Project Manager 2

Ocean State Job Lot; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra is seeking a Project Manager 2 to oversee a portfolio of mid to large-scale commuter rail projects, ensuring on-time delivery within budget and to quality standards.

The role requires coordinating with engineers, consultants, and internal teams; developing budgets, cost estimates, staffing, and schedules; and managing contract administration, risks, and vendor performance. A strong leadership and communication ability is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction or Project Management, Engineering or relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Director, Project Management, the Project Manager 2 will manage a wide range of mid to large scale commuter rail projects of moderate complexity including stations, civil infrastructure, bridges, and support facilities ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality standards.
• Perform project budgets and cost estimates; oversee scope of work, staffing plans, and schedules for assigned projects.
• Review plans and designs with SMEs for efficiencies, cost effectiveness and constructability; recommend changes to ensure compliance.
• Participate in contract administration: review bids, award contracts, approve changes, process payments, and evaluate vendor performance.
• Monitor progress, manage risks, and maintain strong stakeholder relationships to coordinate projects.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Contract administration

Stakeholder management

Reading engineering drawings

Leadership

Multitasking

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction or Project Management, Engineering or relevant field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.
To meet those needs, Metra employs a diverse workforce in an environment that fosters creativity and drives innovation. We invite you to learn more about Metra and the many career opportunities we offer.

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra's Capital Delivery Department oversees the design, construction and administration of Metra capital projects and manages the work of consultants and contractors implementing these projects. Capital projects overseen by this group include stations and parking as well as structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, traction power, and wayfinding and signs. The department also includes Project Management, NEPA, Project Controls, and Project Administration teams.

Reporting to the Director, Project Management, the Project Manager 2 will manage a wide range of mid to large scale commuter rail projects of moderate complexity including stations, civil infrastructure, bridges, and support facilities ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality standards.

The Primary Duties include: Perform project management duties including preparing project budgets; overseeing the preparation of project cost estimates, scope of work, staffing plans, and schedules for assigned projects; working with subject matter experts to review plans and designs prepared by in-house staff or consultants for efficiencies, cost effectiveness and constructability; and recommending changes as needed to ensure compliance with scope, budget, and schedules. Participate in the contract administration process including reviewing bids and awarding contracts; approving, negotiating, and processing contract changes; authorizing contract payments upon work completion; and evaluating vendor performance and recommend appropriate action when performance does not meet contract specifications. Monitor progress and identify and manage project risks; recommend solutions to keep projects within budget, scope, and on schedule; and ensure compliance with contract specifications, construction engineering best practices, and quality and safety standards. Develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships both within and outside the organization to facilitate project coordination. Maintain project files and prepare status reports Perform otherrelated duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction or Project Management, Engineering or relevant field.
• In addition to #1 above, must have four years of engineering or project management experience.
• Good knowledge of infrastructure project management principles.
• Good knowledge of construction principles and practices.
• Good knowledge of contract administration related to public works construction projects.
• Good knowledge of state and federal requirements for capital projects.
• Good organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill reading engineering drawings and contract specifications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Ability to provide leadership of interdisciplinary project teams.
• Ability to build relationship with individuals both within and outside of the organization.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferences:

• Experience in the railroad, transit, or infrastructure industry.
• Project management certification

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants andemployees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.
Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

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