Senior Project Manager - Major Projects

Division: Design and Construction | Reporting Location: 900 Bagby Street

About Us

The General Services Department (GSD) was established in 2000 to construct, improve, operate, and maintain the City’s building portfolio. GSD provides a comprehensive suite of services to over 300 facilities, representing 7.7 million square feet of occupied space. As a full-service department, GSD assists clients in identifying real estate solutions and delivers design and construction services. Once facilities are operational, GSD ensures energy, property, and security management to maintain clean, well-maintained, and secure environments.

About the Division

The Design & Construction team plans, designs, and constructs buildings, ancillary facilities, and parks in alignment with city policies and client department goals. Projects include new construction, restorations, and renovations, and may coordinate Civic Art Programs within the Houston Airport Systems.

About the Role

This Senior Project Manager (Major Projects) will manage the design and construction of various City of Houston facilities, including fire and police stations, libraries, multiservice and health centers, general government buildings, community centers, recycling centers, office buildings, parks, and maintenance facilities. The role involves managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring strong communication, coordination, problem-solving, and team cohesion to achieve project goals.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop scope, schedule, and budget for each project.
• Provide clear and concise reporting on project progress, status, and projected completion.
• Coordinate procurement, negotiation, and contract award phases.
• Manage all phases of design and multiple construction delivery methods, including low bid, competitive sealed proposals, design-build, and construction management at risk.
• Review design drawings for coordination and constructability; track and document review comments to ensure incorporation into the design package.
• Oversee the construction phase and participate in progress meetings.
• Maintain all construction phase documentation (RFIs, submittals, change orders, record documents, etc.).
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., Houston IT Department, Security Management, Energy Group, Property Management) through all project phases.
• Review, approve, and track invoicing from design firms and contractors from submission to payment disbursement.
• Ensure completed project work meets contractual obligations.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients, stakeholders, and contractor representatives.
• Travel to various job sites throughout the project lifecycle, including construction phases.
• Manage project closeout and ensure final record documents are filed and archived properly.
• Develop cost projections for the Capital Improvement Program and perform other assigned responsibilities.

Working Conditions

• Requires stooping, bending, and lifting items up to 30 pounds.
• Occasional walking on rough surfaces.
• Exposure to moderate heat, cold, moisture/wetness, and unpleasant air conditions.
• Occasional exposure to soiled materials and light chemical substances (e.g., cleaning solutions).
• Ability to make simple gross motor responses within large tolerances.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, Project Management, or a closely related field.
• Six years of experience in construction, construction inspection, design, landscape design, geo-technical, environmental, or a closely related field.

Substitutions:

• A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience.
• Directly related professional experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferences

• Experience in vertical construction for commercial or large multi-family projects.
• Project management experience from a construction owner perspective.
• Familiarity with construction project delivery methods such as Construction Manager at Risk (CM@R) or Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Power tools (Power BI, PowerApps, Forms, Lists).
• Data analytic skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for customer service and teamwork.
• Skills in reporting, data management, schedule tracking, cost analysis, and forecasting.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work across teams and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Valid Texas Class C driver’s license and compliance with the City of Houston Motor Vehicle Assignment and Use Policy (AP 2-2).
• Preference given to eligible veteran applicants who meet qualifications.

This position is subject to random drug testing and, if promotional, requires passing an assignment drug test.

Pay

Pay Grade: 28. Factors used in determining salary include candidate qualifications and pay rates of other employees in this classification.