Senior Project Manager

The University of Southern California (USC) department of Facilities Planning & Management (FPM) – Capital Construction Development is seeking Senior Project Managers to join its team.

The Work You Will Do

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of mid to large-sized construction projects for the university through all phases. Creates project objectives, work scope, project execution and construction management plans and procedures. Oversees and coordinates planning, design, design phase estimating and monitoring construction by the architect/engineers. Develops and manages project budgets and schedules in conformance with available funds and work schedule. Oversees project team members, consultants and contractors allocated to project. Serves as an advisor and resource to project staff to resolve technical or operational problems.

The Senior Project Manager:

• Serves as senior project manager responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of mid to large-sized construction projects. Creates project objectives and work scope. Creates and implements project execution and construction management plans and procedures, and communication and risk mitigation plans. Develops project reports required to keep all relevant parties informed on status of time and cost elements of project.

• Overviews and coordinates planning, design, design phase estimating and monitoring of construction by the architect/engineers of project to ensure its delivery in accordance with construction contract and university requirements and standards. Collaborates with design and construction professionals from various disciplines to ensure successful integration of design and construction and development of drawings and specifications that ensure successful delivery of project within budget and on time.

• Coordinates and monitors progress of construction. Reads and interprets plans, specifications and other technical documents. Provides periodic technical design and/or construction reviews and reports. Conducts needs assessment and determines research methodology and design, as needed. Reviews submittals of drawings and samples. Monitors conformity of construction with contract documents and specifications. Conducts quality assurance reviews to ensure work is satisfactorily performed and completed. Provides formalized milestone signoffs throughout life of project. Ensures compliance with quality control and quality assurance policies, procedures and requirements. Ensures compliance with regulatory and university safety regulations and guidelines.

• Manages and coordinates building, landscape and open space, infrastructure and land-use planning, and regulatory agency zoning and planning requirements as assigned. Provides project guidance and ensures conformance with campus planning and design guidelines.

• Collaborates with client and city officials to facilitate timely and effective participation in the project. Interfaces with regulatory agencies and others to manage the process of obtaining all required project reviews, permits and approvals.

• Coordinates the preparation of university contract and procurement documents and manages procurement processing and implementation. Coordinates with University Purchasing staff on project related purchasing activities including authorization of one-time major purchases.

• Has responsibility for performance and coordination of activities related to construction, scheduling and workflow of construction services and systems. Ensures that required inspection activities are performed by responsible parties to ensure conformity of construction and quality with contract document requirements.

• Oversees project team members, consultants and contractors allocated to project. Identifies potential problems and resolves all project issues in a time effective manner.

• Has responsibility for establishing a quality management plan that meets university quality expectations for the project. Monitors and controls quality process throughout the project delivery cycle to ensure conformance with quality requirements.

• Develops and manages project budgets and schedules in conformance with available funds and work scope that delivers agreed programmatic requirements. Reviews changes requested by project stakeholders and provides advice and recommendations to supervisor on budget, time, and scope implications. Monitors and controls costs throughout project delivery cycle to ensure project is delivered within clients’ cost expectations. Authorizes expenditures and monitors account reconciliation and status to ensure compliance with university guidelines and policies. Prepares and/or directs the preparation of financial reports as required and requested.

• Recommends and ensure processing of payments to architects, contractors and vendors based on approved contract requirements. Conducts pre-construction conferences, reviews bids and recommends award of contracts.

• Serves as an advisor and resource to project staff to resolve technical or operational problems. Schedules and determines the delegation of assignments to project staff and teams. Reviews work of project coordinators, office engineers and project managers. Reviews and corrects work of architect, contractor and consultants. Provides input to performance appraisals.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Job Qualifications

The ideal candidate for the position of Senior Project Manager meets the following preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field

• Project administration with progressive leadership/management within a college or university environment

• Licensed architect or engineer preferred

• Experience with leasehold tenant improvements preferred

Candidates for the position of Senior Project Manager must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a directly related field; however, combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

• 10 years of project management experience with increasing leadership/management responsibility in construction and/or planning

• Knowledgeable in all conventional aspects of the field and other related disciplines/processes. Demonstrated interpersonal skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively

The annual base salary range for this position is $134,861.32 –  $160,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

About USC FPM

FPM (formerly named Capital Construction & Development / Facilities Management Services) is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining the breadth of the facilities at USC, and is also dedicated to creating a safe environment for our USC community. Woven into every service, safety is of upmost importance. As FPM, this diverse group of innovative and talented professionals provide high quality facilities construction, operations and maintenance services at USC and serve as dedicated stewards of USC and FPM core values. FPM values employee recognition, accountability, collaboration, respect, and trust.

Come and join the FPM team – a team that works as trusted partners shaping an environment of innovation and excellence. Apply today!

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 10 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and project management experience with increasing leadership/management responsibility in construction and/or planning. Knowledgeable in all conventional aspects of the field and other related disciplines/processes. Demonstrated interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.