Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

This position is eligible for telework, which is currently available one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

Summary

Highest level position in a large program. Responsible for all phases of the program, from planning through completion. Accountable for ensuring cost estimating processes are in place and taking the coordinating lead, working closely with executive leaders and those across functions to provide cost estimates against project requirements. To lead cost targeting and benchmarking activities through the project lifecycle to support the achievement of the lowest project lifecycle costs and value enhancement opportunities. Provide support for supplier negotiations.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Development

Lead the creation and implementation of best practices, cost-estimating vision, strategy, policies, processes, and procedures to aid and improve operational performance.

General and Task Management

Ensure the organization has a robust cost-estimating process in place to meet program and project requirements, which comply with all relevant technical standards and practices.

Lead continuous improvement through cost engineering techniques and processes, identifying inefficiencies and cost optimization opportunities.

Analyze and identify critical areas of improvement and apply cost estimation techniques to drive cost reductions and aid operational processes and efficiency.

Monitor and review data and information to detect and assess problems and make recommendations to resolve issues.

Review, analyze, and understand economic trends, as well as consider risks and cost implications.

Utilize cost methodologies and tools and appropriate software models and packages to prepare and maintain reliable and accurate data.

Ensure professional and consistent cost engineering management processes are applied in the business.

Ensure appropriate monitoring, reporting systems, and procedures are in place to meet objectives.

Provide strategic and operational information and reports to share with others as and when required.

People Management

Manage, coach, and develop a high-performing cost-estimating team that meets agreed objectives and delivers best practice results, added value, and continuous improvements.

Set department objectives/KPIs and review and assess the ongoing performance of direct reports.

Report on achievement of targets and identify any actions required.

Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of self, staff, and visitors.

Relationship Management

Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance.

Work in conjunction with and engage with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate and implement cost engineering activities in Delivery and the Business Units.

Gain buy-in to targets by stakeholders and engage with stakeholders to ensure all cost ideas are input in order to prepare complex cost models.

Stay up to date with changes and support stakeholders with project changes, ensuring all associated costs are identified and tracked against the budget.

Oversee Contract Bid cost returns to ensure ‘should cost’ estimates.

Support Bidder meetings and negotiations to challenge quotation prices and aim for cost reductions to meet target costs.

Work closely with the Contracts team to ensure purchasing strategies are maximized.

Self Management

Comply with the Health, Safety, and Environmental Policies.

Support encourages and develops the team.

Proactively contribute to creating a good team atmosphere.

Anticipates and overcomes obstacles.

Makes useful links to arrive at insightful plans and solutions.

Embraces personal challenge.

Confident, rounded thinking.

Takes ownership for team cohesion.

Is self-aware.

The candidate is resilient, optimistic, and open to change.

Has a collaborative approach to others.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction or Project Management, Business Administration, Transportation, or a related field.

Must have a minimum of twenty (20) years of related experience.

Must have a minimum of least twelve (12) years in a management or supervisory role and/or Program/Project manager role in a large, multi-faceted organization.

Competencies:

Licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect desirable.

PMP and CCM Certifications are preferred. 

Significant experience in program management for major construction programs or projects with highly complex systems preferred.

Substantial experience leading and managing contractors, subcontractors, or vendors.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing interpersonal skills.

Strong technical mindset and ability to read and interpret technical data and translate it to others.

Highly numerate with the ability to research, assemble, manage, and manipulate numerical information.

Advanced knowledge of estimating strategies and techniques.

Results-orientated and organized with the ability to plan and deliver against deadlines.

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with stakeholders at all internal levels within the organization.

Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.

Must have focus and ability to deliver on results, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement.

Must be a proven leader as a change agent and creative/innovative thinker with the ability to align business goals with solutions to drive process improvements.

Must possess excellent team-building, listening, problem-solving, and prioritization skills.

Relevant business/commercial or manufacturing/engineering degree is preferred, or HND, BTec Professional Level 5 Award, or equivalent NVQ Level 5 qualifications.

Significant experience in cost estimating or finance, preferably in the automotive industry and manufacturing/engineering environment.

Strong IT systems knowledge and skills, including advanced Excel skills.

Experience in using spreadsheets and complex estimating, pricing models, and cost management tools.

Demonstrable track record of adding significant value and optimizing costs.

Experience in delivering results through cross-functional working.

High degree of knowledge and understanding of a variety of manufacturing/automotive processes and components and ability to evaluate and analyze associated costs.

Membership in an appropriate professional body such as the Association of Cost Engineers would be advantageous.

Alternative Delivery experience preferred.

Other Information

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Selection Criteria

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, and interview.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants can submit an online application by clicking on the “APPLY NOW” button from the CAREERS page or the JOB DESCRIPTION page.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are equal opportunity employers, including those with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.