Senior Project Manager

The Illinois Tollway (“Tollway”) is dedicated to providing and promoting a safe and efficient system of highways while ensuring the highest possible level of service to our customers. Whether it's I-PASS, the Move Illinois Program, the Bridging The Future Program, open road tolling or keeping you safe with our H.E.L.P. trucks, we are committed to delivering great benefits and services to customers.

The Tollway is a user-fee system – no state or federal tax dollars are used to support maintenance and operations. Operations are funded by toll and concession revenues.

Under the leadership of the Board of Directors and Executive Staff, the Tollway is committed to achieving the following goals: increase collaboration with regional transportation and planning agencies, promote the regional economy, maintain financial integrity, foster environmental responsibility and sustainability, maintain the safety and efficiency of the Tollway system, further transparency and accountability, enhance customer service, and maintain public trust.

In support of this vision, the Senior Project Manager reports directly to either the Executive Project Engineer or Executive Project Manager. This role is an individual contributor and has no direct reports.

The Senior Project Manager is responsible for management of projects from inception to completion (e.g. projects for planning, feasibility, design, land acquisition, construction, etc. related to Tollway capital improvement projects), of projects that include, but are not limited to:

This position manages overall project/ contract management and coordination between the Tollway and consultant firms selected to perform various studies and tasks. 

The effectiveness of this position is measured by the ability to manage projects and coordinate effectively in conformance with applicable design standards, environmental regulations, as well as with Engineering Department and Tollway goals.

Emphasis is placed on keeping projects on schedule and within specified budget parameters.

Responsible for maintaining communication between the Tollway and consulting firms selected to perform various studies and tasks. This position ensures adherence to Tollway policies and procedures for design of improvements and additions to the Tollway system. 

Generally, as indicated above, projects may vary from construction of a new roadway system to projects for repair, replacement, or modifications of existing facilities, roadway or structures. A high priority is placed on protecting the Tollway's interests through delivery of a safe and cost-effective design.  The effectiveness of this position is measured by the extent that the project is delivered on schedule and within budget and measured by the incumbent’s ability to communicate to their supervisors the status of the project and proactively inform them of potential issues which may hinder the successful completion of the project.  In addition, the incumbent is often involved in updating, clarifying, or making modifications to standard specifications and special provisions that pertain to his/her level of professional expertise and experience.

Relative to planning and design, this position provides for the overall coordination between consulting firms and the Tollway to produce a professional set of contract documents in a timely and efficient manner.  This position is involved in review and comment on initial project scope of design work and negotiation of contracts with consultants for professional services.

The Senior Project Manager administers contracts and agreements with consulting firms and other entities (state agencies, counties, municipalities, etc.).  Additional responsibilities include the review and approval of invoices, which includes checking billed man-hours versus progress report man-hours.  Changes in the scope of the work and the resultant requests for additional fees must be reviewed and a recommendation prepared and forwarded to the Executive Project Engineer or Executive Project Manager for approval.   

For Master Planning and Design projects, the position is responsible for coordinating project design activity through the design phase from concept and preliminary studies through development of final contract documents and advertisement for bid in accordance with the Tollway's policies, guidelines and manuals. Ensures that all necessary submittals are received in a timely manner. Submittals are then reviewed to ensure that they conform with applicable standards, that the scope of work is met within the project, and that necessary meetings, referrals for approval, and correspondence are accomplished within the allotted timeframe.  The incumbent monitors costs and progress to determine if design schedules are being maintained.  The incumbent also reviews bids and proposals and makes recommendations for acceptance.

For Construction projects, this role is responsible for administering consultant construction management contracts in accordance with the Tollway's policies and guidelines from project initiation to final project close out.  This position is required to communicate and coordinate with various designers, consultants and other transportation agencies, any other appropriate agency and other Tollway departments to ensure that construction proceeds on schedule.  The position is required to maintain regular communication with the supervisor and seek their guidance and direction to ensure that information and project status is communicated through the Deputy Chief of Program Implementation to the Chief Engineering Officer.  Must understand the Tollway management structure to ensure that communication and coordination occur in an organized, timely and effective manner.  

The Illinois Tollway is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, disability, unfavorable discharge from military services, age, order of protection status, military status, sex or sexual orientation.