Construction Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Construction Project Manager plays a pivotal role in managing and overseeing construction and capital projects for the district. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing various construction initiatives to ensure they meet quality standards, timelines, and budgetary constraints while aligning with the district's educational goals.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Project Planning and Execution:
•    Develop and implement comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, and resources allocation, for construction projects across multiple school sites.
•    Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and vendors to ensure all project phases—from design and permitting to construction and closeout—are executed efficiently and according to specifications.
•    Monitor project progress, identify potential issues or delays, and implement corrective actions to keep projects on track.
2.    Budget and Cost Management:
•    Prepare project budgets, cost estimates, and financial forecasts in collaboration with finance and procurement departments.
•    Monitor expenditures, track project costs, and ensure adherence to approved budgets throughout the project lifecycle.
•    Negotiate contracts, change orders, and procurement agreements with vendors to optimize project funding and control costs.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

3.    Quality Assurance and Compliance:
•    Ensure compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards throughout all project phases.
•    Implement quality assurance measures and conduct regular inspections to ensure construction work meets established standards and specifications.
•    Address any quality issues promptly and collaborate with stakeholders to resolve them effectively.
4.    Stakeholder Communication and Collaboration:
•    Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders, including district administrators, school principals, and facilities management teams, regarding project updates and status.
•    Communicate project milestones, risks, and challenges to stakeholders through regular meetings, progress reports, and presentations.
•    Foster positive relationships with external stakeholders, such as regulatory agencies, community groups, and contractors, to facilitate project approvals and resolve issues.
5.    Risk Management and Problem-Solving:
•    Identify potential risks and develop risk mitigation strategies to minimize project disruptions and liabilities.
•    Proactively address project-related issues and challenges by collaborating with stakeholders and implementing timely solutions.
•    Ensure contingency plans are in place to manage unforeseen circumstances that may impact project timelines or budgets.
6.    Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
 

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field; relevant certifications or a Master’s degree is a plus.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Proven experience (typically 5 years) in managing construction projects, preferably within the K-12 education sector or similar public sector environment.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

• Strong knowledge of construction practices, building systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools to effectively plan, track, and report on project progress.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and build consensus.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic oversight for department and/or a major division or for the entire district. Regularly provides project management, team leadership, and supervises staff. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to department.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the organization causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions include schools, non-school departments, central office, senior, and executive management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Regularly assesses and diffuses complex, and escalated customer issues. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for solving systemic customer service problems. Regularly explores alternative and creative solutions to meeting the needs of the customer within HISD's policies and guidelines.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.