Primary Purpose
The Director, Downstate Design and Construction oversees all design and construction related activities associated with DASNY projects including budgets, schedules, staffing, staff training, resolution of complex issues, relations with contractors, consultants and other external entities, and manages customer relations associated with assigned downstate regional projects. The Director, Downstate Design and Construction develops and implements policies and procedures, initiates and facilitates program development and initiatives, and establishes and monitors Construction Division and Department goals, performance measures, standards and objectives.
Essential Functions
- Provide positive leadership, purpose, and direction for all staff in the Downstate Design and Construction Department.
- Interface with control and regulatory agencies, assigned customer(s), DASNY Management and other internal staff during project’s design and construction phases to meet program goals.
- Plan, organize and direct design and construction management program activities for assigned capital projects.
- Supervise/mentor direct reports and provide general guidance on Construction Division procedures.
- Develop techniques for the efficient use of resources to manage design and construction projects and develops and/or amends project management procedures and techniques as required.
- Work closely with customer and applicable regulatory agencies to ensure customer satisfaction and rapid resolution of issues.
- Set program goals and periodically review them with the senior management, Chief Project Managers and department staff within the Construction division.
- Plan present and future staffing assignments consistent with program workload and establishes project staffing patterns for office and field personnel. Coordinates staffing requirements with senior management, Chief Project Managers and department staff within the Construction division.
- Review new project requests as appropriate with senior management, Chief Project Managers and department staff within the Construction division and others to determine appropriate project delivery method, consulting requirements, and project deliverables.
- Coordinate project management as appropriate with senior management, Chief Project Managers and department staff within the Construction division.to assure seamless delivery of DASNY project management services.
- Participate in discipline, grievance, collective bargaining and other employee relations matters affecting the Construction Division; administer and ensure adherence to applicable bargaining agreements.
- Along with other Construction Services management staff, conduct periodic meetings with customers.
- Meet with potential customers to discuss new projects and associated DASNY services. Provide information on DASNY services as requested.
- Assist other DASNY units in the development and revision of DASNY contract documents.
- Develop, document and implement policies and procedures relating to design and construction administration, and review and amend existing processes, policies and procedures necessary to properly manage and administer assigned design and construction programs and operations.
- Visit project sites as necessary to meet with field staff, experience the project dynamics, ensuring compliance with DASNY procedures and to maintain awareness of critical or complex issues.
- Participate in Project Health Assessments on select projects.
- Work with Procurement and Counsel to resolve design and construction-phase problems, to develop strategies to affect the completion of contract work, and to settle disputes, claims and litigation arising during and after construction.
- Assist in the development of project budgets, review budgets for active design and construction projects and participate in monitoring adherence to the budgets.
- Assist with the development of DASNY fee estimates on projects and monitor fees and hour usage.
- Assist in the development of project schedules and interact with design and construction managers, consultants and contractors to facilitate adherence to schedules.
- Review management reports and follow up on problem areas with other Construction Division and Department staff.
- Participate in the development and management of the Departmental budget.
- Meet with trade associations periodically to discuss common interests in the construction industry.
- Review change orders, amendments, work authorizations and work orders in accordance with Authority procedures.
- Train and become fluent in usage of Contract Manager and PMWeb project management software applications.
- Represent DASNY at conferences and public functions.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare monthly status report detailing Department utilization rates, customer service follow-up activities, internal program initiatives and other topics as directed, for use by Managing Director of Construction.
- Train and evaluate employees.
- Ensure supervisors meet their obligations in the supervision, training and evaluation of their staff.
- Counsel employees and assist in handling grievances and disciplinary measures in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements.
- Direct the development, documentation and implementation of policies and procedures.
- Direct the assessment, development, implementation and testing of internal controls.
- Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and undertakes special assignments as directed.
- Must maintain regular attendance in accordance with DASNY attendance and leave policies.
- Must adhere to the NYS Information Security Policy Standards established and issued by the NYS Office of Information Technology Services. (Standards can be found on the Intranet.)
Supervision
Supervision of employees is required.
Physical/Mental/Visual Demands
Occasional travel is required using public transportation, DASNY vehicle, rental vehicle, or personal vehicle. This travel may include overnight stays at public accommodations and related establishments as well as construction site visits. Requires exposure to weather and temperature extremes, loud noises, heights (climbing ladders, scaffolding, etc.) and other work safety hazards (chemicals, fumes, etc.) of a construction site. Requires time-pressured decision-making. Overtime or extended work hours may be required.
Work Environment
Standard office environment, including the use of one or more of the following: PC, telephone, fax machine, printer, copier, scanner, electronic stapler/hole punch/date stamp, shredder.