Vice President, Construction

Basic Function

Provides construction leadership to the program delivery team on contracting strategy, construction means and methods, phasing and sequencing of work during the project lifecycle.  Works closely with VP of Engineering and Project Management, Project Directors and Program Managers to optimize project delivery on multiple projects of varying size.  Monitors and manages the construction management process including interfaces with Quality Programs and Safety Program.  Ensures contractor’s work meets regulatory guidelines, applicable codes, laws, and FTA requirements; helps evaluate engineered solutions relevant to the successful construction and delivery of capital projects.  Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures. 
 

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Provides primary managerial direction and performs personnel administrative functions of direct report staff (e.g. training, supervising, work assignments, timesheets, performance evaluations, etc.) for maintaining necessary staffing, enhancing productivity of staff and ensuring necessary department outcomes are achieved.
• Directs the administration, coordination and supervision of work performed by outside consultants, vendors and contractors. 
• Responsible for reviewing and approving scope of work, schedules, and budgets for various assigned construction projects; reviews construction work plans for sufficiency, interfaces, and safe execution of the work; Assures each assigned capital project is delivered on schedule, and under budget. 
• Provides oversight and evaluation of engineering solutions for construction problems, alternate technical concepts, and feasibility of unsolicited proposals.
• Assists in the development of risk registers and identifies mitigation options for reducing project risk
• Assists in the preparation of bidding documents for projects of varying size and contracting methods, including industry outreach, pre-bid conferences, and clarification from bidders.
• Leads the coordination effort with partner agencies on interfaces with stakeholders from project inception until project closeout.   
• Works closely with Director of Program Controls to develop Program Schedules and Program Budgets and Project Cost Estimates 
• Assists with contract negotiations with consultants, contractors, and other 3rd party stakeholders
• Responsible for monitoring resource levels in the field against baseline scheduled resources on projects as it relates to managing project delivery.
• Responsible for ensuring capital projects are constructed in compliance with architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, addendums, and contractual provisions.
• Provides evaluation and negotiations support necessary to resolve construction claims brought against METRO; 
• Provides leadership and mentors direct report staff (e.g. training, supervising, diversity of work assignments, performance evaluations, etc.) for the advancement of younger professionals.
• Responsible for construction management budget, special reports, and executive summaries of construction progress for assigned projects. 
• Reviews and approves requests for progress payments and change orders for construction contracts per Matrix of Authority and earned value measurement.
• Directs the coordination of agreements with local utilities, railroads, City of Houston, Harris County, the State of Texas, and government agencies participating in joint or adjacent construction programs.
• Provides excellent customer service to 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 of Science in Civil Engineering or related field preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum twenty (20) years relevant experience in the construction industry delivering infrastructure projects in metropolitan areas with constructed value in the range of $1B.  Extensive experience in the pre-construction bidding, design and construction of multi-contract, multi-year transit projects, including light rail (LRT) and bus rapid transit (BRT) systems and transit centers and other related support facilities. Experience utilizing: (1) alternative delivery system, (2) construction management at risk and (3) traditional design-bid­ built contracting methodologies is desirable. Proven successful experience managing similar transit programs.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Ability to communicate professionally (orally and written) with all levels of management, staff, consultants, engineers, and stakeholders to resolve construction issues.  Knowledge of construction methods, local codes is preferred. 

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.