Director of Construction

Position Summary The Office of University Architects (OUA) provides professional planning, design, and construction management for the University of Georgia’s main campus and extended campuses. The Director of Construction, reporting to the Senior Director of Construction, will provide strategic leadership and hands‑on oversight for complex capital projects from pre‑construction through close‑out and warranty. The role requires proactive risk identification, issue resolution, and guidance of teams on quality, schedule, logistics, and budget matters. Responsibilities Pre‑construction Leadership Provide strategic leadership and oversight of pre‑construction activities, coordinating with the OUA project teams, construction managers, design professionals, and consultants. Anticipate, identify, and mitigate potential project risks during the pre‑construction phase; lead collaborative problem‑solving efforts and elevate critical issues. Direct and oversee pre‑construction cost estimating and pricing reviews. Oversee the review and evaluation of component change orders, Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) submissions, and subcontractor award recommendations. Guide the incorporation of subcontractor input during pre‑construction to enhance constructability and campus coordination. Provide oversight of contractor‑developed project schedules to ensure compliance with BOR and GSFIC milestones. Lead design standards compliance and constructability reviews. Oversee site logistics planning and campus coordination to minimize disruption. Percentage of time: 25% Construction Leadership Provide overall leadership and direction for construction phase activities, ensuring effective collaboration among OUA project teams. Maintain a proactive management approach to identify emerging issues and lead resolution efforts. Ensure comprehensive understanding of contract documents and project requirements for quality control oversight. Supervise and provide leadership to Contract Compliance Specialists (CCS), ensuring consistency and alignment in their interactions with projects. Provide oversight to ensure timely coordination of required utility services. Lead construction advisories and oversee construction inspection processes. Provide management‑level support to project managers in reviewing pay applications and change orders. Represent the institution in Owner/Architect/Contractor meetings and pre‑installation meetings. Coordinate Facilities Management Division (FMD) walkthroughs and commissioning‑related quality reviews. Maintain regular communication with OUA project managers and the Senior Director of Construction. Percentage of time: 50% Warranty and Closeout Leadership Provide leadership and oversight of warranty‑related activities. Direct and oversee the project closeout process, including coordination of O&M training sessions. Ensure documentation and follow‑through related to O&M training sessions. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement to institutional design standards. Review drafts of O&M manuals and record drawings. Ensure all closeout documentation is properly submitted to the Facilities Management Division. Guide and train contractors on institutional documentation tools and platforms. Implement the warranty tracking system and manage warranty work in AiM or other systems. Percentage of time: 15% Administrative Items Lead monthly coordination meetings with Fire and Life Safety staff. Maintain required professional safety and environmental training certifications. Chair and lead the OUA Lessons Learned program. Oversee the development and maintenance of historical cost data and unit cost analyses. Percentage of time: 5% Other duties as assigned Percentage of time: 5% Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 12 years of professional experience, including 5 years of supervisory experience. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and ten years of experience in construction or construction project management with an emphasis on higher education facilities, including experience on urban campuses, research laboratories, classrooms, residence halls, dining facilities, and varsity sports facilities. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies In‑depth knowledge of higher education capital construction projects from planning to close‑out. Comprehensive knowledge of current construction methods, ADA, building and life safety codes. Expertise in pre‑construction services, construction phasing, logistics, quality control, materials testing, and commissioning. Working knowledge of campus facilities operations and how construction interfaces with occupied campuses. Ability to review and interpret construction documents, drawings, specifications, submittals, and code‑related issues. Knowledge of safety and security practices relevant to construction on an active campus. Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously with strong organizational and project management skills. Proficiency with construction and project management software such as Bluebeam, e‑Builder, Procore. Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite. Ability to exercise tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment with stakeholders. Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage, supervise, mentor, and delegate work. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Exceptional commitment to customer service and collaborative problem‑solving. Physical Demands Walk on uneven terrain and walk through construction sites. Visit project sites across the state. Sit at a computer for long periods of time. Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access or control of financial resources? No Does this position require or have essential P‑Card function? No Does this position have security access? Yes The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr