Director of Capital Projects and Delivery

North County Transit District; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

North County Transit District seeks a Director of Capital Projects & Delivery to plan, direct, and oversee the capital project portfolio from concept through closeout. You will lead the Project Delivery Manager and SPAs, ensuring safety, scope, schedule, budget, and quality alignment with Board policies and funding constraints.

The role spans design through handover, coordinating with SANDAG, local jurisdictions, and partners to maintain asset-driven priorities and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, PM, construction management, architecture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of directly relevant capital project experience.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the capital delivery portfolio and CIP execution; set delivery strategy and stage-gate requirements.
• Direct the Project Delivery Manager and SPA team on analytics, schedule/cost control, risk, change, and reporting.
• Coordinate with Procurement & Contracts Administration on solicitations, negotiations, awards, claims, and change control.
• Represent Capital Projects & Delivery at executive reviews and the Board with clear staff reports.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Budgeting

Contract management

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Office

Job description

Under the general direction of the Deputy Chief Development and Technology Officer, the Director of Capital Projects & Delivery plans, directs, and oversees NCTD's capital project portfolio from concept through closeout, with accountability for safety, scope, schedule, budget, quality, and stakeholder outcomes. The position provides day-to-day leadership to the Project Delivery Manager and their Senior Project Analysts (SPAs), and to Project Managers delivering facilities, stations, parking, and administrative building projects. The Director ensures projects align to asset-driven priorities, regulatory requirements, Board policies, funding constraints, and NCTD's North Star goals.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This role leads a cross-functional delivery program spanning design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover, coordinating closely with internal divisions, SANDAG, local jurisdictions, and external partners. The incumbent exercises a high degree of foresight and judgment in solving complex delivery challenges and managing consultants and contractors on multi-year capital programs.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position reports to the Deputy Chief Development and Technology Officer and works closely with the Development Services Division and other District staff as required. Direct reports include: Project Delivery Manager and Project Managers assigned to the DSD Division. Also supervises the work of consultants and contractors, and collaborates as a member of multi-disciplinary project teams.

Working Conditions

Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultant facilities, and other locations as required.

Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Leadership & Portfolio Governance

• Lead the capital delivery portfolio and annual CIP execution plan; set delivery strategy, standards, and stage-gate requirements; drive monthly health reviews and performance reporting.
• Direct the Project Delivery Manager and SPA team on analytics, schedule/cost control, risk, change, and reporting; coach PMs on contract, construction, and closeout best practices.
• Represent Capital Projects & Delivery at executive reviews and the Board, preparing clear, concise staff reports and presentations.

Program & Project Delivery

• Oversee scope development, independent cost estimates, procurement strategies (DBB/DB/CMGC/JOC), construction administration, testing/commissioning, and operational handover.
• Identify and manage risks/issues; implement mitigation and recovery plans; elevate critical decisions promptly.
• Coordinate with Procurement & Contracts Administration (PCA) on solicitations, negotiations, awards, claims, and change control; ensure compliance with PCA policies and timelines.

Stakeholder, Regulatory & Interagency

• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Real Estate, Safety, Finance, IT, and Systems Technology; align delivery with operational readiness and life-cycle maintainability.
• Coordinate with SANDAG, municipalities, County, and state/federal partners (FTA, FRA, CPUC) on permits, approvals, and funding/oversight requirements; prepare for and participate in audits.

Compliance, Environment & Safety

• Ensure projects meet applicable codes/standards (IBC/CBC, ADA, NFPA, OSHA) and environmental obligations (e.g., MS4) throughout design and construction.
• Support emergency response related to project construction impacts or District assets as needed.

Budget, Schedule & Reporting

• Develop and manage project and departmental operating budgets; integrate grant and capital funding constraints; ensure accurate forecasting and cash-flow planning with Finance.
• Oversee master schedules and resource plans; ensure earned value, trend, and contingency management disciplines are applied across the portfolio.

People & Vendor Management

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff; provide performance feedback, professional development, and succession planning; administer discipline per policy.

• Manage A/E, CM, and construction contractors; enforce contract requirements, safety, quality, and schedule.

Asset-Driven Handover

• Ensure as-built documentation, O&M manuals, warranty, training, and asset data packages meet FTA TAM and District asset management standards at project close.
• Coordinate with receiving departments to embed asset records into EAM and preventive maintenance programs.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, Architecture, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years prior directly relevant experience.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

Licenses/Certificates

• Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver's license, Class C, and a satisfactory driving record for the last five (5) years.
• Maintain compliance with the District's policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.
• Preferred: PE, RA, PMP, CCM, DBIA, and OSHA 30 or equivalent.

General Requirements

• Knowledge of capital forecasting, planning, and implementation; mastery of design and construction delivery methods and contract administration.
• Knowledge of codes and regulatory frameworks (IBC/CBC, ADA, NFPA, OSHA) and experience with FTA/FRA/CPUC compliance.

Able to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and teambuilding skills, including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, analyze, and present data to appropriate sources.
• High level of professionalism; demonstrate a positive, pro-active attitude and commitment to excellence.
• Ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal rules and regulations accurately and effectively.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear and concise reports.
• Demonstrate proficiency in computer software programs including the Microsoft Office Suite.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions, work with office equipment, and daily lifting of equipment up to 25 pounds is required. Ability to hear, see and to communicate verbally to exchange information. Ability to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right-way. May be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. Ability to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.
• Ability to carry and operate mobile on-call device.

Application Information

All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers. A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NCTD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if NCTD is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right's Department Fair Chance Act webpage.