Director of Construction Engineering

Description

J. A. Watts, Inc. (JWI) is a woman-owned professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we’re known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That’s how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, making us stronger together.  

This position is responsible for developing and executing the strategic direction of the Construction Services Team as part of the overall Engineering and Technology departments. The Director of Construction Services is responsible for maintaining existing clientele and managing the overall growth and development of the Construction Services Team. This individual will be able to apply their Construction Engineering background to challenging Civil Engineering and other Technical projects. The Director of Construction Management will partner with the senior leadership team to develop and implement growth strategies, developing and maintaining competitor and teaming partner knowledge, developing win strategies for targeted opportunities, leading proposal and interview preparation, and helping identify strategic hires. The focus will be managing business development and project staff in the execution of construction engineering pursuits and management. Position will be based in Chicagoland area. Local travel in the northeastern Illinois area for business development and project needs may be necessary on a regular basis. Travel outside that area may be necessary, but is not anticipated to be regular.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead client management/development activities including; maintaining and developing client relationships, managing overall client expectations, and leading project pursuit efforts and identifying new projects to pursue
• Direct and manage the work of other construction professionals including mentoring junior level technical staff and identifying staff requirements for all assigned projects including hiring and supervising workforce to support the Construction and Engineering Team
• Manage the Construction and Engineering team through training, coaching, and mentoring to encourage staff development
• Direct all activities related to construction project management including oversight of work with architects, project managers, coordinators, and external consultants/contractors
• Monitor project specifics on an ongoing basis and ensures compliance with project objectives from JWI and client
• Oversee quality control programs and information management systems for all construction inspection and resident engineering assignments
• Provide leadership through all phases of construction management including managing project team’s daily construction activities and contracts, maintaining QA/QC requirements, developing relationships in the market and directing all technical aspects of construction projects and teams
• Serve as the Project Director with overall responsibility for project financial performance, resolution of project challenges, and ultimately project completion success
• Provide strategic direction for the continual development and efficient use of resources including ongoing analyses of the current state
• Develop a scope of work and budgets for various projects. Monitor and revise project plans as necessary
• Responsible for overall financial budgeting and planning related to the Construction Services Team and related projects
• Perform other duties as required

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering; IL PE strongly preferred
• Experience in engineering design or construction management with increasing levels of responsibility strongly preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience providing construction management services strongly preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience providing project management and/or business development role for a professional services firm
• Experience strongly preferred working with agencies such as IDOT, Tollway, MWRD or other water/wastewater authority. Additional agency, municipality, private and/or additional strategic clientele is a plus
• Knowledge of Client A/E/C procedures
• High level of business acumen with a thorough understanding of management functions for construction management and inspection services
• Experience with strategic planning and business development efforts
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with managers, peers, and direct reports
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse personalities
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills
• An active member in industry Agencies such as IRTBA, ACEC, CMAA and/or others are strongly preferred
• Self-motivated, success oriented and organized
• Expertise in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) required
• Previous experience with pavement management systems is a plus

Company Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employees and family
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available
• Company-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life options
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible work schedules
• Student debt repayment resources available 
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• ID Theft protection
• Company-sponsored social events

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

Salary : $165,000 - $200,000