Manager, Specification Writer

Asheville, Inc.; Asheville (NC); Hybrid; USD 101,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Manager, Specification Writer to lead a team dedicated to quality assurance in construction specifications. This role involves managing a team, writing and editing technical specifications, and collaborating with project managers to ensure compliance with legal standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in project management and specification writing, along with a strong background in engineering or architecture. Join a forward-thinking company that values your growth and offers a collaborative environment where your expertise can shine and make a significant impact on diverse projects.

Benefits

Hybrid Work Options

Career Development Opportunities

Inclusive Work Environment

Employee Support Programs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with PE or RA license and CCS certification required.
• 15 years of related experience in specification writing and project management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Specifications Writing Team focusing on quality assurance.
• Write and edit technical specifications for engineering and architecture projects.
• Coordinate with project managers and legal counsel on specifications.

Skills

Technical Specification Writing

Project Management

Quality Assurance

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Team Coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Professional Engineer (PE)

Registered Architect (RA)

Certified Construction Specifier (CCS)

Tools

MasterSpec

SpecsIntact

Microsoft Word

Excel

Teams

ProjectWise

Job description

41399BR

Requisition ID: 41399BR

Business Unit: TSU

Job Description: CDM Smith is an engineering and construction firm delivering legendary service, smart solutions for the environment and infrastructure, and an unmatched experience for our clients and employees. Our firm works with clients around the world to implement solutions to meet current and future needs. CDM Smith is not considering consulting firms for this position.

We are open to hybrid schedules for this position. This position can be based out of any CDM Smith US-based office with a preference for our offices located in Orlando, Raleigh, Dallas, Boston, or Atlanta.

Management Tasks:

1. Manages Specifications Writing Team that focuses on Quality Assurance for construction specifications on Design Projects for all multiple business units including our technical services (TSU), construction (CCI) and federal (FSU). Builds customer centered team focus within QA requirements.
2. Conducts regular meetings to advance team communication, task sharing and best practice coordination.
3. Monitors, updates and maintains the master specifications library in partnership with other specification writers, and discipline leaders. Undertakes specific management of Divisions within the firm Library in role of Knowledge Keeper.
4. Recommends updates to specifications related policies and procedures.
5. Monitors Viva Engage and other firmwide communication portals for spec issues and questions.
6. Creates, updates, and maintains specification section development tracking.
7. Develops and publicizes systems for coordination with subconsultants.
8. Recruits, interviews, and assists in hiring and onboarding new employees (with the TDM and RTL) to support project workload and overall firm growth.

Strategic Tasks:

1. Provides strategic planning on issues facing the preparation of the firm’s construction specifications. This can include:
2. Evaluation of Digital platforms for delivering specs and integration with other firm software including Revit and ProjectWise.
3. Coordination and training of NAU administrative staff to prepare specs.
4. Connecting and participating with CSI events and professional developments.
5. Maintaining and advancing best practices for spec preparation.
6. Preparing processes for proposal budgets and scopes.
7. Maintaining relationship with OGC on the legal aspects of specs including various contract types.
8. Working with Project Managers to schedule spec tasks on projects.
9. Working with Project Managers to understand impact of funding regulations such as AIS, BABAA, etc., on project manuals.
10. Train, mentor, and encourage staff in developing spec writing proficiency and convey the importance of the specifications in concert with project delivery models.

Specification Writing Tasks:

1. Works with project design staff to write, edit and coordinate use of basic to advanced project technical specifications related to the engineering and architecture professions, using multiple specification platforms: MasterSpec, SpecsIntact, SpecPoint or client based content.
2. Coordinates review of Division 00/01 with project managers and firm’s counsel. Can include integrating client front ends or generating EJCDC, DBIA or AIA front ends.
3. Incorporates appropriate federal, state, and local requirements (including state or federal funding agency checklists, if applicable).
4. Leads the quality checking process for the project technical specifications.
5. Provides regular updates to each project’s PM, PTL and design engineers.
6. Reviews project drawings for specification continuity.
7. Participates in writing new master specifications for the firm’s library as needed.
8. Develops, maintains, and updates project specifications table of contents (TOC) based on section lists received from each discipline.
9. Uploads specifications sections into specifications systems (ex: ProjectWise) Compiles and maintains a complete project manual to be used for duplication and ad hoc reporting.
10. Coordinates the work of intermediate and entry level spec writers on assigned projects.
11. Confirms and coordinates with administrative staff in preparation of documents for submittals.
12. Liaison for project engagement with specification software platforms.
13. Assists with project contract language and proposals.
14. Performs ad hoc duties as required.

Job Title: Manager, Specification Writer

Group: ISO

Employment Type: Regular

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree and Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA) or related professional state registration/license and Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) OR Bachelor's degree and CCS Certification with 10 years of certification.
2. 15 years of related experience.
3. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
4. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Well-rounded experience with design, project management and construction administration.
2. Experience writing and editing vertical and horizontal construction specifications. Familiarity with DOT, SpecsIntact and international specifications preferred.
3. Current membership in CSI or DBIA or other construction/design industry certification requiring education, experience, testing and CE credit requirements.
4. Proficient in CSI format requirements for technical specifications, EJCDC front end documents and working with multi-discipline teams to develop required specifications.
5. Experience writing and editing engineering technical specifications for public, government and private sector projects.

EEO Statement:

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith?:

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (https://www.cdmsmith.com/en/Video/Meet-CDM-Smith)

Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Site Location: United States - Nationwide

Agency Disclaimer:

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Recruitment Center Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Recruiting Center Team (RCT) will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

Amount of Travel Required: 5%

Assignment Category: Fulltime-Regular

Visa Sponsorship Available: No - We will not support sponsorship, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Skills and Abilities:

1. Advanced knowledge of necessary formatting requirements for technical specifications.
2. Advanced knowledge in MasterSpec, SpecsIntact and Microsoft Word software processing.
3. Excellent skills with Excel and Teams, pdf formatting, and cloud-based document organizing.
4. Strong ability to work within client-centered, multi‐discipline engineering design teams to both coordinate and lead project specifications development.
5. Expert knowledge of project bidding and contract procedures.
6. Strong problem‐solving skills.
7. Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
8. Excellent interpersonal skills.
9. Expert knowledge of engineering design project specifications production and delivery methods, including alternate project delivery methods and approaches.
10. Demonstrate diligence, attention to detail and an overall positive attitude when meeting deadlines.
11. Provide consistency in the delivery of our project specifications.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information:

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Pay Range Minimum: $101,150

Pay Range Maximum: $176,987

Additional Compensation: All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Work Location Options: Hybrid Work Options may be considered for successful candidate.

Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.