Coquitlam School District invites applications from individuals for the position of Manager of Projects.

As the third largest school district in the province we are located within a 40 minute drive from downtown Vancouver.  The school district has a population of 33,000 students with approximately 3,500 teaching, administrative, managerial and support staff.

The Manager of Projects is responsible for managing the planning, implementation and completion of all major capital projects, and assigned major maintenance and minor capital projects development, project management, and financial management and accountability for projects.

This is project management work involving technical, contractual, planning and financial activities required for capital project delivery. The work involves applying project management and technical knowledge to new school construction and major renovation projects and assigned major maintenance projects to reconcile the needs of user groups, the realities of long term maintenance considerations and the limitations of budgets. The Manager of Projects negotiates fees and construction costs, directs activities of architects, consultants, contractors and liaises with school administrators on behalf of the school board.  Financial recordkeeping of individual projects on computer is required. The employee exercises considerable independence of judgment and action in order to maintain the project budget and schedule for several projects simultaneously.

The Manager of Projects reports to the Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, Facilities and Planning Services.

Specific Responsibilities

Manages production of contract documentation and administers contracts including correspondence, plans and specifications, approval documentation, notices of changes, change orders, contractual notices and invoices.
Liaises with architects, consultants, contractors, municipal authorities, and school administrators to ensure that the interests and needs of the school board are reflected in the final project.
Supervises one or more Capital Contract Inspectors and/or Capital Projects Coordinators.
Participates in a consultative process with facility users, designers, and senior management during the planning phase of projects.
Prepares funding submissions to the ministry, capital planning estimates of future projects and project budgets.
Manages assigned projects from start to completion ensuring legislative and contract compliance for satisfactory project completion.
Works closely with the Principal, Facilities Initiatives, on design and other work.
Carries out periodic field reviews of contract progress to ensure general conformance with the contract documents and prepares progress reports. Ensures satisfactory contractor performance; directs the change order process.
Ensures satisfactory project completion within the authorized budget.
Provides computerized financial recordkeeping of ongoing projects by reviewing and approving invoices, preparing and maintaining detailed project cost reports showing commitments, expenditures and available or received funding. Prepares design aid sheets for existing buildings and proposed projects.
Manages contract and legal dispute processes as required. Provides dispute and claims resolution advice for senior management on legal claims issues. Retains contract lawyers as required to mitigate potential disputes. Resolves contractual issues up to designated level. Recommends and carries out contract termination in cases of unsatisfactory performance.

Required Knowledge and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of construction contract law, CCDC documents, CCAC documents, public tendering practicing, bonding and surety, bid depository rules and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of up-to-date building technology for architectural, mechanical, electrical and structural disciplines. Thorough knowledge of materials and methods used in building construction. Considerable knowledge of contracting practices, subtrade management and C.P.M. project scheduling.
Ability to read and understand drawings and specifications.
Ability to recognize errors, deficiencies and faulty workmanship of designers and contractors.
Ability to develop, implement and maintain detailed Critical Path schedules.
Ability to effectively utilize Windows computers including word processing, spreadsheets, database, and communications software.
Ability to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, school and maintenance staff, consultants, city inspectors and others.
Ability to provide technical information and advice in matters relating to major projects.

Required Education and Experience
University graduation in Engineering, Planning or Architecture plus minimum five years supervisory project experience, or Registered Quantity Surveyor with minimum five years project management experience.

Consideration will also be given to a graduate of an Institute of Technology with appropriate experience.

Required Licenses, Certificates and Registrations
Eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer, Planner or Architect, or as an Applied Science Technologist in an appropriate discipline.

Valid B.C. driver’s License. (Business use of personal vehicle may be required.)

A competitive salary is offered along with a generous benefits package. The successful applicant will be required to successfully complete two criminal record checks.