Assistant Deputy Director - Capital Project Delivery

County of Orange • Orange County, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Deputy Director, Capital Project Delivery, provides strategic and technical leadership for the planning, design, construction, and delivery of complex capital improvement projects within a highly regulated, security-sensitive, and continuously operating environment. This role oversees the design development, constructability review, procurement, construction execution, commissioning, and close-out while ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to ongoing facility operations. Serving as a senior advisor and owner’s representative, the Assistant Deputy Director leads multidisciplinary project and logistics teams; manages consultant and contractor performance; and partners closely with procurement to develop and administer public works contracts. The role requires coordination with internal divisions, external agencies, utility partners, and community stakeholders to ensure compliance with public contracting codes, building and safety regulations, environmental requirements, and security protocols. Capital projects may include modernization of vertical and horizontal infrastructure, structural improvements, utility and electrical distribution upgrades, accessibility enhancements, and campus-wide facility renovations. The position also serves as the primary backup to the Deputy Airport Director, Planning & Development, contributing to division strategy, long-range planning, and executive-level decision-making. This is a highly visible leadership role suited for an experienced project delivery professional who can navigate complex operational constraints while driving excellence in scope, schedule, budget, and stakeholder outcomes.

Requirements

• Six (6) years of professional experience in project delivery across both design and construction for large-scale public works or complex capital infrastructure projects, including work within active, operating, secured, or campus-scale environments
• Three (3) or more years of supervisory or lead experience directing professional staff, consultants, contractors, or technical teams
• Valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, by date of appointment
• Valid Airport Access Badge with an Airport Driving Endorsement within ten (10) days of employment
• Clear a background check which includes a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Security Threat Assessment (STA)
• Airport Access Badge must be maintained and renewed every two (2) years

Nice To Haves

• Aviation experience
• A bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management
• A master’s degree
• Licensure as a Professional Engineer or Architect in the State of California
• Professional certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• Significant experience delivering large-scale public works or capital infrastructure projects, including design coordination, constructability review, construction oversight, commissioning, and close-out
• Ability to lead and integrate multidisciplinary technical teams spanning engineering, architecture, construction management, and project controls
• Demonstrated experience managing projects within operationally constrained and security-sensitive facilities, such as hospitals, campuses, transportation hubs, secured government complexes, or similar occupied environments
• Knowledge of public-sector contracting requirements, including relevant building codes, California Public Contracting Code, Cal-OSHA, and Federal/State/local regulations
• Familiarity with utility system upgrades, vertical conveyance, fire/life-safety systems, MEP/HVAC systems, central utility plants, seismic improvements, or comparable complex infrastructure
• Experience with alternative delivery methods such as design-build, CMAR, progressive design-build, and job-order contracting
• Aviation-specific technical knowledge (FAA standards, airport security protocols, airfield/terminal/landside development)
• Ability to delegate, review, and monitor complex work for quality, timeliness, and accountability
• Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and developing staff in a fast-paced, operational environment
• Proven leadership in guiding diverse stakeholder groups from project concept through completion
• Experience enforcing safety guidelines and promoting safe construction practices
• Ability to interpret and enforce compliance with plans, specifications, schedules, and contract provisions
• Strong analytical skills to anticipate project challenges related to scope, budget, schedule, or operating constraints
• Ability to assess technical data, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions in clear, actionable terms
• Experience resolving escalated issues and coordinating remediation or corrective actions
• Skilled in performing quantity calculations, estimates, and data-driven evaluations
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external staff, contractors, agencies, and regulatory bodies
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and deliver multiple projects simultaneously within active operational settings
• Proven record of completing assignments on time and within budget
• Ability to manage competing priorities, shifting deadlines, and multifaceted stakeholder needs
• Experience coordinating work phases to minimize disruption to facility operations and public services
• Experience presenting technical and project information to executive leadership, elected bodies, private-sector partners, community groups, and regulatory agencies
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise communications suited for diverse audiences
• Demonstrated political and organizational savvy when navigating sensitive issues across departments and stakeholders
• Skilled in written and oral communication for proposals, reports, briefings, and collaborative discussions
• Experience negotiating and managing competitive bidding processes for complex public works contracts

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full project delivery lifecycle, including scope definition, pre-design planning, design development, technical review, constructability analysis, construction oversight, commissioning, and close-out
• Oversee multidisciplinary project management and logistics teams responsible for delivering complex capital projects in an active operating environment
• Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple concurrent projects while minimizing operational disruptions to the facility and its stakeholders
• Partner with procurement teams on public works contracting, including A/E selection, construction contracting, job order contracting, and alternate delivery methods (CMAR, DB, PDB)
• Guide development of scopes, schedules, budgets, technical requirements, security coordination needs, and resource allocations
• Ensure strict compliance with public works contracting requirements, building codes, safety programs, and regulatory frameworks
• Maintain effective communication with internal departments (Operations, Maintenance, Finance, IT, Security, Environmental) and external agencies, cities, and utility providers
• Serve as a technical representative in meetings with contractors, consultants, community groups, and internal leadership
• Monitor and report on project performance, risks, and milestones; recommend corrective measures when issues arise

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level