Deputy Chief of Structures

About the Role

The Deputy Chief for Structures is the senior MBTA executive responsible for the delivery of the Authority’s Bridge, Tunnel, Docks, Dams, and Walls capital program. This leader will define and articulate a vision for the successful development and execution of the structures capital investment program and oversee the efforts of MBTA engineering, construction, and planning professionals, as well as outside consultants, to deliver over $1 billion in structural projects over the 5-year capital program.

The Deputy Chief for Structures is a strong, versatile senior leader with demonstrated success managing capital programs of various size and complexity. This role requires depth of experience in capital program management, effective leadership of large, complex organizations (preferably in the public sector), and the political and management acumen to operate at the senior levels of state government. The Deputy Chief must be adept at solving complex technical, program, and management issues while securing internal and external stakeholder acceptance of project design and delivery decisions. This role involves developing an integrated management team and working across departments to support the Structures delivery program while minimizing impact on day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior executive accountable for the safe, on-schedule, on-budget delivery of the MBTA's Structures capital program.
• Develop a vision, performance goals, metrics, policies, and procedures to guide structures program delivery.
• Collaborate with Railroad Operations and other MBTA organizational elements to ensure cross-functional coordination of project activity with operational outcomes, day-to-day maintenance, finance, and administration requirements.
• Prepare and/or participate in planning studies to evaluate long-term needs for state of good repair, modernization, and expansion of the Authority’s structural assets in coordination with the Chief Engineer, Chief of Capital Delivery, Assistant General Manager (AGM) for Engineering & Capital, and AGM for Railroad Operations.
• Work closely with the Chief Engineer, Chief of Capital Delivery, and AGM for Railroad Operations to identify and prioritize state of good repair (SGR) needs.
• Collaborate with the Office of Capital Finance to ensure Program Budgets are accurately represented in the MBTA's Capital Investment Plan (CIP).
• Recommend MBTA capital project priorities consistent with the MassDOT CIP and the MBTA strategic plan.
• Develop and maintain realistic program and project budgets, schedules, and execution plans.
• Hire, direct, and lead a team of project delivery leaders, project managers, project coordinators, resident engineers, inspectors, and other technical and administrative professionals managing or overseeing third-party engineering, architectural, and construction firms.
• Hire, direct, and lead a team of technical staff tasked with MBTA, State, and Federal mandated inspections and ratings of structural assets, including bridges, tunnels, retaining walls, and other civil structures.
• Ensure project development, design, and construction activity is internally coordinated with MBTA operations and maintenance functions, adhering to procurement and fiscal policy and practice.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including customers, the public, state and local elected officials, and federal and state regulatory agencies (e.g., Federal Transit Authority) on planning and execution of projects and issue mitigation.
• Prepare reports and deliver presentations to MassDOT, the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board, elected officials, regulatory bodies, community groups, and the media on Structural projects, including addressing sensitive issues.
• Ensure staff and contractors respond to site emergencies 24/7 and coordinate recovery actions with MBTA operations.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and/or attend off-site meetings.
• Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed.
• Perform all other duties and projects as assigned.

Supervision

Will lead and supervise up to five (5) Director-level staff, who in turn manage and supervise a group of technical and project delivery staff numbering up to 40 affiliated individuals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of experience leading and managing heavy civil construction programs, including bridge and/or tunnel projects in the public and/or private sectors.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of related experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the ability to obtain a Massachusetts PE within six (6) months.
• Demonstrated success developing realistic and attainable project budgets and schedules.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with local, state, and federal agencies and governance boards.
• Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
• Leadership experience communicating with customers, employees, vendors, contractors, designers, elected officials, community leaders, and state and federal officials.
• Proven ability to effectively respond to media inquiries.
• Solid presentation and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong leadership qualities with a proven track record of collaboration, transparency, and effective communication.
• Superior written communication skills worthy of a senior executive.
• Demonstrated ability and tact to work horizontally and vertically across organizational boundaries to assist project delivery leaders and managers in resolving cost and schedule variances.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Availability to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management.
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM) Certification.
• Familiarity with AREMA and AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications.
• NHI/NBIS certification(s) – Routine and Fracture Critical.
• Experience managing multiple inspection and rating contracts for commuter rail, transit, highway, and pedestrian bridges.
• Experience managing on-call bridge and tunnel repair or rehabilitation contracts.
• Experience managing multiple bridge or tunnel projects at $5 million or over in a transit and/or design or construction environment.
• Familiarity with FTA, FRA, MBTA, and MassDOT rules and regulations regarding project delivery, environmental requirements, and permitting.