Assistant Public Works Director - Business Operations

Institute for Building Technology and Safety•Baton Rouge, LA

11d

About The Position

The Assistant Public Works Director - Business Operations manages contracts, procurement, vendor oversight, and financial processes to ensure cost-effective, timely, and high-quality services from contractors and vendors. The role supports efficient service delivery through contractor performance oversight, procurement activities, budget management, and operational improvements that promote accountability, transparency, and organizational effectiveness. The position serves as a liaison with contractors and vendors, monitors compliance with contract terms and performance standards, leads procurement and contract negotiations, and supports operational and capital budgeting. It reviews project scopes, budgets, and schedules and coordinates with the Technical Operations counterpart to balance contracted work with city crew capacity. The role also advances technology-enabled contract tracking and data-driven decision-making, coordinates contractor mobilization for emergencies, and manages work-order progress, customer satisfaction, and reporting as needed.

Requirements

Minimum 3 years of experience in engineering, construction management, contract oversight, procurement, or public works business operations.
Strong knowledge of procurement law, contract management, and financial accountability.
Skills in negotiating, managing, and enforcing vendor and contractor agreements.
Ability to ensure efficient workflows and timely project delivery.
Ability to identify challenges quickly and develop practical, effective solutions.
Ability to hold oneself, staff, and contractors to high performance standards.
Clear communication skills, including the ability to explain technical or complex issues to diverse audiences.
Personal traits emphasized by IBTS include work ethic, decisiveness and problem-solving, strategic and innovative thinking, interpersonal skills, risk evaluation and mitigation, relationship building, conflict resolution, and delegation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as liaison with contractors and vendors, ensuring compliance with contract terms, timelines, and quality standards.
Monitor contractor performance and enforce accountability and corrective actions.
Conduct site visits and provide progress updates to city leadership.
Lead procurement processes, vendor selection, and contract negotiations.
Develop bid specifications and ensure fair, competitive selection processes.
Assist with operational and capital budgets, including cost-benefit analysis of contracted versus in-house services.
Review project scopes, budgets, and schedules for efficiency and alignment with city goals.
Coordinate with the Technical Operations counterpart to balance contractor work with city crew capacity.
Develop and enforce performance standards for contracted services.
Introduce technology for contract tracking, project progress, and cost monitoring.
Implement data-driven decision-making to reduce costs and improve transparency.
Coordinate with contractors for rapid mobilization during natural disasters and emergencies.
Ensure vendor readiness for emergency operations.
Manage overall work-order progress, customer satisfaction, and reporting as needed.