Deputy Director of Construction Claims

Deputy Director for Construction Claims

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) is the public transit authority responsible for planning and constructing Skyline, Honolulu's rail transit system. It is the first fully automated, driverless urban light metro system in the United States and represents the largest public infrastructure project in the history of Hawaii.

To support this transformative project, HART is seeking a Deputy Director for Construction Claims. This critical role manages construction claims and advises HART's leadership on their nature and status while ensuring timely resolution of disputes, including bid protests arising from procurement processes. Reporting directly to the Project Director, this position plays a key role in mitigating risks and maintaining compliance to safeguard project timelines and budgets.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Advise HART senior management on procurement protests, construction claims, utility agreements, third-party agreements, and insurance risk management. Participate in top-level management meetings to develop strategies and goals.
• Develop, review, and update policies and procedures related to construction claims and third-party agreements.
• Oversee and coordinate the overall Construction Claims Program, ensuring timely resolution of disputes.
• Utilize knowledge of Hawaii's Public Procurement Code to analyze and draft responses to bid protests and assist in preparing briefs for hearings at the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
• Collaborate with HART departments to identify escalating issues and disputed change orders, providing advice to prevent or support future claims.
• Perform cost and schedule analyses for mediation or court proceedings, working with experts on technical issues such as delays and economic damages.
• Manage interactions with insurance companies, requiring knowledge of surety policies, and coordinate with legal counsel on claims proceedings including depositions, motions, and document reviews.
• Prepare for mediation, dispute resolution boards, and court proceedings by drafting high-level documents and strategies.
• Conduct forensic reviews of project documentation for elevated claims and ensure compliance with Federal Transit Administration requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited college or university.
• Possess at least 10 years of experience in litigation, contract administration, or construction claims, including experience with procurement, contract law, and complex state and federal court proceedings.
• Have proven ability to supervise staff effectively.
• Demonstrate strong skills in contract drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution.

Physical Requirement

Candidates must meet the health and physical condition standards necessary to perform the essential duties of this position effectively.

Benefits

HART is a part of the City and County of Honolulu, and employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package provided by the City. This includes:

• Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, and life insurance plans
• Generous vacation and sick leave, earning up to 21 days per year
• 13 paid holidays annually (14 days during election year)
• Retirement plan contributions through the Employees' Retirement System (ERS)
• Deferred compensation options to invest pre-tax income for retirement
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses
• Pre-tax transportation benefits, including TheBus and vanpool options
• Access to confidential counseling services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional perks include training opportunities and employer-funded Holo Card for eligible employees to use on public transit
• Eligibility for the public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, supporting employees dedicated to public service

Work Schedule

• Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8-hour shift.
• Location: The work for this position is conducted on-site at the HART offices located in Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Telecommuting is not currently available for this role.
• Relocation: HART does not cover relocation costs. Candidates must be able to reliably commute or relocate to Honolulu by first day of employment.