Senior Program Manager

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES PRACTICE

Michael Baker International's Construction Services staff supports clients by acting as their trusted on-site agent through all phases of construction, from pre-design to close-out, by providing qualified construction managers, inspectors, constructability reviewers, schedulers, estimators and safety experts. As new technologies evolve throughout the construction industry, innovative ideas are required to maintain and deliver successful construction projects.

DESCRIPTION

Rail is among the most energy efficient modes of transportation for freight and passengers. Come join Michael Baker in the exciting role of assisting our rail passenger and freight rail clients in the planning for and delivery of critical infrastructure that advances sustainable development in our communities, reduces emissions and supports healthier landscapes. Michael Baker is a leading provider of program management, construction management, planning, design, and construction phase services, providing support for capacity, operations, and maintenance projects for multiple rail carriers throughout the country. We demonstrate our dedication to enhancing the rail freight and passenger experience through the development of exceptional transportation centers, rail stations, freight right-of-way infrastructure, and a host of rapid transit projects.

Michael Baker is seeking a talented Senior Program Manager with a specialization in freight rail projects and program management, to help make a difference in our Rail and Transit Practice. This position will directly support Michael Baker's engagement to supply program and construction management services to our freight rail clients in the Commonwealth of Virginia or the State of Maryland. Our team consists of on-location support in our Alexandria, VA office with technical expertise also from other offices. The candidate will report to the Alexandria office.

This individual will lead a multidisciplinary team including a group of construction managers, resident engineers, and inspectors focused on providing construction services to freight rail and passenger rail clients. We are looking for a Railway focused leader who will collaborate with our CMs focused on serving our rail practice and to provide high quality program management services. In addition to project responsibilities, you will be directly involved with development and implementation of the construction services business strategy, while also helping to win work and expand our project portfolio and client base.

RESPONSIBILITIES

 The Senior Program Manager will supervise the planning, coordination and implementation of railway, civil and bridge construction projects in the area.  Project responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Support Michael Baker International's Construction Managers and/or Deputy Program Managers
• Maintain ultimate responsibility for delivery of project quality, cost, schedule, and safety:
  • Develop, maintain, distribute, and update project-specific Project Management Plan, including Health and Safety Plans and Quality Management Plans
  • Conduct safety meetings and training programs to ensure safety requirements are met
  • Coordinate audits of quality management processes and procedures
  • Sustain continuous improvement for all processes
• Provide support to the lead CM for inspection, field engineering, technical advisement for issues related to civil, track, and bridge construction activities, as-needed
• Review project proposal and scope of work to determine schedule, funding limitations, procedures for accomplishing project success, assisting in contract negotiations, as required
• Establish work plan for large and complex projects, arrange for staffing for each phase of project, including subcontractor engagement
• Coordinate project with activities of government regulatory or other government agencies
• Direct and coordinate activities of project personnel to ensure progress remains on schedule and within prescribed budget.
• Review status reports prepared by project personnel and modify schedules or plans, as required
• Prepare project reports for management, client, or others
• Confer with project personnel to provide technical advice and resolve problems. Oversee and mentor junior staff.
• Generate and/or approve purchase orders, invoices, credits; review time sheets
• Attend job, CM/Design coordination meetings, and most technical meetings.  Coordinate with design review on RFIs and other issues
• Oversee coordination of staging, and shutdown/start-up operations to ensure uninterrupted rail, yard or facility operations 
• Assist in hiring staff as needed to support project needs
• Possess proven Client Management Skills including:
  • Develop and maintain client relations to ensure satisfaction
  • Interface with Key stakeholders and community public outreach programs, as needed
  • Gather/disseminate information and intelligence regarding potential upcoming pursuits
  • Participate in business development activities as required for existing and potential new clients, to include general marketing, client meetings, and proposal development
• Other duties as assigned

Occasional to moderate local/regional travel will be required.

 PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• 10+ years in construction oversight with expertise in safety, scheduling (CPM, Primavera, MS Project), staffing, estimating, risk and quality management, and document controls
• Strong leadership and communication skills; able to manage diverse teams and liaise with clients, contractors, and agencies
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality projects safely, on time, and under budget
• Committed to client satisfaction, business growth, staff development, and operational excellence
• Experience coordinating with government agencies
• P.E. and CCM certifications preferred
• Required: experience in active rail facilities; preferred: track safety certification
• Rail industry experience (freight/passenger) essential
• Familiarity with Virginia/DC area projects

 COMPENSATION
The approximate compensation range for this position is $140,000 to $225,000.  This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting.  Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.