Procurement Construction Project Specialist

The Procurement Construction Project Specialist Serves as the procurement in-house technical expert for construction and construction-related procurements, contracting, and property/material acquisition/disposition. The role will be responsible for leading and managing renovation, development projects and new construction.  Will lead complex solicitation projects as assigned.  Will ensure projects  occur as prescribed by the annual buying plan, and is responsible for completing or coordinating administrative tasks related to supporting the procurement needs of the agency. Expertise and familiarity construction processes, and design is a must. Provide oversight of all construction and construction related purchases in compliance with HUD guidelines while extending bidding opportunities  to all Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) sources  in  order to increase their participation where feasible. Will also ensure that HUD mandated Section 3 requirements are met. Will be accountable for ensuring adherence to all federal laws pertaining to the Davis-Bacon Act.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the day-to-day oversight of capital, construction and renovation procurements and for coordinating activities so they are completed as prescribed by the annual buying plan.
• Responsible for procurement tasks related to Capital Construction and Development (DEV) construction procurements including but not limited to:
  • Identify suitable vendors
  • Review renderings prior to formal bid release and coordinate required changes with internal and external stakeholders
  • Review and comment on specifications, quality plans, design and construction submittals, and drawings
  • Coordinate site visits 
  • Manage Pre-Award process
  • Provide procurement oversight of construction contracting, including change orders and issuing Purchase Orders.
• Identify and resolve complex procurement-related issues with internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and suggest procurement strategies related to construction to increase market responses.
• Complete vendor outreach as necessary in order to ensure a wide range of suitable contractors are available.
• Works with the leadership to prepare notices and track procurement process violations. 
• Providing procurement guidance or training to users or vendors as necessary or directed.
• Provide insight into the construction industry and standards.
• Responsible for the monthly P-Team Meetings, including updating the agenda, taking and distributing meeting notes, owning the calendar invitations, coordinating with all appropriate parties, and all other tasks related to the P-Team Meetings. Will be required to attend PAM and DEV P-Team meetings. 
• Monitor procurement adherence to CHA Procurement Policy, HUD regulations, and federal and/or state statutes, including Davis Bacon. 
• Works with Contract Contracts Compliance Team to identify and implement strategies to increase Section 3 and Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) contract participation.
• Provides technical guidance on construction procurements and projects to Procurement Specialists and other team members as necessary.
• Promotes and maintains the integrity of CHA while conducting business in an ethical and professional manner to ensure avoidance of all actual and potential conflicts of interest.
• Provides recommendations to enhance construction processes and documents.
• Shall complete non-construction related solicitations as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience, along with 3 to 5 years of progressive construction and design experience, preferably in a lead role. Experience in creation and management of procurement solicitation processes.  Construction buyer or procurement lead is preferred. Must possess a comprehensive ability to understand complex bidding and procurement specifications. Computer literacy is required. A strategic thinker with strong analytical and quantitative skills is needed. Must be able to collaborate and work effectively across multiple internal and external groups and levels. Good ability to identify complex problems and discrepancies, independently perform research and analysis of causes, and oversee completion of approved corrective actions. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Proficient with technology typically associated with engineering and construction. Meaningful comprehension of construction and engineering documents, drawings, and schedules. Proficient knowledge of construction industry terminology. Knowledge of contract specifications, quality plans, design and construction submittals, and drawings. Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions. Excellent communication (written and oral) ability, and time management and organizational skills are required. In addition, an expert understanding and demonstrated experience in complex capital and construction contracting, design-build, and other construction methodologies are required.

Demonstrated ability to work in a demanding, high-pressure work environment. Strong team-oriented culture and customer service approach desired. Must be knowledgeable of the federally mandated Davis Bacon Act and related laws, prevailing wage laws, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 3 requirement to employ low and very low-income Chicago area residents, M/WBE and DBE requirements, affirmative action and contracting procedures. 

BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE

• Vacation, Sick and Personal, competitive PTO package       
• Medical (HMO, PPO, and No employee cost High-Deductible PPO) Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Parking Transit
• Prepaid Legal Services
• Brightstar 529 College Savings Plan
• Identity Theft Protection
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan: Empower 457/401(a) with a 3% employer match
• Pension Plan: CHA makes contributions on behalf of the employee, along with the employee's 3% contribution; 100% vesting occurs after 6 years of continuous employment or opt-out of CHA's Retirement Plan and continues to participate in the Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago
• Hybrid work schedule (position specific) This position may be eligible for remote work following a successful completion of a 90-day probationary period according to CHA’s established policies and procedures.

"Applications will be accepted for 30 days from the date of posting. However, the position may be closed at any point if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.”

Salary: $87,000

Grade: S8

FLSA: Exempt

Union: None