Capital Projects Manager — Complex Construction

Departmental Overview

Capital Projects manages the design, construction, retrofitting, and restoration of campus buildings and their surroundings. Many skilled professionals work in Capital Projects as Project Managers who have backgrounds in architecture, landscape architecture, planning, engineering, construction and administrative personnel, all of whom work to serve the campus community.

This position involves managing preconstruction and construction of large, politically challenging capital projects, including ground-up high-rise housing projects, complex academic buildings, and projects of the highest value.

• Conduct constructability reviews of project documents and evaluate GC comments to ensure alignment with best practices.
• Collaborate with UCB, design team, and the GC to verify drawings accurately reflect design intent, comply with UCB and code standards, and minimize conflicts or ambiguities.
• Establish project milestones and schedules, evaluate GC’s schedule for overall efficiency, coordinate with owner-directed work, and review look-ahead schedules to ensure alignment and timely execution.
• Provide oversight of trade package buyout through procurement.
• Review bid packages to optimize outcomes and mitigate change orders.
• Collaborate with design and construction teams to develop strategy for scoping and alternates.
• Offer strategic recommendations to enhance cost efficiency and mitigate budget‑related risks.
• Provide technical guidance and innovative solutions on design and constructability challenges.
• Serve as technical expert providing advice, consultation and coordination of specific systems.
• Support and manage RFQ/P processes to onboard owner consultants required for construction.
• Recommend candidates and lead outreach efforts to engage and recruit the most qualified consultants.
• Resolve problems or conflicts in areas of expertise, including recommending a range of solutions to disputed issues or contractor claims.
• Maintain consistent and clear communication with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution.
• Prepare cost estimates and functional studies.
• Attend workshops, seminars, and classes to keep up-to-date on capital project management issues, best practices, and university policies and procedures.

• Expert written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, including expert‑level political acumen and negotiation skills.
• Expert knowledge of design and construction, contract administration and state building codes, with a deep understanding of industry practices or highly specialized disciplines.
• Expert project‑management skills to manage highly complex projects or components with significant organizational impact.
• Expert skill in building and nurturing strong professional relationships for short‑ and long‑range program goals.
• Expert knowledge in technical areas of construction such as sustainability, mechanical engineering, landscape architecture, infrastructure or other specialty fields.
• Expert skill in applying specific technological solutions in the construction planning phase and ensuring appropriate implementation during construction and completion.
• Expert skill in advising and consulting with all levels of management and/or capital planning, budgeting and construction professionals.
• Expert skill in promoting, advancing and implementing programs within area of expertise.
• Advanced knowledge of and ability to quickly learn the organization, including its infrastructure, rules, regulations, policies and strategic plans.
• Expert analytical, organizational, problem‑recognition/avoidance/resolution skills.
• Solution oriented.
• Experience with design and construction of high‑rise, construction, and highly technical projects.
• Expert ability to create and maintain project schedules.
• Expert ability to manage construction project budgets and work with design and construction professionals on VE opportunities to maintain budgets.
• Expert at creating and reviewing detailed scope documents for bidding of complex construction projects.
• Expert ability at managing consultants and contractors.
• Operates with a high level of communication.
• Ability to work collaboratively with project stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The budgeted annual salary range is $ – $. This is an exempt, monthly‑paid position.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.