Assistant Public Works Director - Business Operations

Institute for Building Technology and Safety•Baton Rouge, LA

10d

About The Position

The Assistant Public Works Director - Business Operations manages contracts, procurement, vendor oversight, and financial processes to help ensure cost-effective, timely, and high-quality services. The position supports efficient service delivery through contractor performance oversight, procurement activities, budget management, and operational improvements that promote accountability, transparency, and organizational effectiveness. The role serves as a liaison to contractors and vendors, monitors performance and compliance, conducts site visits, and provides progress updates to city leadership. It leads procurement, vendor selection, and contract negotiations; develops bid specifications; and assists with operational and capital budgets, including cost-benefit analysis of contracted versus in-house services. The position reviews project scopes, budgets, and schedules; coordinates with a Technical Operations counterpart; develops performance standards; and introduces technology and data-driven processes to improve contract tracking, project monitoring, cost control, and transparency. The position also coordinates contractor mobilization and vendor readiness for emergencies, and manages overall work order progress, customer satisfaction, and reporting as needed. IBTS is a nonprofit organization that provides services in areas including building and community development, energy and sustainability, disaster planning and recovery, quality assurance, and compliance and risk monitoring. The role's environment includes office and field work, with occasional exposure to inclement weather. The opportunity is open to Section S3 Residents; veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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.
Ability to negotiate, manage, and enforce vendor and contractor agreements.
Ability to ensure efficient workflows and timely project delivery.
Ability to identify challenges and develop practical, effective solutions.
Ability to hold oneself, staff, and contractors to high performance standards.
Clear communication skills, including the ability to simplify technical or complex issues for diverse audiences.
Personal traits highlighted for success include work ethic, decisive problem-solving, strategic and innovative thinking, interpersonal skills, risk evaluation and management, relationship building, conflict resolution, and delegation.
Ability to maintain the physical condition necessary for prolonged sitting, standing, or walking and to operate motorized vehicles.

Nice To Haves

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