CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM MANAGER (open to current UWF employees only)
Apply NowCompany: University of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
UW Facilities (UWF) manages the University's buildings, infrastructure, and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a variety of fields. UWF units include Asset Management, Business Innovation & Technology, Campus Energy, Utilities & Operations, Finance & Administration, Operations and Real Estate. The Asset Management group is responsible for optimizing the full life cycle of University property from acquisition and development through operations and renewal. It includes Campus Architecture & Planning, Engineering Services, Sustainability and the Project Delivery Group. Please visit UW Facilities web page for more information: UW Facilities.
The Project Delivery Group is comprised of an executive director, directors, project and construction managers, contract manager and administrators, design and construction partners, within the Asset Management unit in UW Facilities. The PDG is responsible for the delivery of capital projects that help fulfill the University's teaching, research, health care and innovation mission. From concept to completion to transition to occupancy, PDG leads the planning, design and construction required to execute and successfully complete projects ranging from small remodels to new buildings. As respected industry leaders, PDG brings experience, knowledge, a collaborative mindset, and a focus on client service to comprehensively manage all aspects of the different project delivery methods including critical patient care rosters, job order contracting, design-bid-build, GC/CM, design-build and public/private partnerships.
The Project Delivery Group (PDG) has an outstanding opportunity for a Construction Program Manager to lead complex construction projects across multiple campuses. Reporting directly to the Director of Construction & Safety, this position will serve as the University's representative to lead the planning, design, procurement, construction, and acceptance of capital projects, within the limits of delegated authority and the approved project budget. The position will also be responsible for managing the construction program, leading a team of construction managers, overseeing their daily activities, and coordinating project workload allocation.
The Program Manager oversees all aspects of the construction phase, including vendor selection, personnel and resource management, and project execution. This role ensures best practices in schedule and budget management, lean construction principles, and quality assurance. Additionally, the Program Manager is responsible for establishing commissioning, transition to occupancy, and close-out procedures for capital projects, and implementing management tools for the staff to use to elevate efficiency and team accountability.
Construction operations at UW encompass how the Project Delivery Group (PDG) administers project execution, allocates resources, provides field direction, interacts with design and construction teams, processes change orders, and upholds accountability throughout the construction process.
Position Responsibilities
(40%) Program Management
Assign and prioritize projects among team members, ensuring optimal workload distribution and resource allocation.
Support staff in problem-solving on complex projects, offering coaching on technical and organizational challenges.
Develop and maintain a positive and collaborative team culture, driving engagement in construction practices and process improvements.
Lead initiatives to improve safety, quality, and efficiency within construction program delivery.
Drive operation efficiencies and excellence using measurable metrics that can be tracked across the capital construction program.
Develop and support departmental efforts and priorities in the development of the Major and Minor Capital program; advise on expansion, modernization, and innovative modifications, working in concert with other campus facilities professionals.
Engage with relevant UWF business partners, University officials, regulatory agencies, and support personnel to identify, plan, and mitigate any impacts to campus operations.
Distribute accurate information to the correct people on time; recognizes liabilities and potential problems, prepares, and presents timely recommendations to appropriate officials and decision makers and ensures change orders for construction services are warranted and properly scoped and priced.
Develop and track KPIs for project progress, contractor performance, budgets, and schedules.
Collaborate with the Director to refine project execution standards, safety integration, operational protocols, and risk mitigation strategies.
Coordinate preconstruction planning, including constructability reviews, safety planning, and logistics.
Lead process improvement initiatives to minimize construction delays, change orders, and inefficiencies.
Serve as a key escalation point for resolving project-related challenges involving contractors, vendors, or internal stakeholders.
(20%) Construction Management:
Using discretion and independent judgment, manage the efforts of contractors during the construction phase of all projects, including general, mechanical, and electrical work, from contract award through warranty.
Ensure that adequate construction support services and facilities are provided as required for in a timely manner.
Prepare construction change notifications; process change orders and negotiate and approve pricing with the contractor up to the limit of delegated authority.
Establish a system for dispute resolution; review and respond to delay claims; develop proposed solutions to solve outstanding problems.
Maintain Owner's project statistics and change order tracking system.
