project or program, assures scope sufficiency, constructability; prepares technical reports and white papers to evaluate and differentiate between multiple options to aid executive management in decision making.  
• Reviews proposed change orders to construction, procurement, and installation contracts for need, merit, and recommends appropriate course of action per departmental and agency Matrix of Authority.
• Manages a team of planning, design, and construction oversight personnel on a single or multiple project.   
• Monitors performance of work to ensure that the project is meeting designated milestones, on schedule, at or under budget and in compliance of project quality assurance and contract specifications.
• Assists in the development of agreements with utilities, railroads, City of Houston, Harris County, the State of Texas, and governmental agencies necessary for the corridor or project.
• Manages and reports on the quality and effectiveness of construction inspection and testing.
• Coordinates the workflow for oversight activities within area of responsibility to assure goals and objectives are met among METRO staff, contractors, consultants, stakeholders and outside agencies.
• Manages budget expenditures associated with contractual agreements within the project scope. Receives, approves, and processes contractor invoices, evaluates and resolves claims and disputes in coordination with executive management, and approves contract payment certificates (CPC) for consultants and contractors.
• Develops forecasted staffing plan for multiple project assignments within a single program; monitors performance and makes adjustment to resources in order to meet project milestones.
• Prepares and makes presentations at inter-departmental, community meetings, and present project facts at the quarterly METRO budget and FTA meetings, and project updates at METRO Board meetings.
• Works closely with METRO Executives in securing METRO, TxDOT, and FTA approval for funding and incurred costs related to transit development.
• Coordinates between contractors and stakeholders to resolve any issues during project implementation
• Provides excellent customer service to both METRO internal and external customers.
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.  

Years & Experience Required

Minimum twenty (20) years of progressive experience in project management to include ten (10) years of managing staff and consultants on large $1B+ transit projects.  Comprehensive experience in multi-modal transit/transportation projects with emphasis on LRT & BRT in alternate project delivery methods.  Experience with managing and negotiating contract scope and change orders.  Experience with developing construction packaging strategy.  Experience working with local and private utility companies. 

Knowledge & Skills Required

Licensed as a Texas Professional Engineer preferred. Strong negotiating skills and knowledge of laws and contracts.  Ability to work in groups and coordinate work activities, including sensitivity to diverse groups of people.   Ability to make sound and logical decisions given abstract conditions.  Ability to recognize high-level scenarios and assessment of intangibles in complex situations.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.