Project Director

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Projects & Infrastructure Modernization Division has an opening for a Project Director to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will lead a group of project managers to complete a range of complex and competing construction projects from the conceptual phase through planning, engineering, procurement, construction, start-up, commissioning and close-out. A majority of these projects will involve site preparation and installation of scientific research equipment requiring connection to infrastructure and utilities.  The Laboratory is committed to effective and efficient planning, scoping and execution of scientific equipment installations (SEI), as well as successful task hand-off and completion of the full project life cycle.  As the SEI Team Manager, you will be responsible for developing strong relationships with research stakeholders, facilitating the clear scoping and coordination of critical installations, and for optimizing internal processes and communication with all members of the team to support efficient and successful installations.  Work will include resolution of issues and exercising judgment within a range of procedures, practices and policies to determine appropriate action. Direct the planning and development of project schedule and budget, and responsible for the preparation and implementation of project plans. Responsible for the successful completion of assigned projects including managing design and construction subcontracts as well as meeting project cost, schedule and safety goals.  Accountable for project team deliverables and overall project success.

What You Will Do:

• Manage complex construction projects by leading and supervising a group of Project Managers.  Work with Project Managers, Construction Managers, Project Coordinators, other PIM and Facilities staff, consultants and subcontractors to incorporate Environment, Health & Safety and Quality direction as necessary to ensure project completion in a safe manner, within budget, on schedule and in accordance with specifications and requirements.
• Responsible for supervising staff including workforce planning and Human Resources activities. Oversee technical and operational activities of the group including preparation of design documents, construction execution, budget and schedule management.  Ensure the project team, including consultants and subcontractors, understand and follow all safety requirements on all projects.  Manage direct reports’ performance by providing clear deliverables and metrics. 
• Expert advisor on project activity with internal scientific customer division and represent the Laboratory on project matters with DOE/Berkeley Site Office, University of California Office of the President, and other external organizations to achieve customer needs.  Coordinate client contacts, including regular correspondence with the clients and maintain working relationships at all levels throughout the project. 
• Direct the project planning activities including development of the requirements, project scope, budget and overall project schedule.  Manage and control contractual commitments for preparation of the design and construction execution.  Perform project reviews to assure that all work is being performed in accordance with the specifications, drawings and terms of the subcontract.  Review and approve project planning documents, forecasts, schedules, cost estimates, progress reports and financial reports. Establish and control the budget for project costs.
• Proactively seek out customer needs as they pertain to the project management services.  Develop a full understanding and accept ownership of those needs, seek relevant solutions which meet all requirements and follow up to ensure that the customer is satisfied.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Participate in the Laboratory’s project management community of practice.
• Mentor early and mid-career staff.
• Support PIM and Operations Division improvement activities.

What is Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering or equivalent with substantial experience (15+ years) in construction project management.
• Significant experience leading a diverse team, including consultants and contractors, on the planning and execution of complex construction projects.  Provide project staff with performance expectations, guidance and training to ensure customers are provided with quality, comprehensive and effective services/deliverables.  Ability to delegate assignments to project team members.
• Proven experience developing and managing budgets and schedules, developing project scope documents, project plans, progress reports, and managing successful project delivery utilizing consulting architecture/engineering firms and construction contractors. Successful track record delivering complex projects in a safe manner with a high technical quality. 
• Extensive experience applying analytical and problem-solving skills to complex problems. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, use sound judgment and provide solutions to ensure results.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with a wide range of groups and individuals, including technical, scientific and non-technical stakeholders.  Excellent collaboration skills and ability to effectively interact with people at all levels, internal and external to the organization.  A strong understanding of the scientific mission of the Laboratory and the ability to translate research needs into clear project scopes and requirements.
• Excellent proposal development, presentation, and client relationship skills. 
• Expert knowledge and skills applying the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and applicable DOE Orders for project management, including Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) concepts.
• MS Project, Primavera, Procore, Bluebeam, and/or other project management system experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Valid professional license to practice Architecture or Engineering in the State of California.
• Project Management Certification (PMI). 
• Prior National Lab, university or DOE experience.  

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof that vaccination requirements have been met or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.