Director, Projects (Expat to Beijing)

Universal Creative; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Creative in Orlando is seeking a seasoned Project Director to lead the development of facility construction for major land, attraction or hotel projects, directing planning, budgeting, scheduling, design, fabrication, delivery and commissioning to meet budget, quality, and guest experience targets.

You will organize and supervise project management, coordinate design decisions, manage staff of 10–35 plus external consultants, control documents, monitor budget and schedule, and ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management.
• 15–20 years of experience in major project development/management.
• Hospitality/entertainment/theme park project experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement, contracting and performance of contractors and vendors.
• Maintain project budget and schedule to targets.
• Coordinate creative/architectural development and design management.
• Hire and develop the project team; oversee staff 10–35 people.
• Produce project reporting and ensure quality and safety compliance.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Scheduling

Construction management

Staff management

Contract administration

Document control

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Architecture/Construction Management

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

Prolog

Job description

Job Summary

Responsible for directing and managing all aspects of the development of all of the Facility Construction for major land, attraction or hotel development (the “Project”), including all planning, budgeting, scheduling, estimating, design, construction, fabrication, delivery, and commissioning required to open the Project within the assigned budget, quality, schedule, creative and guest experience targets.

Organize and establish effective Project management; coordinate and manage design decisions and construction document production; avoid contract claims and disputes; minimize change orders during construction phases; effectively manage changes in the Project; eliminate interface disruptions between project participants; maintain, and where possible improve the Project schedule and budget; insure quality design and construction work; emphasize “hands-on” management of field operations; establish and maintain a competent and experienced staff; implement efficient and timely document control.

Major Responsibilities

• Construction/Fabrication/Implementation - Responsible for the qualification, procurement, selection, contracting and performance of all Contractors, Vendors, Manufacturers, Fabricators, etc. required to complete the facility development of the Project. Ensure that all project procedures are being followed as it relates to Correspondence, RFI’s, Directives, Shop Drawings, Submittals, Meeting Minutes, Punch Lists, Deficiency Lists, Notices, Pay Applications, etc. necessary to successfully implement the new theme park facilities.
• Budget/Scheduling - Responsible for maintaining the overall project budget and schedule within the targeted objectives set forth during project approval.
• Creative/Architectural Development - Responsible for the coordination and implementation of the creative/architectural content done by the Creative team or outside consultants. Responsible for the final delivery of the creative/architectural vision that meets the initial objectives set forth during the concept development.
• Design Management - Responsible for the qualification, procurement, selection, contracting and performance of any and all Architectural, Engineering and Technical Designers hired to complete the facility design phase of the Project. Responsible for the successful completion of the design that meets the creative/architectural intent within the budget and schedule established for the project.
• Personnel Management - Responsible for the hiring and selection of the necessary project team required to implement the project. Responsible for the performance of each of the project team individuals as it relates to the successful opening of new attractions. Responsible for the development and growth of project team.
• Project Reporting - Responsible for the management, tracking and reporting of all the necessary project components inclusive of budget, schedule and progress of the project to upper management. Responsible to maintain accurate documentation necessary to insure a successful project completion within the targeted budget and schedule.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Information

• License(s) in Architecture or Engineering preferred.
• Directly supervises members of the facility project team. Size of the facility project team varies from team to team. The project team will consist of Architects, Engineers, Project Manager’s, Schedulers, Estimators, Technical personnel ranging from 10 – 35 people in addition to the management of outside Architects, Construction Management, Scheduling, Estimating, Technical, Import and Procurement consultants. Team will consist of high level/experienced employees who are typically degreed/licensed professionals in the engineering, architecture or construction management fields. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Preferred qualifications include:
• ON-THE-JOB TRAINING: Minimum of 6 months to learn internal process and procedures and an additional 6 months to develop necessary familiarity with available resources in the industry to properly accomplish successful project completion.
• LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors
• MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• REASONING ABILITY: Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• RELATIONSHIPS OUTSIDE WORK UNIT: Influences decisions of major nature. High degree of tact & diplomacy to obtain favorable decisions or maintain good will.
• OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Project, and Prolog.

Scope

Non-routine; general policies applied to frequently changing situations. Complex; established procedures not available. Major decision-making.

Education

Bachelor’s degree is required in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or a related field. Master’s degree in is preferred in Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

15-20 Years of experience in the development and management of major projects with hospitality/entertainment/theme park experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

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