Create monthly reports on progress, schedule and budget for senior management, each month during construction.
Maintain project progress reports and photographic history of the work.
Review the contractor's work plan and coordinate inspections of the quality of work and materials.
Review and approve the contractor's "Schedule of Values" and monthly applications for payment.
Receive, evaluate, distribute and respond to contractor correspondence.
Draft and release correspondence to consultants, other University departments and state, county, city and other regulating officials.
Arrange and conduct project meetings including weekly progress meetings, change board meetings, pre-installation meetings, preconstruction conferences, partnering sessions, disputes review board meetings and owner's oversight meetings.
Provide direction to and review consultant performance in responding to contractor questions and in reviewing shop drawings, submittals and product samples, to ensure timely responses are provided.
Supervise architect's progress in completing contract compliance inspections.
Evaluate site specific safety plans to ensure compliance within occupied buildings and public safety.
(15%) Pre-Construction:
Participate in pre-construction planning and review of issues including construction planning and logistics, project safety, schedule, budget and constructability.
Working in partnership with the University's project manager, serve as the project resource for construction-related issues (including execution planning, schedule, budget and constructability) in the design phase of capital projects and manage the prime consultants' construction phase services to the completion of the project.
When assigned to a GC/CM contract, review contracts for construction support contracts and subcontract packages; identify duplications and omissions in the subcontract buyout; verify completion of contracts and ensure that all contract completion documents (warranties, guarantees) are processed.
Provide subject matter expertise when evaluating Request for Proposals (RFPs) from contractors and provide objective feedback in the process.
(15%) Personnel
Directly supervise up to ten (10) Construction Managers, including onboarding, training, professional development, and work assignment.
Develop and administer the goals, objectives, and daily priorities for the CM team.
Ensure that CM's are working in concert with the requirements of partner units, and vice versa.
Perform human resource functions including interviewing, selection, training, performance evaluation, salary determination, promotion, and corrective action.
Work in coordination with UW Facilities Partner Resources as needed for resolution of grievances or possible legal actions.
Partner with the Director of Construction and Safety to recruit, onboard, and retain highly skilled staff while addressing resource needs.
Support the Director of Construction and Safety in developing and implementing strategies and programs to improve the hiring, retention, and professional development of staff.
(5%) Supporting Responsibilities
Champion the University diversity, equity, and inclusion goals in every dimension of the role.
Maintain awareness of, and champion enhancements to, industry leading practices related to enhanced project delivery (e.g., Lean principles).
Promote a culture of exceptional customer service, ensuring all team members recognize their role in enhancing the client experience.
Make effective presentations to groups with disparate levels of technical knowledge of construction and safety.
Represent PDG as needed with internal, external, or organizational constituencies.
(5%) Other
Perform other duties, as assigned.
Core Competencies
Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness.
Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively.
Anticipate, recognize, and resolve problems.
Be responsible and accountable.
Use organizational skills and attention to details.
Maintain a positive, optimistic, and success-oriented attitude.
Exercise professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous.
Exhibit a professional work ethic.
Continuously promote a safe work environment.
Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate at all levels of the organization.
Excellent presentation skills.
Additional competencies for this position that are central to the fulfillment of PDG mission include:
Creating and maintaining productive working relationships with customers, construction and consultant partners, other UW units, and the PDG team.
Exhibiting attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks and deliverables.
Managing and prioritizing workload independently.
Expressing ideas clearly and concisely in verbal and written form.
Working under pressure to meet internal and external deadlines.
Understanding and complying with relevant internal and external procedures and regulations (UW, City, State, and Federal).
Requirements include:
Bachelor's degree of Science in Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture and a minimum of 6-8 years of related and progressively responsible work experience.
Proficient and comfortable with technology-based project management systems and software such as MS Office (MS Project, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.), Bluebeam, Smartsheet, PM Web.
Experience working in a high-volume environment.
Experience managing projects in occupied and operating facilities.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Desired:
Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Experience in the institutional/governmental/public works sector.
Proven leadership skills leading, driving, motivating a team while holding managers accountable.
OSHA 30 certification.
Higher education, public works, or developer experience.
Conditions of Employment:
Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license.
Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Required on-site or in-office presence 4-5 days/week.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
UW Facilities (UWF) manages the University's buildings, infrastructure, and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a variety of fields. UWF units include Asset Management, Business Innovation & Technology, Campus Energy, Utilities & Operations, Finance & Administration, Operations and Real Estate. The Asset Management group is responsible for optimizing the full life cycle of University property from acquisition and development through operations and renewal. It includes Campus Architecture & Planning, Engineering Services, Sustainability and the Project Delivery Group. Please visit UW Facilities web page for more information: UW Facilities.
The Project Delivery Group is comprised of an executive director, directors, project and construction managers, contract manager and administrators, design and construction partners, within the Asset Management unit in UW Facilities. The PDG is responsible for the delivery of capital projects that help fulfill the University's teaching, research, health care and innovation mission. From concept to completion to transition to occupancy, PDG leads the planning, design and construction required to execute and successfully complete projects ranging from small remodels to new buildings. As respected industry leaders, PDG brings experience, knowledge, a collaborative mindset, and a focus on client service to comprehensively manage all aspects of the different project delivery methods including critical patient care rosters, job order contracting, design-bid-build, GC/CM, design-build and public/private partnerships.
The Project Delivery Group (PDG) has an outstanding opportunity for a Construction Program Manager to lead complex construction projects across multiple campuses. Reporting directly to the Director of Construction & Safety, this position will serve as the University's representative to lead the planning, design, procurement, construction, and acceptance of capital projects, within the limits of delegated authority and the approved project budget. The position will also be responsible for managing the construction program, leading a team of construction managers, overseeing their daily activities, and coordinating project workload allocation.
The Program Manager oversees all aspects of the construction phase, including vendor selection, personnel and resource management, and project execution. This role ensures best practices in schedule and budget management, lean construction principles, and quality assurance. Additionally, the Program Manager is responsible for establishing commissioning, transition to occupancy, and close-out procedures for capital projects, and implementing management tools for the staff to use to elevate efficiency and team accountability.
Construction operations at UW encompass how the Project Delivery Group (PDG) administers project execution, allocates resources, provides field direction, interacts with design and construction teams, processes change orders, and upholds accountability throughout the construction process.
Position Responsibilities
(40%) Program Management
Assign and prioritize projects among team members, ensuring optimal workload distribution and resource allocation.
Support staff in problem-solving on complex projects, offering coaching on technical and organizational challenges.
Develop and maintain a positive and collaborative team culture, driving engagement in construction practices and process improvements.
Lead initiatives to improve safety, quality, and efficiency within construction program delivery.
Drive operation efficiencies and excellence using measurable metrics that can be tracked across the capital construction program.
Develop and support departmental efforts and priorities in the development of the Major and Minor Capital program; advise on expansion, modernization, and innovative modifications, working in concert with other campus facilities professionals.
Engage with relevant UWF business partners, University officials, regulatory agencies, and support personnel to identify, plan, and mitigate any impacts to campus operations.
Distribute accurate information to the correct people on time; recognizes liabilities and potential problems, prepares, and presents timely recommendations to appropriate officials and decision makers and ensures change orders for construction services are warranted and properly scoped and priced.
Develop and track KPIs for project progress, contractor performance, budgets, and schedules.
Collaborate with the Director to refine project execution standards, safety integration, operational protocols, and risk mitigation strategies.
Coordinate preconstruction planning, including constructability reviews, safety planning, and logistics.
Lead process improvement initiatives to minimize construction delays, change orders, and inefficiencies.
Serve as a key escalation point for resolving project-related challenges involving contractors, vendors, or internal stakeholders.
(20%) Construction Management:
Using discretion and independent judgment, manage the efforts of contractors during the construction phase of all projects, including general, mechanical, and electrical work, from contract award through warranty.
Ensure that adequate construction support services and facilities are provided as required for in a timely manner.
Prepare construction change notifications; process change orders and negotiate and approve pricing with the contractor up to the limit of delegated authority.
Establish a system for dispute resolution; review and respond to delay claims; develop proposed solutions to solve outstanding problems.
Maintain Owner's project statistics and change order tracking system.
Create monthly reports on progress, schedule and budget for senior management, each month during construction.
