Program Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title : Construction Manager (Central Utility Plant Renovation)
Location : Denton, Texas
Schedule : Standard
Pay Range : $70,000-100,000/yr

Job Description :
We are seeking a highly experienced Construction Manager to support a complex Central Utility Plant (CUP) renovation and major equipment replacement project in Denton, TX.

This position will oversee onsite construction activities associated with the installation of a new modular central utility plant, including chillers, cooling towers, pumps, electrical systems, controls, and supporting infrastructure. A significant portion of the work will interface with an active, fully operational utility plant, requiring careful planning and execution to maintain continuous service to critical campus and facility infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience managing industrial, institutional, or utility infrastructure construction, particularly central utility plants, major MEP equipment replacement, retrofit projects, and work performed within mission-critical or continuously operating facilities. Previous experience working within higher education campus environments is strongly preferred.

Military experience equivalency may substitute for some requirements.

Key Responsibilities :

• Oversee daily onsite construction activities associated with installation of a new modular Central Utility Plant, including chillers, cooling towers, pumps, electrical systems, controls, and associated infrastructure.
• Promote and enforce a strong culture of safety, ensuring strict adherence to established safety policies and procedures, particularly when working within energized and operational utility environments.
• Manage construction activities that interface with a fully operational CUP while helping maintain continuous utility service to critical campus and facility infrastructure.
• Coordinate closely with the Senior Project Manager, engineers, commissioning agents, facility operators, subcontractors, and other project stakeholders to support constructability, system integration, and operational continuity.
• Assist with planning and management of complex shutdowns, system tie-ins, outages, and construction phasing, minimizing disruption to ongoing facility operations.
• Conduct regular site walks and inspections to evaluate project progress, workmanship, installation quality, safety, and compliance with plans and specifications.
• Support subcontractor coordination and sequencing across mechanical, electrical, controls, and specialty trades.
• Assist in reviewing and validating subcontractor scopes, bids, and change requests, particularly for high-value mechanical and electrical systems.
• Prepare and support detailed project reporting, including look-ahead schedules, outage plans, progress updates, and risk logs.
• Coordinate equipment deliveries, site logistics, rigging plans, crane operations, and placement of large utility equipment.
• Identify potential schedule, construction, safety, and operational risks and assist in developing mitigation strategies, particularly for issues that could impact ongoing plant operations.
• Coordinate construction sequencing with procurement activities and long-lead equipment delivery schedules.
• Assist with project budget tracking, cost forecasting, and change management for complex MEP scopes.
• Review subcontractor invoices, material receipts, and labor reports for accuracy and alignment with completed work.
• Implement and support project quality control processes, including inspections, functional testing, punch lists, and system turnover documentation.
• Support equipment start-up, commissioning, testing, and system integration in coordination with engineering, commissioning, and facility operations teams.
• Assist with project closeout documentation, including as-built drawings, Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manuals, warranties, and turnover packages, ensuring documentation is complete and accurate.
• Support the successful transition of completed systems to facility operations and maintenance personnel.

Required Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience managing industrial, institutional, or utility infrastructure construction projects, with significant experience involving Central Utility Plants or comparable facilities.
• Strong experience with major mechanical and electrical construction, equipment replacement, retrofit, and/or infrastructure modernization projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully within active, mission-critical, or continuously operating facilities.
• Strong ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical one-line diagrams, equipment submittals, shop drawings, construction drawings, and technical specifications.
• Deep understanding of construction methods, system shutdowns and tie-ins, commissioning processes, equipment installation, and utility infrastructure best practices.
• Proven ability to coordinate multiple subcontractors and trades within complex, high-risk operational environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and field problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Previous experience working in higher education or university campus environments, including coordination with campus stakeholders and phased construction within occupied or active facilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing Central Utility Plant renovations, equipment replacements, and retrofit projects involving major mechanical and electrical systems.
• Experience managing the installation or replacement of chillers, cooling towers, pumps, electrical distribution equipment, controls, and related utility infrastructure.
• Proven success coordinating shutdowns, outages, tie-ins, and construction sequencing while maintaining ongoing facility operations.
• Experience coordinating heavy equipment deliveries, rigging, and crane operations.
• Proficiency with construction management platforms such as Procore and PlanGrid.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Project.
• Experience supporting project budgets, cost forecasting, subcontractor change management, and invoice review.
• OSHA 30 certification or additional construction safety training.
• Strong ability to anticipate construction and operational risks, develop practical solutions, and make effective decisions in fast-paced field environments.

Equal Opportunity Statement :
USPRO is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability and/or other protected categories. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodation(s) to qualified individuals with disabilities or needs, as required by law.