Division Manager - Construction Management

City of Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Wilmington seeks a Construction Management - Division Manager to lead the city’s construction management team, oversee project managers and inspectors, and ensure safe, high-standard delivery of public infrastructure and private development.

You will coordinate with engineering, city departments, contractors, and the public, manage budgets, and guide technical standards while driving value engineering and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or closely related field from an accredited university.
• Minimum five years of progressive experience in construction management for public infrastructure.
• Valid Class C Driver's License.
• Knowledge of contract administration, budgeting, and procurement processes.
• Ability to lead a diverse, multi-project team and work with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Supervises staff and manages division budgets.
• Oversees permits and administers construction contracts for City projects.
• Directs surveyors and engineers to produce construction drawings.
• Chairs meetings and communicates with regulators and the public.
• Stays abreast of changes in regulations and industry standards.

Skills

Construction oversight

Contract administration

Budgeting & financial tracking

Communication & public relations

Technical document review

Personnel management

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Job description

One City. One Team. One Community.

As the Construction Management - Division Manager , you’ll play a key leadership role in shaping the projects, infrastructure, and development that help our community thrive. You’ll lead the City’s Construction Management team, guiding project managers and construction inspection personnel while ensuring City construction and private development projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

Why This Position Matters

Great communities don’t happen by accident—they’re built through strong leadership, thoughtful planning, and people who care about getting the details right. In this role, your leadership will directly influence the quality, efficiency, and success of projects that residents, businesses, and visitors rely on every day.

You’ll serve as a critical connection between engineering, construction, City departments, contractors, developers, and the public. From overseeing contracts and project finances to maintaining technical standards and providing solutions to complex construction challenges, you’ll help turn plans into projects that make a lasting difference.

One City. One vision for a stronger, better-built community.

• Supervises staff by implementing departmental procedures and guidelines for daily tasks and activities, assigning project management and inspection duties, evaluating performance, making field visits, coaching for improvement, recommending personnel actions and being responsible for management of the division and construction project budgets.

• Oversees and coordinates the permitting of City construction projects and ensures compliance with professional engineering requirements and city technical standards; administers construction contracts for City projects. High degree of responsibility for public health and safety.

• Directs the work of surveyors, environmental consultants, geotechnical consultants, computer-aided drafting specialists, geographical information systems specialists, and engineering interns to produce construction drawings for multiple capital projects. Supervises work of consulting engineers, providing directives and guidance on complex administrative and technical issues.

• Fiscal management of multiple City projects, involving the preparation of project applications; project justifications; grant applications; and cost estimates. Monitors budgets; negotiates contract amendments; and initiates change orders.

• Develop alternatives for value engineering on project designs. Weigh competing criteria between alternatives for decision-making in a multifaceted context (e.g., public relations vs. economic feasibility vs. materials availability vs. workforce capabilities vs. operation & maintenance considerations vs. life-cycle costs vs. regulatory agency requirements, etc.).

• Authors technical specifications and creates construction details for improvements to existing methods; to address new technologies; and to maintain compliance with changes in regulations. These documents must be practical and functional in a frequently contentious and volatile construction contract environment.

• Chairs public information meetings; pre-bid meetings; pre-construction meetings; and progress meetings for capital project construction. Represents City in meetings with regulatory agencies and respond to media inquiries. Prepare public notices.

• Provides internal support by determining appropriate materials for various applications, completing design modifications, and assisting with contract issues.

• Stays abreast of changes in regulations, construction methods and industry standards through continuing education, as required for project assignments.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or closely related program from an accredited university.

Experience:

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible direct work experience in construction management, including all aspects of process development and execution.

Requirements:

Valid Class C Driver's License

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of construction management practices for public infrastructure and private development projects

• Knowledge of engineering principles, standards, and regulatory requirements

• Knowledge of contract administration, budgeting, and procurement processes

• Knowledge of municipal policies, technical specifications, and inspection procedures

Skills:

• Skill in construction oversight, contract administration, and quality control

• Skill in budgeting, financial tracking, and resource allocation

• Skill in communication and public relations with stakeholders, contractors, and the public

• Skill in reviewing technical documents, plans, and specifications

• Skill in personnel management, including coaching, performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and staff development

Abilities:

• Ability to lead and coordinate multiple construction projects simultaneously

• Ability to ensure compliance with regulations, standards, and contract requirements

• Ability to represent the department effectively in meetings and public settings

• Ability to develop and recommend policies, procedures, and technical standards

• Ability to provide technical guidance and support across departments

• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team, foster accountability, and maintain a productive, collaborative work environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Office Work: Primarily sedentary, involving prolonged sitting, computer use, telephone and office equipment operation, and standard office tasks. Requires visual acuity, hearing, and manual dexterity for reviewing documents, analyzing data, and completing administrative responsibilities.

General Requirements: The position involves occasional travel to meetings, evening events, or after-hours response. All work is performed in compliance with applicable State and Federal OSHA regulations, including hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and slip, trip, and fall prevention.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is primarily office-based, utilizing standard office equipment in a climate-controlled setting and adhering to applicable safety and ergonomic guidelines. The role also requires occasional fieldwork at transportation, streets, and stormwater project and construction sites, with exposure to outdoor conditions, traffic, noise, and uneven terrain, and occasional standing, walking, or lifting of light materials with appropriate safety measures in place.

The position functions in a fast-paced, collaborative, and public-facing municipal environment, involving interaction with elected officials, employees, community members, and external partners. Attendance at evening meetings and occasional after-hours or emergency response may be required.