Vertical Transportation Systems Program Manager (Construction/Maintenance Project Manager II)

About the role

This position leads the safety, reliability, and code compliance of all vertical transportation systems across our portfolio, including elevators, escalators, lifts, and related equipment. Operates under the general supervision of the Division Director of Operations and Maintenance and serves as the department’s primary subject matter expert in vertical transportation.

Responsibilities

• Manages the department’s vertical transportation systems program, ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant operations.
• Provides expert technical leadership, guidance, and direction to professional, technical, and contractor teams.
• Collaborates with contractors and vendors to achieve measurable and sustainable performance improvements.
• Develops, manages, and monitors program budgets and oversees related financial and procurement activities.
• Prepares and presents reports, technical analyses, and program updates for internal and external stakeholders.
• Identifies, recommends, and implements program improvements to strengthen compliance, system performance, and long-term safety.

Requirements

• Strong expertise in vertical transportation systems, including elevators, escalators, and lifts.
• Demonstrated experience managing large and complex maintenance or operations programs.
• Skilled in coordinating multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of applicable national, state, and local codes and safety standards.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to clearly present technical information.
• Experience in budget development, financial management, and procurement processes.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Environmental or Life Sciences, Construction Management, Business Administration, Facilities Management or related; Plus, five years of experience in the management of large and complex construction or maintenance projects related to the assigned program area to include two years managing multi-disciplinary teams with multiple contractors.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience as the VTS technical subject matter expert, leading field associates and/or supervisors in performing Vertical Transportation System maintenance, repair, and capital renewal functions and managing a large portfolio of complex VTS.
• 3+ years demonstrated experience administering and managing Vertical Transportation service contracts and driving vendor accountability for a large (similar in size and scope to Fairfax County Government) institutional or government environment.
• Strong technical and working knowledge of Vertical Transportation Systems to include elevators, escalators, and lifts of varying sizes, complexity and manufactures.
• 5+ years of experience directly accountable as the organizations or agencies lead for vertical transportation systems regulatory compliance and inspection and lifecycle management of a portfolio of over 125 VTS.
• 3+ years proven experience operating at a senior management level, interacting, strategizing, and presenting VTS metrics, code requirements and implications, VTS programs, and technical repair and capital project information to executive leadership and elected/appointed officials.
• Possess a current and valid Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) Certification from an entity accredited by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.