Vice President Program and Construction Operations

Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of Program and Construction Operations is responsible for providing executive leadership overseeing the development of school facilities projects throughout the State of New Jersey, including project planning, controls (i.e., budgets and schedules), design and construction. Provides direction to SDA teams from the pre-design phase through the end of construction and final delivery. Effectively reviews and approves planning, design and construction scopes of work, bids, schedules and change order requests to ensure completeness and compliance with established SDA design standards, policies and procedures. Residency in New Jersey is a requirement for consideration for this position in accordance with the New Jersey First Act.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Directly or indirectly manage the work of five SDA operating units: Capital Planning and Program Operations, Grants Administration, Design Studio, Environmental Services and Construction Operations.

Direct staff of Program Directors involved in the design and construction of school facilities projects. Review and approve construction scopes of work and schedules ensuring completeness.

Perform summary review of the construction logistics plan for each project to ensure the plan is feasible and efficient, as poorly planned and executed logistics can lead to construction delays, cost overruns, poor quality and accidents.

Provide leadership to the Strategic Planning process. Develop updated five-year Strategic Plans for project advancement, development and sequencing. Evaluate the availability of resources, both internal and external, to ensure the plan can be delivered on budget and on schedule.

Identify and evaluate key designs and/or construction issues that negatively impact project budgets and timelines. Develop resolutions utilizing appropriate design and construction management techniques aligned with Authority policies and procedures.

Continuously evaluate operational needs and the availability of internal resources to determine whether it may be necessary or advantageous to engage external resources to supplement existing design and construction staff.

Provide effective and inspiring leadership by being actively involved in all aspects of project development. Develop a broad and deep knowledge of programs.

Manage and oversee business planning activities, including directing and administering Capital Programs. Develop short and long term operational priorities and goals for the Division.

Review and recommend approval of Construction Changes, ensuring that work represents additional work to the base scope and the specific scope represents the most appropriate alternative considering all appropriate analytical considerations, including cost, schedule and other project logistics.

Identify and institutionalize best practices with an eye toward improving efficiency and minimizing project risks.

Invest time and effort in building strong, positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders based on trust, respect, and mutual benefit. Maintain open and transparent communication with stakeholders, informing them of project developments, risks, and opportunities.

Anticipate and resolve construction issues through oversight of in-house constructability reviews, validation and approval/recommendation of solutions to field and construction planning challenges. Meet regularly with contractors to promote efficient, well-managed projects to ensure timely delivery to school districts.

Lead strategy discussions regarding the advancement of work within a given calendar/budget year, being cognizant of all interrelated factors including school opening calendars, bidding pools, etc.

Review, approve and provide reports to the Executive Team and SDA Board in an appropriate and timely fashion.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to chronologically plan activities.

Experience in all facets of public contracting including documentation, execution and processes.

An ability to delegate, manage and prioritize complex issues, multiple staff assignments and projects.

Superior organizational, analytical and problem solving skills and ability to clearly articulate strategy vision.

Cross-functional leadership skills, professional demeanor and attention to detail, fostering an environment focused on teamwork and collaboration.

Able to cultivate and lead a high performing team that deliver results.

An ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and diplomacy.

Detailed knowledge of construction practices; preferably school construction.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Business or Public Administration or a related field.

A working understanding of the State of New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.

Minimum 10-15 years of experience in a demonstrated leadership role in a multi-faceted organization and/or public sector environment with a focus on planning, development, design and construction.

Experience in strategic planning and management practices with a working understanding of financial planning and monitoring of cost.

Experience in managing complex issues with solid problem solving techniques.

Minimum 5 years of experience managing a large staff addressing competing priorities and high volume.

Physical Demands

Minimal.

Certificates and Licenses Required

Valid drivers’ license.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Trenton, NJ 08625 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Trenton, NJ 08625: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Trenton, NJ 08625