Construction Consulting Associate (Surety)

Description

Company Description

The Vertex Companies, LLC (VERTEX) is a $180M global consulting firm that integrates strategic advisory, project management, and dispute resolution services for organizations facing complex challenges in a world of risk. We embody our core values of embracing lifelong learning, operating with urgency, maximizing value, and driving collaboration to better outcomes for our clients, colleagues, and communities. Join us if you are looking for a career that offers you a chance to love what you do and deliver meaningful impact.

Job Description

The Surety Associate will assist their assigned Managing Consultant with evaluating construction claims, assessing project risks, and supporting surety providers in navigating complex challenges. The Associate is responsible for supporting the success of the entire Surety group. In any coordination or management activities, the Associate will perform assigned tasks in a manner that models the Company’s core values and inspires and encourages goal achievement through empowerment, learning, and creativity among the team.

Core Responsibilities

Work Product Creation, Project Management, Coordination with Team Members

• Review and interpret construction documents, including drawings, specifications, and contracts
• Perform construction project financial audits and evaluate contract claims
• Investigate and analyze performance and payment bond claims, contractor defaults, and construction deficiencies
• Prepare technical reports on both documentation and construction observations, and conduct project schedule analysis
• Assist in management of construction projects, including on-site supervision and compliance monitoring
• Manage project documentation and submit timely reports, including time sheets and expenses
• Travel as required for project monitoring and management (up to 60% of billable time).
• Travel includes both local and national travel, with minimal notice
• Provide oversight of subcontractors and suppliers
• Work with Scheduler to prepare construction schedule, and communicate and enforce schedule with subcontractors, suppliers, and other project stakeholders
• Allocate resources as required to ensure compliance with project schedule
• Work closely with others on the field team, including the Project Manager and Project Engineers, to assure successful completion of all projects.
• Coordinate all required material and equipment deliveries and inspections
• Review and interpretation of construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Technical evaluation of construction deficiencies
• Travel while on active projects may require full-time presence on site throughout completion of project
• Meet or exceed defined individual average utilization goals as set forth by company leadership
• Effectively coordinate with other team members as requested or assigned, able to proactively monitor own progress on assigned tasks or projects, and ensure work product produced by self or in collaboration with other assigned team members is consistently high quality
• Support assigned Supervisor in monitoring of all relevant data such as individual utilization performance vs target, client deadlines, accurate and timely timesheet data, etc.
• Coordinate and support other team members as assigned, with emphasis on positivity and in support of a culture that is empowered to execute
• Conduct self in support of driving towards defined objectives and key results (OKRs)
• Collaborate with other team members in a manner that assists with rapid identification and escalation to Supervisor of any client, team member or operational challenges

Operations

• Be aware of and work in a manner that supports the organization’s vision and defined business objectives
• Conduct self and collaborate with others in working toward achievement of defined profit objectives of assigned projects
• Cooperate in construction of strong cross-functional teams (cooperate with any suggested project assignments outside of original assigned practice area) to achieve success in shared goals, understanding that multiple perspectives and talents build stronger teams and results
• Complete daily tasks consistent

Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience; or an advanced degree without experience; or 5 years of related work experience and no degree
• Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field is preferred
• Strong communication, writing, and organizational skills
• Proficiency in standard software packages and project management tools
• Ability to manage complex tasks and perform under high-pressure conditions
• Proven track record of independent work product production, project management, communication, and coordination with other team members
• Professional certifications (PE, RA, CDT, CCCA, or CCM) will receive special consideration

Knowledge & Skills

• Experience in providing reliable work product review as assigned
• Able to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with co-workers and Supervisors, and clients, subcontractors, and vendors as assigned
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated self-awareness and flexibility in working with a variety of personalities and work styles (colleagues, clients, Assigned Supervisors)
• Able to handle multiple priorities and perform consistently and positively under high stress conditions

Additional Information

At VERTEX, we invest in top talent with a highly competitive total compensation package designed to reward performance and support long-term success. Total compensation includes a base salary and a performance-based discretionary bonus program. Our comprehensive benefits package offers multiple healthcare and dental plan options, as well as company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage—ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.

 
We offer a 401(k) plan with immediate matching and full vesting, empowering employees to build financial security from day one. Additional benefits include Flexible Spending Accounts, a robust Employee Assistance Program, and a suite of exclusive perks that enhance everyday life.

 
Time away matters—so we provide a generous paid time off program, including vacation, sick time, and paid holidays (with prorated options for eligible part-time employees).

 
At The Vertex Companies, our salary ranges are intentionally designed to support meaningful career growth over time. These ranges allow employees to develop, expand their impact, and increase their earnings as they progress within their job level. A new hire’s starting compensation is determined by their experience, geographical location, scope of the role at the time of hire and Company affordability. Our ranges are structured to reward growth and performance, ensuring there is room for advancement and long-term opportunity.

 
The pay range for this role is:
$54,000.00 - $128,000.00 USD annually (Geographical Tier A - Sample Locations: Irvine CA, Middlesex NJ, Tacoma WA, Boston, Alexandria) $50,000.00 - $118,000.00 USD annually (Geographical Tier B - Sample Locations: Baltimore, Chicago, Anchorage, Portland)

 
At VERTEX, growth never stops. Our signature “Lifetime of Learning” program offers tuition reimbursement and personalized support for employees pursuing advanced education—helping you sharpen your skills and accelerate your career.

Notice to Third Party Agencies:

Please note that The Vertex Companies employs a fully staffed recruiting team. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Agreement, VERTEX will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, VERTEX explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of VERTEX.