Maintain project progress reports and photographic history of the work.
Review the contractor's work plan and coordinate inspections of the quality of work and materials.
Review and approve the contractor's "Schedule of Values" and monthly applications for payment.
Receive, evaluate, distribute and respond to contractor correspondence.
Draft and release correspondence to consultants, other University departments and state, county, city and other regulating officials.
Arrange and conduct project meetings including weekly progress meetings, change board meetings, pre-installation meetings, preconstruction conferences, partnering sessions, disputes review board meetings and owner's oversight meetings.
Provide direction to and review consultant performance in responding to contractor questions and in reviewing shop drawings, submittals and product samples, to ensure timely responses are provided.
Supervise architect's progress in completing contract compliance inspections.
Evaluate site specific safety plans to ensure compliance within occupied buildings and public safety.
(15%) Pre-Construction:
Participate in pre-construction planning and review of issues including construction planning and logistics, project safety, schedule, budget and constructability.
Working in partnership with the University's project manager, serve as the project resource for construction-related issues (including execution planning, schedule, budget and constructability) in the design phase of capital projects and manage the prime consultants' construction phase services to the completion of the project.
When assigned to a GC/CM contract, review contracts for construction support contracts and subcontract packages; identify duplications and omissions in the subcontract buyout; verify completion of contracts and ensure that all contract completion documents (warranties, guarantees) are processed.
Provide subject matter expertise when evaluating Request for Proposals (RFPs) from contractors and provide objective feedback in the process.
(15%) Personnel
Directly supervise up to ten (10) Construction Managers, including onboarding, training, professional development, and work assignment.
Develop and administer the goals, objectives, and daily priorities for the CM team.
Ensure that CM's are working in concert with the requirements of partner units, and vice versa.
Perform human resource functions including interviewing, selection, training, performance evaluation, salary determination, promotion, and corrective action.
Work in coordination with UW Facilities Partner Resources as needed for resolution of grievances or possible legal actions.
Partner with the Director of Construction and Safety to recruit, onboard, and retain highly skilled staff while addressing resource needs.
Support the Director of Construction and Safety in developing and implementing strategies and programs to improve the hiring, retention, and professional development of staff.
(5%) Supporting Responsibilities
Champion the University diversity, equity, and inclusion goals in every dimension of the role.
Maintain awareness of, and champion enhancements to, industry leading practices related to enhanced project delivery (e.g., Lean principles).
Promote a culture of exceptional customer service, ensuring all team members recognize their role in enhancing the client experience.
Make effective presentations to groups with disparate levels of technical knowledge of construction and safety.
Represent PDG as needed with internal, external, or organizational constituencies.
(5%) Other
Perform other duties, as assigned.
Core Competencies
Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness.
Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively.
Anticipate, recognize, and resolve problems.
Be responsible and accountable.
Use organizational skills and attention to details.
Maintain a positive, optimistic, and success-oriented attitude.
Exercise professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous.
Exhibit a professional work ethic.
Continuously promote a safe work environment.
Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate at all levels of the organization.
Excellent presentation skills.
Additional competencies for this position that are central to the fulfillment of PDG mission include:
Creating and maintaining productive working relationships with customers, construction and consultant partners, other UW units, and the PDG team.
Exhibiting attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks and deliverables.
Managing and prioritizing workload independently.
Expressing ideas clearly and concisely in verbal and written form.
Working under pressure to meet internal and external deadlines.
Understanding and complying with relevant internal and external procedures and regulations (UW, City, State, and Federal).
Requirements include:
Bachelor's degree of Science in Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture and a minimum of 6-8 years of related and progressively responsible work experience.
Proficient and comfortable with technology-based project management systems and software such as MS Office (MS Project, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.), Bluebeam, Smartsheet, PM Web.
Experience working in a high-volume environment.
Experience managing projects in occupied and operating facilities.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Desired:
Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Experience in the institutional/governmental/public works sector.
Proven leadership skills leading, driving, motivating a team while holding managers accountable.
OSHA 30 certification.
Higher education, public works, or developer experience.
Conditions of Employment:
Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license.
Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Required on-site or in-office presence 4-5 days/week.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.