Deputy Project Manager, Contracts

HNTB Corporation•Los Angeles, CA

9d•$110,390 - $172,662

About The Position

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners. Join our rapidly growing firm in Los Angeles. HNTB has roots in Southern California dating back to 1914 with the landmark design of Pasadena’s historic Arroyo Seco Bridge. HNTB in Los Angeles has received many honors in recent years, including Employer of the Year by the Women’s Transportation Seminar, Firm of the Year by the American Council of Engineering Companies, and Best Places to Work in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal. In addition to leading the design of the Sixth Street Viaduct, the K-Line Light Rail corridor, and the I-405 Sepulveda Pass Widening, we are the program and construction manager for the LACMTA I-105 ExpressLanes, the SBCTA I-10 Express Lanes, the OCTA I-405 Express Lanes, and the CHSRA Construction Package 4. This opportunity entails contract compliance, specifically that the contract rights, remedies, obligations, assignments and risks are maintained among the contracted parties throughout the life of the project for project fees up to $15MM. The DPM Contracts is responsible for managing its risk assignments, properly identifying, vetting and advancing potential changes, and ensuring compliance with the contract requirements in support of a project’s profitable operation. In collaboration with the Project Manager, they will take appropriate measures to ensure full adherence to applicable contract(s), the Manual of Professional Practice (MPP), and all applicable Standards of Performance. The DPM Contracts Manager will support the entire project-life cycle, from setting up the project through ongoing project management and maintenance to close-out. The role will work closely with subconsultants ensuring the teams are delivering their contractual obligations. The DPM Contracts Manager will generate Task Orders on a timely basis outlining detailed scope and schedule that in accordance with the prime contract. Where required, the Deputy Contract Manager will monitor and track progress against budgets, highlight risks, and escalate issues in a timely manner to HNTB Finance and Risk Management groups.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance or related degree
7 years related contract experience

Nice To Haves

Certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP).
A blend of office design experience and field construction experience.
Contract/change management experience including advancing some schedule delays and claims experience for complex owner/contractor agreements for project fees up to $15MM.
The ability to assist project managers with other responsibilities as required, including leading development of contract-required Progress Reports, participating in Quality Control and Monthly Progress reviews, leading regular meetings with subconsultants, assisting with Client audit requests, and providing leadership/direction to Program Management/Construction Management colleagues providing cost control, document control and scheduling support to the Project Manager.
The ability to expand HNTB's pool of quality subconsultant firms, particularly SB, DBE and DVBE-certified firms, available to support local HNTB office.
The ability to assist in the development of HNTB contract proposals by obtaining HNTB training designation as “Contract Manager” and/or “Pursuit Champion” to participate in HNTB office team pursuing new contracts as part of its Sophisticated Sales Approach and Sophisticated Contracts Approach.

Responsibilities

Mentors and supports project team members in all aspects of contract interpretation and compliance, risk management, and change management protocols.
Coordinates and collaborates with the project team, DB Division Business and Project Controls group, and the Enterprise Operations Contracting & Claims (EOCC) and Risk Management (ERM) groups.
Develops and maintains a comprehensive knowledge of the project and all contractual documents, including Owner/Client, Client/HNTB and HNTB/Subconsultant agreements.
Identifies unfavorable terms, risk allocation, and change and dispute procedures.
Ensures development and implementation of a flow-down matrix for subconsultant agreements.
Establishes processes for change management within the project team and in cooperation with the client.
Proactively captures, tracks, manages and reports all potential project changes and cost impacts utilizing the standard Change Order Log.
Ensures contractual compliance of change procedures, including providing of timely notice to the client for all potential changes.
Works closely with the Deputy Project Manager for Design and project controls staff to quantify all cost and schedule impacts due to changes.
Serves as the project lead for advancing potential change orders and defending against back charges and claims.
Develops merit arguments for submission to the design-builder in accordance with the contract requirements and HNTB interests.
Advances disputes in a timely manner and in accordance with the contract requirements and HNTB interests.
Engages EOCC for contract analysis and merit arguments for all disputes and as needed for complex changes.
Facilitates internal and external risk assessment exercises to identify and assign (i.e. to Owner, Contractor, HNTB) risks identified in the contract and scope of work requirements.
Ensures that appropriate risks are passed through to subconsultants (coordinate with EOCC).
Proactively captures, tracks, manages and reports all contract and potential project risks (negative and positive) utilizing the standard project-specific Risk Register.
Supports the development and review of all correspondence and other key communications between the project team and the client, and between HNTB and its subconsultants for contract compliance, liability considerations, transfer of risk, and potential changes or claims.
Reviews design team and subconsultant project reports for commitment and liability concerns prior to submission to the client.
Participates in scheduled Project Reviews to provide an update on project change order and risk status.
Supports the closing out of all contractual requirements.
Assists the PM, EOCC and ERM in the resolution of disputes, claims and litigation issues.
Performs other duties as assigned.