Sr Program Director Construction Engineering

Summary

Manages the construction engineering and construction specialist staff to ensure that construction work at NYPA and/or Customer facilities are assigned and executed in accordance with project schedule, authorized budget, and in conformance with the approved engineering design, contract documents, and all codes and standards; as applicable.

Provide direct oversight of contractors and onsite management of construction projects (for projects at NYPA sites only). A Construction Engineering Manager may have background from one of the engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and inspect in-progress construction work for compliance with contract documents, specifications, permits, and drawings, and provide technical guidance in on-site O&M and startup activities.
• Serve as the principal decision-maker for evaluating construction cost estimates, technical proposals, and functional designs.
• Establish and enforce compliance with contract and design specifications, applicable codes, standards, permits, and regulatory requirements across multiple projects.
• Lead safety initiatives, including performing comprehensive daily safety walk-downs, reviewing job hazard analyses, monitoring compliance with approved health and safety plans.
• Oversee management of field changes with Change Order and Engineering procedures, ensuring systematic approvals.
• Develop and implement improvements for increased field productivity and support field personnel on construction problems related to contract document interpretation, labor relations, cost, and scheduling or other construction issues.
• Authorize and oversee the review of invoices, construction drawings, specifications, and related documents 
• Supervise and evaluate daily construction logs, document progress, and make high-level recommendations for corrective actions. 
• Ensure contractor compliance with inspection plans and strategically engage third-party inspection agencies when necessary.
• Ensure contract punch lists are developed for each project, maintained, and closed accordingly.
• Lead and mentor all site construction management personnel, providing high-level coaching, discipline, performance reviews and career development.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering disciplines, with the ability to consider the contractual, legal, and financial implications of project-related decisions.
• Extensive understanding of industry best practices related to construction techniques, project management, and contract administration.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and oversee complex, large-scale projects and programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at senior levels 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to foster strong relationships with external organizations and regulatory bodies.
• Advanced technical leadership in construction, project management, and the operation of a bulk electric system, with a focus on innovation and improvement.
• In-depth understanding of policies, procedures, and interactions with external organizations, including regulatory agencies and customers.
• Ability to work independently at a strategic level, with minimal supervision.
• Expertise in performing safety incident root cause analyses.
• Demonstrated expertise in the construction process, specifically in mechanical, civil, structural, and architectural components related to commercial and industrial facilities.
• Ability to provide legal testimony if required and oversee the engagement of third-party inspection agencies.
   

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering 
• Advanced engineering degree preferred.
• New York State PE License is required.
• Inspection experience associated with Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Instrumentation & Control projects.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Project / Construction Management, preferably in the utility, commercial or related heavy mechanical/electrical industries.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role, managing teams, direct staff and/or contractors required.
• Substantial experience managing contractual, legal (e.g., managing construction claims and litigation), and financial aspects of multiple, diverse and complex projects

One or more of the following certifications preferred: 

• Certified Construction Manager certification preferred, or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• OSHA 30-hour certification required or ability to obtain within 1 year.
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