Campus Utilities Senior Project Manager

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Job Summary

Planning Design & Construction (PD&C) at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Senior Project Manager! This role serves as a key representative of the University in the planning and execution of utility-focused construction projects across campus. In this role, you will define project scope, manage budgets and schedules, and coordinate consultants, contractors, and internal partners to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.

The role ensures compliance with university policies, state laws, and industry standards while supporting the maintenance, improvement, and functionality of campus facilities.

This position manages large multimillion-dollar utility projects from project development through closeout, while maintaining autonomy over day‑to‑day project delivery. The position may also manage multiple small to large utility projects from project development through closeout, all together equaling several million dollars, in lieu of a few multimillion-dollar projects. In either case, the role collaborates closely with the University's Utility & Energy Services group throughout the design and construction process.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The PD&C department consists of three teams (Planning, Engineering, and Design & Construction) responsible for the planning, design, and construction of buildings on campus, in support of CU Boulder's academic mission. The Design & Construction team consists of approximately 40 high performing project delivery professionals leading over 400 projects across campus annually with a combined budget of over $500 million. The Design & Construction team strives to guide campus development in a way that gives physical form to the university's mission, vision, and programs through the effective use of human, environmental, and financial resources.

What Your

Key Responsibilities Will Be

Project Development

* Meet with campus clients to review proposed improvements and define project scope.

* Communicate regularly with clients to ensure satisfaction and alignment with expectations.

* Coordinate with Facilities Management, building occupants, and auxiliary services (EH&S, OIT, Parking).

* Review department Project Delivery Guide to ensure compliance with policies and laws.

* Collaborate with Team Leads to review scopes of work and update monthly reports.

Contractual Agreements

* Solicit proposals or qualifications and negotiate contract terms.

* Prepare and amend consultant and contractor contracts as needed.

* Ensure compliance with State rules and regulations in consultant selection.

* Monitor contract performance and ensure alignment to terms.

* Complete contract close-out procedures.

Design Administration

* Lead design meetings with clients and consultants to finalize project documents.

* Review and circulate design documents for campus feedback.

* Track design progress and identify variances from project objectives.

* Implement corrective actions and ensure quality assurance.

* Communicate project updates to team members.

Schedule and Budget Management

* Develop and maintain master project schedules using data from multiple sources.

* Monitor progress and adjust schedules to ensure project delivery in a timely manner.

* Prepare budget estimates and manage fiscal aspects of the project.

* Negotiate costs with consultants, contractors, and suppliers.

* Maintain and update budget tracking tools, including the Unifier Project Management module.

* Engage with Team Leads and leadership to review and report on schedules and budgets.

Bidding and Construction Administration

* Responsible for the preparation of bidding documents and manage the construction phase.

* Advertise bids, conduct pre-bid meetings and site visits, and chair bid openings.

* Evaluate bids and award contracts in compliance with university procedures.

* Coordinate construction activities with contractors and university interested parties.

* Lead weekly construction meetings to review progress and resolve issues.

* Ensure quality control and communicate disruptions to the university community.

* Coordinate space activation activities with internal project partners, external project vendors and consultants, and client representatives to ensure a smooth Go-Live transition.

Dispute Resolution

* Mediate disputes and evaluate complex issues from multiple perspectives.

* Coordinate with supervisors on issues requiring higher-level approval.

* Review and negotiate change requests from consultants, clients, and contractors.

* Seek consensus among partners while ensuring compliance with codes and policies.

What You Should Know

This position will work in a hybrid work modality, though the…