Deputy Chief of Program Implementation

About the role

The Deputy Chief of Program Implementation plays a critical role in overseeing the design and construction of projects to ensure they meet the Illinois Tollway’s standards for schedule, scope, and budget. They serve as a key advisor and resource for the Chief Engineering Officer, communicating sensitive matters requiring immediate attention and working closely with executive management, project managers, contractors, agencies, municipalities, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary staff and resource for the Chief Engineering Officer on all matters of the Engineering Department.
• Directs Tollway engineering staff, including Executive Project Engineers and Managers, Senior Project Engineers and Managers, Project Managers, and support staff.
• Responsible for personnel matters including training, performance appraisals, and disciplinary actions.
• Conducts staff meetings to ensure all administrative functions are executed and enforced.
• Maintains oversight of employee travel.
• Manages work performed by the Tollway’s Consulting Engineer, including technical and trust indenture services.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for coordination with other Tollway departments on matters including internal audit, fleet and facilities, finance, information technology, procurement, diversity, business systems, communications, etc.
• Represents the Engineering department within the Tollway related to agency initiatives such as strategic planning and enterprise risk management.
• Participates in budgeting and departmental strategic planning as necessary for establishment of annual budgets and goals.
• Provides strategic development of the Engineering Department’s objectives, policies, and programs.
• Manages the Quality program including necessary activities related to maintaining an International Standards Organization (ISO) certification.
• Presents to external agencies, professional organizations, and other public groups.
• Supports development and activities associated with solicitation of professional services necessary for capital program implementation.
• Engages in the negotiation of consultant fees and makes recommendations to the Chief Engineering Officer for contract award.
• Prepares agenda for the monthly Board of Directors meetings.
• Manages work performed by the Tollway’s Program Management Office consultant which includes overseeing and tracking capital program delivery efforts.
• Manages work performed through other capital program support contracts related to materials engineering, independent assurance, infrastructure management, Job Order Contracting (JOC), the Web Based Program Management System, and others as necessary and appropriate.
• Leads meetings with other State (IDOT, IDNR-OWR), Local Agencies (Counties and Municipalities), and community groups to coordinate project requirements and required permits.
• Evaluates and develops required agency agreements.
• Reviews and approves project-related correspondence requiring the Chief Engineering Officer’s signature and approval (i.e., notice to proceed, transfer of reallocation of funds, approval of subcontractors, approval to advertise, issuance of addenda, etc.).
• Reconciles and approves consultant bi-weekly/monthly progress reports, invoices, and contractor pay estimates.
• Provides executive engineering input on all issues raised during the development of design and construction contracts.
• Reviews methods to resolve deviations from construction plans.
• Reviews and provides recommendations for change orders and extra work orders due to work-scope modifications, changed conditions, or other modifications.
• Attends coordination meetings with Contractors and Professional Engineering Consultants.
• As directed by the Chief Engineering Officer, the Deputy Chief can chair or participate in the Construction Change Cost Controls Committee (C-5) and Errors and Omissions and Surety and Warranty committees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, or equivalent experience with an emphasis on transportation and/or roadway and bridge type projects is required; an advanced degree is desired.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in highway planning, design or construction and 5 years of supervisory experience is required.
• Excellent analytical, verbal, written, and interpersonal skills in order to effectively manage a complex, dynamic, and intense capital program.
• Excellent organizational skills to effectively manage complex studies and projects.
• Exercise sound judgment in responding to various inquiries and requests, including those of a sensitive nature; prioritizing those requiring the Chief Engineering Officer’s immediate attention.
• Project and contract management experience is required.
• Proficient in Adobe Acrobat Pro, Adobe Sign, and Microsoft Office Suite applications including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Experience in administering consultant contracts is also desirable.