Head of Construction
Talento has partnered with an organization seeking an experienced and highly skilled Head of Construction with a strong background in managing the construction of large commercial infrastructure projects to support a rapidly growing international portfolio of cruise terminals. As Head of Construction, you will oversee all facets of projects from conception to completion. The incumbent will have a proven track record managing large-scale infrastructure projects, possess exemplary leadership capabilities, and exhibit a comprehensive understanding of construction principles.
In addition to overseeing an international portfolio of construction projects, this individual will lead and collaborate with multiple stakeholders and vendors to ensure sound engineering and design decisions are made at every step of the project. The successful Head of Construction will be an inquisitive leader consistently seeking innovative solutions and staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies in civil engineering and construction management.
Responsibilities
- Spearhead the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of construction projects for cruise terminals, ensuring strict adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality benchmarks.
- Ensure that the project has a robust master schedule which maps out the project from inception to handover including, but not limited to the following activities: permitting, design, procurement, long lead items / activities, utilities, construction, commissioning, validation / handover. Drives the testing / challenging of the schedule to ensure it is both deliverable and generates revenue at the earliest opportunity. Devices a road map to firm up underpinning assumptions.
- Direct the preparation and monitoring of robust budgets which includes detailed expenditures and cash flows. Ensure all assumptions are known and identified. Drives the testing / challenging of the budget to ensure it is both robust, offers value for money, optimizes financial performance and project profitability. Devices a road map to firm up underpinning assumptions.
- Ensure that each project has an agreed procurement / work packaging strategy. Provides input and reviews contracts and documentation. Ensure that the procurement schedule maps out each step of the procurement process to deliver to the procurement strategy and schedule. Activities include: prepare long list of bidders, expression of interest, shortlists, preparation of bid documents, tendering, bid evaluation, negotiation and appointment.
- Ensure each project has in place simple and reasonable project controls to give real time measure of delivery particularly for; design – generally milestone based / design stage review based; procurement – progress against tender event schedule; construction – generally s-curves planned v actual; off-site manufacture activities -combination of milestones / s-curves and interventions where necessary.
- Recruit, build, direct, train, and lead a team of construction professionals, including project managers, engineers, architects, and subcontractors, fostering a culture of collaboration and achievement.
- Establish cadence of reviews / reports. Engage periodically with project teams including designers, contractors, and vendors to deal with issues arising. Ensure safety is properly considered in design and Construction operations.
- Act as the primary liaison for clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies, facilitating transparent communication and alignment of project objectives and expectations.
- Identify reports and updates required by the business and ensure these reports are provided on a timely basis.
- Coordinate formal reviews at key stages of the project including, but not limited to, establish user requirements; 10% design – check design proposal meets user requirements; initial schedule / budget; procurement strategy sign off; ongoing design reviews; contractor selection / appointment.
- Identify potential risks and challenges inherent in construction endeavors, devise proactive mitigation plans, and implement robust risk management protocols to minimize disruptions and ensure project success.
- Implement stringent quality control measures to uphold construction projects to the highest industry standards, regulatory requirements, and client specifications.
- Champion a culture of safety and environmental responsibility, implementing best practices and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Drive innovation and operational enhancement initiatives to streamline processes, adopt best practices which can be replicated to all projects, boost productivity, and fortify the company’s competitive edge.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree (in Engineering/Construction, or Project Management. Master's degree preferred.
- Extensive experience (10+ years) in infrastructure development and construction, ideally ports/transportation with a strong focus on construction development.
- Proven track record of successfully managing complex construction projects from inception to completion.
- Exceptional leadership abilities with a servant leadership mentality, experience managing vendors and other external stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Thorough understanding of construction industry best practices, regulations, and standards.
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage project P&L’s, evaluate risks, and strategize financially viable solutions.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
- Familiarity with the cruise industry or maritime infrastructure projects is highly desirable.
- Able to travel up to 25-30% of the time; nationally and internationally.
About Talento HCM:
Talento Human Capital Management provides talent and organizational solutions enabling businesses to evolve beyond tactical human resources management. Our footprint spans across the US , South America and Asia.
Our organization continues to thrive through our ongoing commitment to building an inclusive and diverse workforce from different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Talento Human Capital Management (HCM) is an equal opportunity employer, and people are at the center of what we do!
People + Passion + Perseverance = Progress.
