Senior Project Manager

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

MBTA’s Alternative Delivery Methods for construction are currently defined as Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMAR) or Design/Build (D/B). The experience and skill sets needed to manage stakeholders, design consultants, budgets and construction managers/contractors are demonstrably different than the conventional design/bid/build methodology. The Senior Project Manager for Alternative Delivery will be the MBTA’s lead representative for Capital Projects with construction values greater than $150 million. Responsibilities will include the procurement, management and closeout of design and construction contracts as well as coordination and communication with internal and external stakeholder groups to facilitate both design and construction activities. The Senior Project Manager will ensure that quality standards are maintained throughout design and construction process so that the delivered asset will provide service for the anticipated service life. The purpose of these efforts is the safe, resilient, on-budget and on-time delivery of Capital Projects.

This position will report to the Deputy Chief of Alternative Delivery Group or designee as required.

Duties & Responsibilities

• The Senior Project Manager has the responsibility for the project’s technical and financial directions and for ensuring external and internal customer satisfaction with project results.
• Administer professional service, design and construction contracts, including involvement in design contract and amendment negotiations.
• Establish initial project budgets, cost estimates, cash flow projections.
• The Senior Project Manager is the main contact between the MBTA and consultant, construction manager or contractor.
• Manage assigned Capital projects in accordance with all MBTA Manuals, policies and procedures as may be amended from time to time, or program-specific delivery protocols and procedures including but not limited to: Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual; Project Controls Manual; Quality Assurance Manual; Construction Change Management Manual , Field Staff Manual; Contract Administration Policies and Procedures; MBTA Directives published on the MBTA web page or provided directly by the Authority, as well as FTA Circular 4220.1F Third Party Contracting.
• Assist in the development of Capital Programs project scopes, budgets, and schedules as part of the capital planning process.
• Assist in the procurement of consultants and contractors, as required.
• Negotiate project assignments, task orders, amendments, change orders and use of contingency and make recommendations for approval for values above delegated authority.
• Ensure that all work has been completed and necessary approvals have been obtained prior to advertising projects for construction, including budget approval, environmental permits and approvals, real estate actions and approvals, force accounts (e.g., utility, traffic, railroad operator), other agency and municipal agreements (e.g., MOU's, MOA's, Interagency Agreements) and other third-party agreements.
• Provide monthly and/or quarterly updates of project schedules and budgets.
• Monitor project schedules and budgets to ensure financial and schedule milestones are met.
• Review, analyze and approve monthly payment and schedule submissions from consultants and contractors.
• Coordinate and participate in Project Design Group meetings, value engineering sessions, constructability reviews and risk workshops, as required.
• Coordinate project tasks or activities with other Capital Programs personnel, including contract administration, field staff and other project coordinators, as required. Coordinate project tasks with other Departments, including but not limited to Capital Program Support Department, Finance, Engineering and Maintenance and Railroad Operations, as required.
• Coordinate project activities with outside agencies, abutters, utility companies, community groups and other third parties affected by the project, as required.
• Manage the construction project process from advertisement to contract closeout to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget.
• Resolve any conflicts that may occur throughout the life of the project.
• Manage on-call and/or emergency repair contracts.
• Proactively identifying and resolving potential field issues.
• Analyze all contract proposals or bids and provide recommendations for senior management approval.
• Secure commitments from MBTA Operating Departments concerning the availability of their resources.
• Organize and prioritize workload, be proactive in identifying project needs/requirements.
• Provide monthly and/or quarterly updates of project schedules and budgets, prepare project-related correspondence, reports, charts, and presentations utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Database, and PowerPoint.
• Work independently in addressing complex tasks in a time-sensitive environment. Follow up on actions required for task and project completion while seeking guidance as necessary.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker in a courteous and professional manner consistent with the Authority's Customer Service quality standard.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and/or attend off-site meetings.
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• Oversee professional staff including Project Coordinators, Resident Engineers, Construction Inspectors, and other administrative personnel as assigned.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

• Five (5) years of demonstrated experience managing medium to large sized construction projects as a “Project Manager” in title for an Owner of real estate, Construction Manager, or as an Owner’s Project Manager consultant. This experience must be demonstrated on the candidate’s resume and with a project list. References will be required.
• Two (2) years of experience in a managerial, supervisory, or leadership capacity successfully leading large projects.
• The successful delivery of a minimum of (3) projects or an aggregate project total of $150M utilizing the Alternative Delivery methods addressed above in vertical construction (CMAR) and/or horizontal (Design Build) (design and/or construction) with individual project values in excess of $20 million. or related experience in a technical design or construction group supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of and ability to manage contracts which would include all best practices as it relates to scope/fee negotiation, cost control activities and tasks, schedule control activities and tasks, and other business practices related to the monument of Capital Projects,
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and/or oversee a wide variety of technical professionals that would include MBTA staff and consultants working in Field Oversight Services, Project Controls, Change Order management and Quality Assurance.
• Working knowledge of industry standards and ability to support project safety.
• Effective communication, organizational, analytical, time management, and interpersonal skills. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Database, and PowerPoint applications.
• Proven track record of collaboration, transparency, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to effectively communicate with customers, employees, and vendors.
• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Availability to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• The ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Demonstrated experience working on or managing projects utilizing alternative project delivery methods. on Public Projects in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under MGL149A.
• Master’s degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, or related field.
• Seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in a responsible charge role in design or construction for building and/or infrastructure projects utilizing Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMAR) and/or Design/Build (D/B).
• Licensed Professional Engineer, Architect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or ability to attain through reciprocity.
• Nationally recognized certification as a Construction Manager.
• Strong project controls knowledge and ability to accurately evaluate consultant and contractor cost and schedule submissions and scheduling knowledge (P6).
• Familiar with FTA, FRA, MBTA, and MassDOT rules and regulations regarding project delivery, environmental requirements, and permitting.
• Familiar with AREMA, AASHTO, and MBTA standards.
• Knowledge transit/railroad related safety rules and regulations and conducting work in an operating environment.
• Experience using E-Builder or another project management platform.

Substitutions Include

• A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

• Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.

• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.

• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.

• Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.

• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.

• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.

• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or [email protected].

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.

• Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.