Chief Technical Officer, I-75 Modernization Project

Company: John Laing
Location: Madison Heights
Posted on: June 25, 2022

Job Description:

The Role and Opportunity John Laing is a 70% investor in the I-75 Modernization Project in Metro Detroit, Michigan. This project reached Financial Close in November 2018 and includes the reconstruction of a 5.5-mile corridor of the I-75 including reconstruction of 1.5 miles of rural freeway and four miles of urban depressed freeway as well as construction of a new four-mile long, 14-feet diameter drainage and storage bored tunnel. The long-term maintenance and renewal scope over the 25-year operating period includes pavement, bridge structures, retaining and noise walls, fencing, landscaping, litter and debris removal, and incident response.John Laing, as an active investor and asset manager, currently provides all C-suite roles within the Project Company (Oakland Corridor Partners or "OCP") under a Management Services Agreement between John Laing and OCP. This role is included within that Management Services Agreement. The successful candidate will be based in OCP's office in Madison Heights, Michigan working alongside other JL/OCP colleagues.Construction is currently scheduled to reach Substantial Completion in H2 2023. Therefore, this role is critical for the remaining -18 months of construction as well as the mobilization of the O&M delivery approach. The ideal candidate will have aspirations for continuing in the project beyond construction completion and graduating to a general management role to represent the equity shareholders in all matters relating to the successful on-going performance of the asset.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESIn this position at John Laing and OCP, the key responsibilities include:Construction Oversight

• Ensure that the DB Contractor complies with the construction related provisions of the DB Agreement
• Monitor, evaluate and manage the DB Contractor's compliance with the Project Agreement, Technical Requirements, the QA/QC Plan, and any legal or regulatory requirements and approved policies, procedures and plans - liaise with the Quality Manager for this
• Monitor construction progress against the schedule to ensure Project delivery on time
• Arrange regular meetings with the Client, the DB Contractor and other relevant parties to review, inter alia, construction progress, construction issues and QA/QC performance
• Identify and report issues with a potential Maintenance and/or Rehabilitation impact early and take the lead to find mutually acceptable solutions on a timely basis
• Ensure compliance with the construction related performance requirements and monitor construction related noncompliance points and instances
• Manage and organize the SPV's technical teamQA/QC Oversight
  • Monitor the implementation of the QA/QC-Plan and propose enhancements as appropriate
  • Work with the Quality Manager to detect deficiency trends and participate to the development and/or evaluation of corrective actions
  • Monitor the performance of QC
  • Ensure client expectations are managed in line with contract provisions, to include any QA/QC requirements of the Project Agreement and Project Documents
  • Hold regular meetings with Quality Manager and DB Contractor to review QA/QC process issues, performance and workmanshipO&M Planning and Mobilization
    • Work with the SPV CEO to develop and execute the O&M mobilization strategy to ensure SPV readiness for the Operating Period, the mitigation of all operational risks, and strong financial performance of the asset Member of the Management Team
      • Work with the management team to develop a strategy and process to properly execute the Project Agreement, to have a quality project delivered on time and to manage the short and long term risks of the shareholders
      • Review/analyze reports provided by contractors and prepare a variety of correspondence, presentation and reports to the Management Team, the Client, and the Lenders
      • Provide input to the Project Risk Register and update as appropriate; ensure proper mitigation and monitoring of the project risks
      • Provide input into monthly reports for presentation to the Board, covering key construction and QA/QC issues and provide timely and accurate information and reports to the management team and shareholders in agreed format(s)
      • To provide support to other team members / directors on e.g. QA/QC, maintenance and rehabilitation issues, including the mobilization for the O&M phase of the project and appropriate technical and commercial strategies for successful delivery of such
      • Undertake other duties as determined by the SPV CEO and/or BoardIDEAL EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES
        • More than fifteen (> 15) years of experience in construction, transportation and infrastructure projects, such as heavy civil, highway, bridge and tunnel, with at least some experience with large ($100M+) complex projects
        • Experience in managing and overseeing field construction engineers and technicians
        • Experience with developing and monitoring QA/QC-Plans
        • Risk management experience with ability to identify project issues and risks
        • Experience of winter construction conditions, techniques and issues
        • Practical knowledge of a recognised project management methodology
        • Practical knowledge of maintenance and rehabilitation considerations on transportation assets
        • Understanding and practical experience with SPV and P3 projectsCHARACTERISTICS AND LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES
          • A results-orientation, action bias, and a performance mindset will all be key
          • Effective communication and presentation skills
          • Focused, pragmatic with strong attention to detail
          • Pro-active, energetic, and the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
          • Intellectual curiosity
          • Values-driven behaviours, with high integrity and transparency
          • Ambition for long-term, general management role

Keywords: John Laing, Detroit , Chief Technical Officer, I-75 Modernization Project, IT / Software / Systems , Madison Heights, Michigan