Project Manager, CPD

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

7d•$115,600 - $136,000

About The Position

As a member of Facilities Services Capital Project Delivery (CPD), the Project Manager reports to a Director or Assistant Director and manages or assists in managing assigned projects throughout the capital development cycle. The role coordinates transitions from planning into CPD and completed projects to facilities operations, working independently within the formal processes and procedures of the capital program. The Project Manager leads projects of varied types and scales, including technical, research, and laboratory facilities; small-scale renovations; general and large-scale renovations and new buildings; programming, feasibility, and preliminary design projects; and infrastructure recapitalization and systems projects. The position oversees planning, design, construction, project controls, stakeholder communication, and closeout, ensuring projects meet scope, budget, schedule, standards, and quality requirements.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
Five to seven years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Ability to physically enter and comfortably move through a construction site, visually inspect work in progress, traverse significantly uneven surfaces, and climb ladders.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's or related degree in construction management, building-industry engineering such as mechanical, electrical, structural, or civil engineering, or architecture.
Seven years of experience in planning, design, construction, and project management-related duties and activities.
Experience in project or program management for building and infrastructure design and construction.
Experience in higher education, education, research, health care, or similar commercial or industrial facilities.
Familiarity with design-phase milestones, bidding and permitting processes, and construction administration.
Experience with specialized processes and complex MEP and HVAC support systems.
Demonstrated competency and exposure to building projects of different scales and all building trade divisions.
Experience working within complex phasing constraints and densely built, mature facilities.
Demonstrated ability to develop and manage project budgets and schedules during planning, design, and construction.
Familiarity with coordinating multiple interest groups and stakeholders.
Proficiency in schedule development and tracking, including Microsoft Project.
Experience developing project budgets and predicting costs based on scope, quality, and available funding at different stages of development.
Experience using project management software such as e-Builder or Procore.
Computer literacy with Microsoft Office and industry software, including Word, Excel, Smart Sheet, Outlook, PowerPoint, Blue Beam, AutoCAD, and Claude.
Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to perform within deadlines.
Ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
Knowledge and understanding of building systems.
Familiarity with building processes and codes in the City of Chicago.
Ability to read and interpret construction documents, including drawings and specifications.
Knowledge of environmental conditions, historical preservation, and sustainable and energy-efficient design considerations.
Knowledge of architectural and engineering professional services contracts.
Understanding of project delivery methods and associated construction contracts.
Demonstrated negotiation skills and ability to understand construction documents and evaluate estimates, bids, and cost proposals.
Ability to hold consultants accountable for contractual deliverables, schedules, and budgets.
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills with project stakeholders.
Excellent customer service skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop relationships with University clients and stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to handle ambiguity and exert informal authority.
Ability to work independently and manage one's workflow.
Competencies in lead performance and flawless execution; business acumen and organizational astuteness; decision quality, accountability, and driving results; and effective, influential communication.

Responsibilities

Manage project planning, including confirming scope or program, conducting site assessments, and identifying forensic evaluations to support sound first-cost and life-cycle-cost decisions.
Lead development of assigned project budgets in support of Facilities Services and University capital planning efforts.
Develop master project schedules and define project team roles and responsibilities.
Review programming, including building infrastructure requirements, utilities, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Ensure project budget, schedule, scope, standards, and quality meet requirements.
Establish and review project documentation, prepare progress reports, and negotiate additional services and contractor change-order requests.
Work with consultants to identify value opportunities.
Identify project phasing requirements based on the academic calendar, campus impacts, and project funding.
Develop monthly expense forecasts covering basic services, change orders, and anticipated future project costs.
Develop Requests for Proposals and assist with solicitation and evaluation of proposals and selection of design, construction management, and consulting vendors and contractors.
Lead vendor negotiations and participate in contract development.
Manage and coordinate projects from inception through closeout, overseeing design and construction professionals.
Guide design and construction to ensure adherence to University Facilities Standards and project design objectives.
Manage permitting and coordinate with authorities having jurisdiction.
Coordinate construction logistics and support plans, including traffic, staging areas, and parking.
Ensure completed work is transferred to Operations and Management and University units in accordance with Facilities Services project management processes.
Oversee timely project completion, closeout submittals and procedures, archiving, and customer move-in.
Develop commissioning and turnover plans; manage punch lists, warranties and guarantees, systems training, certificates of occupancy, and approval of final contractor pay applications.
Communicate regularly with internal and external customers and stakeholders about project processes and progress.
Maintain project records, including meeting minutes, issue tracking, and document distribution.
Build relationships with Facilities Services colleagues and University partners to support Facilities Services objectives and appropriate project governance.
Promote teamwork and cooperation in keeping with Facilities Services philosophies.
Lead others in recommending process improvements for larger, complex facilities projects.
Perform other related work as needed.