Utilities Contract Manager

Louisiana Bridge Builders (“LBB”) is designing and building the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles, Louisiana (USA) for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD). LBB will also be responsible for the reconstruction of interstate highway, various structures, ramps, and approaches for a 5.5 mile stretch between I-210 West End and Ryan Street. 

Louisiana Bridge Builders offers a competitive salary, relocation assistance where relocation is required and approved, medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, paid holidays, vacation, and sick time, and more.

Louisiana Bridge Builders is an equal opportunity employer. 

POSITION PURPOSE/SUMMARY 

The Utilities Contract Manager is committed to supporting Louisiana Bridge Builders by providing overall leadership and supervision of the project’s utilities management aspects.

LOCATION 

This position is based in Lake Charles, LA.  

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Responsible for the overall leadership and supervision of the utility’s contracts, agreements, and permits of the project while complying with all the applicable environmental, technical and contractual requirements.
2. Work with the Utility Manager and coordinate with all stakeholders involved, including but not limited to utility owners, owner verification company (OVC), and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD).
3. Coordinates internal resources from technical, construction and commercial departments to prepare agreements, contracts, permits required for the utility relocation process from the early stages of the project.
4. Lead the process of Utility Relocation Agreements with the Utility Owners, coordinating with the involved internal departments, OVC, and LADOTD. 
5. Manages all aspects of the project, including construction, budget, and cash management for a single assigned project to ensure compliance with the project contract and owner needs.
6. Assesses initial project contract and supporting documents for completeness. Works with the owner to resolve specification, contract conflict, and scheduling issues.
7. Partner with engineering and scheduling teams to identify and negotiate any proposed change orders, engaging the Area Manager for support as needed.
8. Creates and presents monthly cost and revenue forecasts and reports to LBB leadership.
9. Maintains working relationships with supporting departments and the project owner to support the project work plan and payment schedule.
10. Support the Utility Manager as one of the main point of contact for all third-party stakeholders, including landowners, local business owners, utility owners, railroad, and government agencies that need to be engaged during the project.
11. Ensures project safety reviews and procedures are followed by conducting weekly safety checks and engaging in safety meetings and monthly review meetings. Supports the safety programs of the project and owner safety programs.
12. Participates in the dispute resolution process with support from internal legal counsel.
13. Provides input on equipment procurement methods and contracts to ensure efficient and effective project production.
14. Leads project closeout procedures, finalizing contract paperwork, obtaining retainages, and working with management to resolve any project claims. Leads the project debrief cycle to review all aspects of project work and completion.
15. Hire, motivate, and lead a high-performing team through coaching, top-tier talent retention, and directed recruiting efforts.
16. Supervises team, including training, providing work direction, problem-solving assistance, reviewing performance, recommending salary increases, promotions, transfers, demotions, and terminations. 
17. Performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.   

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, & SKILLS FOR SUCCESS 

1. Effectively communicate in a positive and professional manner through written and verbal communications in all interfaces with customers/public, fellow employees, vendors, etc.
2. Ability to use appropriate computer programs (including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite) which includes having proficient computer skills and the ability to adapt and learn as programs and processes change.
3. Ability to work as a team member and exert initiative to work independently to reach a goal.
4. Ability to embrace change in the workplace while encouraging others to seek innovative approaches.
5. Ability to function effectively as a team player and collaborator.
6. Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including overtime and work additional and/or different hours, including but not limited to nights, weekends, and/or holidays, as needed, to best serve the business operations. 
7. Ability to maintain a valid and current driver’s license.   

QUALIFICATIONS 

At a minimum, the Utilities Contract Manager must have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, construction management, or equivalent field of study, along with 10 years of management and utility relocation works within large-scale civil construction projects, reviewing and negotiation of technical contracts including but not limited to joint venture agreements, utility relocation agreements, and utility coordination agreements experience, as well as proven, proficient, knowledge with scheduling software such as MS Project or Primavera experience, and a valid and current driver’s license or a high school diploma, or equivalent, along with 14 years of management and utility relocation works within large-scale civil construction projects, reviewing and negotiation of technical contracts including but not limited to joint venture agreements, utility relocation agreements, and utility coordination agreements experience, as well as proven, proficient, knowledge with scheduling software such as MS Project or Primavera experience, and a valid and current driver’s license. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Select one the following for the each of the items listed below: 

• N (Not Applicable) – Activity is not applicable to this occupation.
• O (Occasionally) – Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time or 0 – 2.5 hours/day.
• F (Frequently) – Occupation requires this activity from 33%–66% of the time or 2.5–5.5 hours/day. 
• C (Constantly) – Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time or 5.5 hours/day.

Louisiana Bridge Builders is an equal opportunity employer.