Senior Project Manager

The Illinois Tollway (“Tollway”) is dedicated to providing and promoting a safe and efficient system of highways while ensuring the highest possible level of service to our customers. Whether it's I-PASS, the Move Illinois Program, the Bridging The Future Program, open road tolling or keeping you safe with our H.E.L.P. trucks, we are committed to delivering great benefits and services to customers.

The Tollway is a user-fee system – no state or federal tax dollars are used to support maintenance and operations. Operations are funded by toll and concession revenues.

Under the leadership of the Board of Directors and Executive Staff, the Tollway is committed to achieving the following goals: increase collaboration with regional transportation and planning agencies, promote the regional economy, maintain financial integrity, foster environmental responsibility and sustainability, maintain the safety and efficiency of the Tollway system, further transparency and accountability, enhance customer service, and maintain public trust.

In support of this vision, the Senior Project Manager reports directly to either the Executive Project Engineer or Executive Project Manager who in turn reports to the Deputy Chief of Program Implementation. The incumbent has no subordinates. 

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for management and/or support of projects from inception to completion (e.g. projects for planning, feasibility, design, land acquisition, construction, etc. related to Tollway capital improvement projects), of projects that include, but are not limited to:

• Construction of new transportation corridors
• Widening of existing Tollway roadways
• Studies of new access to the Tollway System
• Plaza and Oases Improvements
• Maintenance and other facility related projects

This position provides for overall project and contract management and coordination between the Tollway and consultant firms selected to perform various studies and tasks. The incumbent must possess excellent technical, communication and organizational skills.

The effectiveness of this position is measured by the ability to manage projects and coordinate effectively in conformance with applicable design standards, environmental regulations, as well as with Engineering Department and Tollway goals.

Emphasis is placed on keeping projects on schedule and within specified budget parameters.

The incumbent is responsible for maintaining open lines of communication between the Tollway and consulting firms selected to perform various studies and tasks. This position ensures adherence to Tollway policies and procedures for design of improvements and additions to the Tollway system. 

Generally, as indicated above, projects may vary from construction of a new roadway system to projects for repair, replacement, or modifications of existing facilities, roadway or structures. A high priority is placed on protecting the Tollway's interests through delivery of a safe and cost-effective design.  The effectiveness of this position is measured by the extent that the project is delivered on schedule and within budget, and measured by the incumbent’s ability to communicate to their supervisors the status of the project and proactively inform them of potential issues which may hinder the successful completion of the project.  In addition, the incumbent is often involved in updating, clarifying, or making modifications to standard specifications and special provisions that pertain to his/her level of professional expertise and experience.

Relative to planning and design, this position provides for the overall coordination between consulting firms and the Tollway to produce a professional set of contract documents in a timely and efficient manner.  The incumbent is involved in review and comment on initial project scope of design work and negotiation of contracts with consultants for professional services.

The Senior Project Manager administers contracts and agreements with consulting firms and other entities (state agencies, counties, municipalities, etc.).  Additional responsibilities include the review and approval of invoices, which includes checking billed man-hours versus progress report man-hours.  Changes in the scope of the work and the resultant requests for additional fees must be reviewed and a recommendation prepared and forwarded to the Executive Project Engineer or Executive Project Manager for approval.   

For Master Planning and Design projects, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating project design activity through the design phase from concept and preliminary studies through development of final contract documents and advertisement for bid in accordance with the Tollway's policies, guidelines and manuals. The incumbent ensures that all necessary submittals are received in a timely manner. Submittals are then reviewed to ensure that they conform with applicable standards, that the scope of work is met within the project, and that necessary meetings, referrals for approval, and correspondence are accomplished within the allotted timeframe.  The incumbent monitors costs and progress to determine if design schedules are being maintained.  The incumbent also reviews bids and proposals and makes recommendations for acceptance.

For Construction projects, the incumbent is responsible for administering consultant construction management contracts in accordance with the Tollway's policies and guidelines from project initiation to final project close out.  The incumbent is required to communicate and coordinate with various designers, consultants and other transportation agencies, any other appropriate agency and other Tollway departments to ensure that construction proceeds on schedule.  The incumbent is required to maintain regular communication with their supervisor and seek their guidance and direction to ensure that information and project status is communicated through the Deputy Chief of Program Implementation to the Chief Engineering Officer.  The incumbent must understand the Tollway management structure to ensure that communication and coordination occurs in an organized, timely and effective manner.  

• For Master Planning and Design projects, managing completion of studies and preparation of contract documents through advertisement of construction contracts for bid including development of contract delivery schedules.
• For Construction, administering construction management and construction contracts through final completion and close out.
• Managing and coordinating the internal Tollway review of technical studies, plans, and other project related documentation.  This is done in close coordination with the Tollway's Environmental staff, other Divisions and Departments, as well as with the Tollway's General Engineering Consultant and Traffic Engineer consultant.
• Ensuring that coordination is completed with agencies, stakeholders and the public in a timely manner as appropriate and in accordance with Tollway guidelines including as it relates to securing permits necessary for construction.
• Coordinating with other Tollway Departments and soliciting and providing input during all project phases.
• Managing professional services contracts with consultants including reviewing and developing the scope of work, participating in contract negotiations, reviewing invoices and progress reports, and generally monitoring consultant fees expended and progress through review of fees against work completed to determine adherence to budget and schedule.
• Regularly and effectively communicating the status of project schedule and budget to the Executive Project Manager (“EPM”), Deputy Chiefs of Program Implementation (“Deputy Chief”) and the Chief Engineering Officer as appropriate in accordance with Tollway procedures.
• Timely notice to the EPM, Deputy Chief and Chief Engineering Officer of substantive matters adversely impacting or that have the potential to impact design and/or construction project status.
• Assists the Executive Project Engineers and Managers as well as Deputy Chiefs in the development of guidelines and procedures related to planning, design and construction work.
• Additional duties may include technical coordination in specific areas: materials and bridges. Duties for materials include review of bituminous and concrete mix designs and making recommendations during design for material related issued.  For bridges, responsibilities include review of structural related issues including construction and design, bridge inspection at the Tollway's bridges.
• Other related duties as assigned or required.

• A Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering or a related Engineering field is required
• A professional engineer's license is required. 

• Five (5) to ten (10) years of practical experience in highway planning, design or construction  
• Excellent organizational skills are required to effectively manage complex projects. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is required

Skills and Experience (Preferred)

• Excellent communication skills are desired.  
• Experience in managing planning and engineering studies (including those related to roadway geometrics, construction materials, bridges and traffic) related to transportation improvement projects is desired.
• Experience in managing construction contracts related to transportation improvement projects is desired.
• Experience in administering construction and consultant contracts is desired. 
• Experience with a web-based project management system is desired.

This position is subject to the Revolving Door provision under the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. For questions regarding the Revolving Door provisions, please contact the Illinois Tollway Ethics Officer.

The Illinois Tollway is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, disability, unfavorable discharge from military services, age, order of protection status, military status, sex or sexual orientation. 

Salary : $112,000 - $117,000