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 pursueDirect 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 TeamManage the Construction and Engineering team through training, coaching, and mentoring to encourage staff developmentDirect all activities related to construction project management including oversight of work with architects, project managers, coordinators, and external consultants/contractorsMonitor project specifics on an ongoing basis and ensures compliance with project objectives from JWI and clientOversee quality control programs and information management systems for all construction inspection and resident engineering assignmentsProvide 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 teamsServe as the Project Director with overall responsibility for project financial performance, resolution of project challenges, and ultimately project completion successProvide strategic direction for the continual development and efficient use of resources including ongoing analyses of the current stateDevelop a scope of work and budgets for various projects. Monitor and revise project plans as necessaryResponsible for overall financial budgeting and planning related to the Construction Services Team and related projectsPerform other duties as required
Requirements:Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; IL PE strongly preferredExperience in engineering design or construction management with increasing levels of responsibility strongly preferredMinimum of 10 years of experience providing construction management services strongly preferredMinimum of 5 years of experience providing project management and/or business development role for a professional services firmExperience 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 plusKnowledge of Client A/E/C proceduresHigh level of business acumen with a thorough understanding of management functions for construction management and inspection servicesExperience with strategic planning and business development effortsDemonstrated ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with managers, peers, and direct reportsSuperior interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse personalitiesExcellent verbal, written and presentation communication skillsAn active member in industry Agencies such as IRTBA, ACEC, CMAA and/or others are strongly preferredSelf-motivated, success oriented and organizedExpertise in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) requiredPrevious experience with pavement management systems is a plus
Company Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employees and familyHealth Savings and Flexible Spending Account options availableCompany-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life optionsMatching 401(k) retirement planPaid time off and holidaysFlexible work schedulesStudent debt repayment resources available Professional development and tuition assistanceID Theft protectionCompany-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.
PI262348884
