Position Overview

Project Initiation & Planning Manager manages the successful project initiation and project charter program across a broad spectrum of public infrastructure projects for the Harris County Engineering Department- Portfolio Management Office (PMO). The Manager ensures that project scoping and objectives are achieved through allocating resources, facilitating project solutions, and identifying and creating costs, schedules, and scopes. This includes maintaining a solid working knowledge of the PMO project portfolio to rapidly respond to inquiries from the client or management, identify systemic challenges, and initiate solutions through the project charter. The position directly supervises 3 Project Initiation Managers.

• Leads the PMO Team in achieving program goals and objectives through mentoring, resource management, facilitating project solutions, and promoting team cohesion by encouraging a positive, working team atmosphere.
• Assist with consulting procurement and managed internal and external resources to adequately staff the project initiation team, including project initiation, cost estimating & scheduling.
• Promote project initiation controls, tracking, and enhanced reporting, which includes advancing projects to the project delivery teams.
• Maintain responsibility, oversight, and knowledge of the entire portfolio of projects assigned to the PMO Team; meet regularly with department management and senior client representatives to discuss the project initiation.
• Identify and address risks to schedule, budget, or performance with subordinate project delivery managers and engage management as necessary to resolve issues and mitigate risks before impacting project charters.
• Manage and supervise project delivery managers and other related subject matter experts in preparing project charter documents.
• Ensure that quality assurance, risk management, regulation compliance, and permitting are properly evaluated utilizing the Project Management Institute (PMI) business model. Work closely with the Division leadership to track and report project initiation status.
• Work closely with management to monitor and adjust internal processes that promote efficient project execution. This includes assisting with developing written documents and methods for use by PMO staff, support staff, and outside team members to ensure consistency of project initiation.
• Conduct the full range of supervisory duties for assigned Project Initiation Managers and team (but not limited to) workplace safety, training and development, performance management, staffing, policies and procedures, and balancing workload.
• Assist with the review and recommended approval of change orders for condition changes, quality changes, reasonable costs, and appropriate solutions to issues found during the project lifecycle.

Education

Experience

Licensure

• Licensed Professional Engineer
• Valid driver's license (Texas upon hire), a good driving record and, the ability to drive a County vehicle to various job sites as needed to accomplish tasks.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Effectively communicate with team members with an emphasis on stakeholder engagement
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to deal tactfully with a diverse group of people in a professional manner in a complex organization.
•  Ability to read and comprehend construction plans, estimates and specifications.
•  Ability to exercise flexibility in accommodating shifting priorities, demands, and schedules.

NOTE:Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications. 

Education

Experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to exercise flexibility in accommodating shifting priorities, demands, and schedules.
• Working knowledge of Harris County government and procedures
• Knowledge of eBuilder project management software

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week
• Hybrid schedule: Three days in the office and two days working from home.

Salary:

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

FEATURED BENEFITS:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Wellness
• Professional development opportunity
• Flexible spending account
• 457 deferred compensation plans
• Retirement pension (TCDRS)
• Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program)
• Disability and life insurance
• Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)