Manager of Construction

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

The Manager of Construction, Operations Project Delivery (OPD) manages the day-to-day execution of a portfolio of complex MBTA Capital and Operations projects that enhance MBTA's operational effectiveness and infrastructure resilience. This role ensures construction readiness, contractor oversight, schedule adherence, and quality assurance across active projects. The Manager of Construction serves as a key operational interface between the project team, field execution, and internal/external stakeholders and handles special projects initiated by OPD. The Manager reports to the Deputy Chief or Senior Director of OPD.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the execution of a portfolio of capital projects with a focus on project implementation in close coordination with internal and external stakeholders to incorporate stakeholder input while delivering projects on time, within budget, with minimized service disruptions.
• Coordinate with unaffiliated and unionized staff including Project Managers, Project Coordinators, Resident Engineers and other assigned or contracted technical staff delivering a portfolio of transit infrastructure projects to ensure timely and high-quality project delivery.
• Organize project phasing and operational impact mitigation across all projects with Operations and other MBTA departments.
• Provide construction oversight to support delivery of portfolio in accordance with MBTA project delivery manuals, FTA/FRA standards, safety protocols, and applicable policies and procedures as may be amended from time to time, or program specific delivery protocols and procedures if supporting a major MBTA program: Project Manager’s Manual; Project Controls Manual; Quality Assurance Manual; Resident Engineer’s Manual; Contract Administration Policies and Procedures; MBTA Directives published on the MBTA Web Page or provided directly by the Authority.
• Lead field coordination, issue tracking, and risk management during construction and specifically service outages for assigned projects through project teams.
• Support the development of project scopes and schedules for assigned projects and ensure compliance through project execution.
• Prepare reports, briefings, and presentations for OPD management, stakeholders, community groups, and senior leadership.
• Promote a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement within project teams. Drive quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) throughout project lifecycle.
• Participate in recruitment, training, field resource planning, and mentoring of OPD staff.
• Participate in Project Design Group meetings, value engineering sessions, constructability reviews and risk workshops, as required.
• Collaborate with other Capital Department personnel, including contract administration staff, field staff, project coordinators, and project teams as required.
• Ensure that project coordination with other Departments, including the Capital Program Oversight Department, Engineering and Maintenance, and Railroad Operations, as required, occurs on a timely basis and secure commitments from MBTA Operating Departments concerning the availability of their resources.
• Ensure that coordination of project activities with outside agencies, abutters, utility companies, community groups and other third parties affected by the project, as required, occurs on a timely basis.
• Proactively engage in the resolution of potential field issues.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, charts and presentations utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Database and PowerPoint, as required.
• Work both independently and in support of project teams to address complex tasks in a time-sensitive environment.
• Organize and prioritize workload and be proactive in identifying project needs/requirements.
• Understand the ongoing construction activities to identify and prioritize needs for field support and coordinate with the Manager of Field Staff to schedule staff for capital projects by private development teams, including weekend diversions and surges.
• Develop projects plans for assigned special projects that align with department and team goals, allocate resources, and drive initiatives to successful completion while defining and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), milestones, and deliverables.
• Follow up on actions required for successful project completion, as required.
• Be responsive to all safety incidents and coordinate with MBTA Safety and other MBTA Departments to resolve them in a timely manner and develop/implement lessons learned.
• Ensure all safety procedures are enacted, documented, and communicated through proper channels on capital projects.
• Ensure field issues are communicated through proper channels, documented, and resolved.
• Perform site visits to Field Offices to ensure compliance with alldepartmental policies, guidance, and procedures.
• Mentor resident engineers and construction inspectors in project processes/phases and construction coordination.
• Indirectly supervise capital project management staff including contractors, consultants, and others in Operations Project Delivery.
• 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.
• Respond, either directly or through others, to emergencies twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and/or attend off-site meetings.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Science in Civil/Structural Engineering or related field from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of experience in a transit or construction setting managing, reviewing, designing, and implementing contract & procurement, engineering and/or maintenance processes.
• One (1) year of direct supervisory experience over a team of field or construction personnel and/or cross-functional project leadership roles.
• Knowledge of construction delivery methods, capital planning, and regulatory frameworks (FTA, FRA, etc.).
• Demonstrated success managing complex procurements and supervising staff, consultants, and contractors.
• Strong project controls knowledge and ability to accurately evaluate consultant and contractor cost and schedule submissions.
• Familiar with FTA, FRA, MBTA and MassDOT rules and regulation regarding project delivery, environmental requirements and permitting.
• Familiar with AREMA, AASHTO and MBTA standards.
• Excellent writing, organizational, analytical, time management and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Database and PowerPoint applications.
• Effective professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• 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.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner
• Must possess a valid driver’s license in accordance with MBTA policy.
• 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

• Seven (7) years of experience in the management of railroad or transit projects (design and/or construction) or related experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Three (3) or more years of direct supervisory experience over a team of field or construction personnel and/or cross-functional project leadership roles.
• Master’s degree or certification in project management (e.g., PMP, CCM).
• Familiarity with MBTA project delivery processes and manuals.
• Experience managing multiple large-scale infrastructure projects within a public sector environment.

Substitutions Include

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the Bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An Associate’s degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the Bachelor’s degree requirement
• A Master’s degree in a related subject substitute 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.