Project Manager - Vertical

Project Manager

The Office of the County Engineer (OCE) manages a large and complex capital program with more than 700 active projects valued at approximately $4 billion. Over the next year, OCE will oversee hundreds of design and construction projects, making this role critical to the successful delivery of the County's capital program and broader operational objectives.

The Project Manager is responsible for managing multiple capital improvement projects within OCE's Vertical Portfolio, ensuring construction activities comply with the Engineer of Record and Architect of Record's sealed plans, Harris County specifications, and all applicable codes and standards. Projects may include high-rise renovations and new construction, facility upgrades, full-site developments such as parks and greenways, and major energy, sustainability, and resiliency initiatives.

This position plays a key role in supporting disaster recovery and emergency preparedness efforts, including continuity of operations under the County's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). The Project Manager works closely with County departments, contractors, consultants, testing laboratories, coordinating agencies, and external partners to proactively address issues, manage risk, and resolve challenges throughout the design and construction process, helping protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

Job Duties:

• Deliver assigned capital projects from pre-planning through construction and close-out, ensuring alignment with approved scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards using several delivery methods.
• Develop, negotiate, and manage project scopes of work, schedules, resource plans, and cost estimates in coordination with clients, consultants, and project teams.
• Lead consultant procurement efforts, including contract negotiation, staffing coordination, budget oversight, and ongoing consultant performance management.
• Manage and coordinate internal and external project delivery teams to produce final deliverables, including engineering reports and constructible plan sets.
• Ensure all project deliverables meet client expectations, departmental standards, regulatory requirements, and permitting guidelines.
• Implement proactive risk management strategies to identify, mitigate, and resolve issues impacting project scope, schedule, budget, or performance.
• Oversee project controls and reporting using project management systems (e.g., e-Builder) to ensure accurate tracking of scope, budget, schedule, documentation, and approvals.
• Coordinate closely with CIP Inspections & Quality Assurance staff, inspectors, design engineers, consultants, and contractors throughout all phases of project delivery.
• Conduct pre-construction site walks and field coordination to resolve design issues, utility conflicts, and construction-related challenges.
• Review and recommend approval of change orders related to changed conditions, constructability, cost reasonableness, and viable technical solutions.
• Maintain oversight of assigned project portfolios; provide regular updates, reports, and briefings to senior management, client stakeholders, and executive leadership.
• Lead and mentor assigned staff, including Project Managers, Assistant Project Managers, Graduate Engineers, consultants, and subject matter experts; oversee training, workload distribution, performance, and adherence to County policies and procedures.
• Coordinate effectively with County departments, elected officials, external agencies, and the public to support transparent and successful project delivery.
• Support emergency response, disaster recovery, and continuity of operations efforts as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or similar fields.

Experience:

• Minimum of four years of proven experience managing vertical projects; candidates should submit a list of projects and/or a portfolio of representative work when applying.

Licensure:

• A valid driver's license (Texas upon hire). Applicant must provide and maintain proof of automobile liability insurance upon employment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Demonstrated ability to lead negotiations with consultants, regulatory agencies, and diverse stakeholders to secure resources, resolve issues, and support successful project outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of building materials, systems, and construction methods, with the ability to evaluate constructability, quality, and long-term operational impacts.
• Working knowledge of applicable building codes, permitting processes, and regulatory requirements related to vertical construction projects.
• Proficiency in reviewing and coordinating construction drawings and technical documents; familiarity with computer-aided…