Manager, Construction Materials Testing

Harris County (TX)•Houston, TX

39d

About The Position

The Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing procurement, contract administration, and quality management processes for CMT services across Harris County infrastructure projects. This role ensures that all CMT work complies with project specifications, ASTM, AASHTO, TxDOT, ISO standards, and Harris County requirements. The CMT Manager provides technical expertise, leadership, and staff training, facilitates procurement and contract amendments, and safeguards County resources through rigorous auditing, negotiation, and quality assurance practices.

Requirements

A bachelor's in civil or construction engineering
7 - 10 years of materials testing and supervisory experience
Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.
Strong foundation in design and construction of vertical and horizontal public infrastructure.
Proficiency in reviewing and applying standard specifications (AASHTO, ASTM, TxDOT).
Extensive knowledge of geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, and field inspection practices.
Experience with construction cost estimating, bid tabulations, and contract procurement.
Skilled in auditing accounts payable, reviewing invoices, and resolving discrepancies.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, laboratory reports, and technical specifications.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and report preparation.
Strong communication and negotiation skills with the ability to engage stakeholders, firms, and executive leadership.
Proficiency in algebraic equations and data analysis for validating field/lab results.
Valid Texas Driver's License upon hire, and a good driving record

Nice To Haves

Prior experience managing public infrastructure projects at the county or municipal level.
Experience working with MWDBE/HUB utilization and reporting requirements.
Professional Engineer (PE)
ACI + TxDOT certifications

Responsibilities

Develops, plans, and manages procurement processes for CMT professional services contracts.
Assigns projects to direct reports and provides guidance on CMT cost estimates.
Reviews construction documents, specifications, bid tabulations, and independent cost estimates to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Identifies procurement inefficiencies and implements improvements in coordination with Executive Leadership.
Manages all contract amendments, including auditing requests for additional funding, validating project scope, and negotiating with firms.
Prepares and submits the Commissioner's Court agenda documentation, including supporting backup, cost estimates, and negotiation authorizations.
Attends handover, preconstruction, and biweekly project meetings to establish critical paths and mitigate delays.
Identifies inconsistencies in advertising documents, specifications, and bid tabs; coordinates with design staff to issue amendments.
Reviews laboratory reports and field data to validate the accuracy of results; investigates discrepancies and determines corrective action.
Meets with firms to address inconsistencies in testing, invoicing, and billing practices, ensuring County funds are appropriately utilized.
Audits invoicing, accounts payable, and project funding to verify the legitimacy of charges and determine the necessity of amendments.
Establishes and maintains a comprehensive CMT Quality Management System (QMS), including record retention, documentation standards, and naming conventions.
Uses mathematical and engineering expertise to validate laboratory and field-testing results.
Provides technical training and guidance to Construction Management and Inspection staff on Harris County Standard Specifications, construction practices, and proper interpretation of specifications.
Prepares training documentation, guides, and reference materials to ensure a clear understanding and consistent application of specifications.
Ensures testing complies with project specifications and governing standards (ASTM, AASHTO, TxDOT, ISO 9001/17025).
Reviews and approves field and laboratory reports prepared by technicians.
Prepares and maintains reports on all County projects, including accounts payable, encumbered funds, and MWDBE/HUB utilization.
Monitors MWDBE/HUB participation and ensures County goals (minimum 30%) are achieved in CMT firm selections.

Benefits

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
Wellness.
Professional development opportunity.
Flexible spending account.
457 deferred compensation plans.
Retirement pension (TCDRS).
Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).
Disability and life insurance.
Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
One (1) floating holiday per year
Paid Parental Leave
Sick Leave