Individuals who aspire to leading roles in the development of delay analysis techniques internationally are invited to apply for a senior position with a top industry player. The 10th-largest construction management firm in the United States, according to Engineering News-Record magazine, is seeking to recruit a vice-president designate of delay analysis. Hill International, which has more than 2,000 employees in 70 offices worldwide, operates a 20-strong office in Hong Kong, including a team of five delay analysis specialists. This relatively new discipline has immense importance not only for the construction industry but also for civil engineering, oil and gas, information technology (IT) and the ship building and aircraft industries. The Hill International Delay Forum, an in-house training programme and think-tank for furthering the skills of Hill International, has 30 specialists in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Britain. 'The position entails leading the delay analysis team in Hong Kong,' said Keith Pickavance, the senior vice-president and managing director of Hill International (Hong Kong). 'The successful candidate [provides] leadership and training to the Hong Kong office and contributes to the Delay Forum internationally. 'The position involves working in Hong Kong and its environs, and travelling and meeting with clients and other consultants around the world.' The ideal candidate has a keen intellect and analytical mind with broad interests and experience. Applicants' project planning skills should be at an advanced level. A degree-level education and professional accreditation in one of the construction-related disciplines is also likely to win plaudits. The ability to demonstrate academic skills and probably written and published articles on aspects of their professional discipline, or other issues concerned with the construction, civil engineering, oil and gas or other allied industries, are a definite plus. 'The position requires someone who is patient with themselves, sure of their ability and comfortable with doubt and uncertainty,' he said. 'Most delay related issues with which we are faced come to us because they are extremely complex [and do] not yield to quick solutions.' The willingness to travel is a must, as Hill's Hong Kong office works on projects around the world, most recently in Pakistan, Ireland, Australia, Singapore, Macau, England, mainland China and South America. The selection process will be conducted by members of the Hong Kong office, Asia-Pacific region or International staff of Hill International. 'As to hints - be honest about yourself,' he said. 'Keeping up-to-date with developments around the world and keeping Hill International at the cutting edge of the most advanced thinking in the science of delay analysis requires a great deal of hard work.'