The Role:

Manages contractor contracts in the construction and maintenance of the Company’s gas distribution and transmission system and oversees other field activities.

Day to Day:

• Manages construction and operations contractor contracts in the performance of their contract terms and conditions.
• Develops and monitors contractor performance standards measuring against the KPI’s of the contract
• Monitors contractor work methods to ensure compliance with Company and regulatory standards.
• Manages auditing of contractor work practices and results.
• Collaborates with Purchasing and Legal to develop RFPs and manages the interface with the work order process.
• Coordinates and collaborates with Engineering, Resource Management, NW Natural internal Construction and Operations, Training, QA and OQ.
• Evaluates emergency situations, analyzing required action and directing appropriate response; maintains proper emergency response procedure.
• Manages work methods in accordance with Company and regulatory standards.
• Ensures code and inspection requirements for federal, city, state, and county jurisdictions are met.
• Develops and monitors project plans, construction time-lines, and budgets.
• Develops business strategies to meet compliance and acquisitions goals.
• Builds and maintains favorable working relationships with other utilities, governmental agencies, contractors, fire officials, and equipment installers/dealers; promotes locate requests and Company notification of pending work with these agencies.
• Responds to customer/public inquiries, translates customer needs into service goals, communicating information to supervisors for implementation.
• Coordinates activities and shares information within the company’s outside contractors, and public agencies in order to ensure satisfactory progress throughout the project.
• Prepares periodic progress reports, remaining schedule estimates and long-range time-lines and budget estimates for corporate planning purposes.
• Prepares budget, analyzing costs/benefits; continuously evaluates cost reduction and revenue enhancement opportunities.
• Provides business documentation for Internal Audit and rate cases.
• Provides notice of change to the stakeholders.
• Directly responsible for all federally mandated activities.
• This position may require travel.
• Supports Company’s commitment to a culture of safe work practices.
• Participate as a subject matter expert for external audit preparation, data gathering in order to demonstrate compliance
• Adheres to and promotes the philosophies and directives of current Collective Bargaining Agreement..
• Develops, trains, and mentors individual and team members with documentation and ongoing performance feedback; recognizes accomplishments and provides cross-training opportunities when applicable.
• Demonstrates appropriate leadership and decision-making behaviors; maintains technical job knowledge and personal skill development. Committed to coaching and developing employees.

Come on your first day with:

• B. S. degree in Engineering, Construction Management or an equivalent combination of education/experience leading to proven skills to perform the essential functions of the position.
• A minimum of 10 years prior experience in gas field operations, or equivalent of experience/education
• Experience in preparing large construction budgets and project plans. Knowledge of project planning, monitoring, and reporting using appropriate computer software.
• Knowledge of company standard practices for underground construction techniques as well as federal, state, and local jurisdictional regulations and requirements.
• Requires demonstrated leadership experience in directing and leading a team; delegating and coordinating team activities with a strategic focus; skill and commitment to coaching and developing team members.
• Strong communication skills to negotiate with various stakeholders: company employees, contractors, engineers, agency personnel to ensure cooperation and timely project completion.
• Effective verbal communication skills, on an individual and group presentation basis, including team facilitation techniques as well as public interface skills.
• Requires excellent interpersonal communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of employees.
• Ability to handle/diffuse difficult conversations and negotiations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to diffuse conflict, and handle sensitive situations with confidentiality, tact, and discretion while providing clear and concise direction.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly participative and collaborative union environment.
• Ability to build and maintain constructive working relationships with union leaders and management. Proven skills in persuasion, consensus building, and negotiating agreements.
• Strong systemic and critical thinking skills and ability to use logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. Demonstrated problem solving, creative thinking and math related skills.
• Ability to demonstrate a strong commitment to working in a highly collaborative team environment and coordinate responsibilities openly with others within the organization.
• Requires demonstrated project management skills as well as organizational abilities and the flexibility to manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency; including word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Possess/maintain a valid Oregon/Washington driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Subject to random drug testing.