Project Manager (Large Capital)

The Role

Manages, directs, controls and administers the design, construction and commissioning of major construction projects and recommends acceptance of building components to ensure timely, environmentally safe, cost effective, and acceptable building construction.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervises students. Provides technical advice to Section staff on in-house design projects and final contract drawings. Administers contracts with consulting engineers, suppliers, consultants, and tradespersons. Advises divisional staff on the function/operation of new construction and equipment. 
• Manages, directs, controls and administers the design, construction and commissioning of major construction projects ($200,000-$5M). Works with project team to define business and user requirements and recommend, plan, and develop technical strategies/solutions. Investigates and evaluates project feasibility, developing recommendations and alternatives for new/existing systems/equipment and forecasting related resource requirements. Performs quality control and quality assurance functions throughout project phases to ensure requirements are met. Maintains project documentation/records. 
• Administers consultant contracts and related administration; monitors project schedule, scope, budget, and timelines.  Prepares and submits applications for government incentive funding related to environmental/sustainability initiatives.
• Performs design calculations and engineering analysis, reviews project designs, evaluates construction methods, develops project scopes and feasible solutions to design and construction issues, and approves materials and equipment. Develops schedules, organizes surveys, investigations, easement acquisitions, and land purchases. Reviews and modifies construction specifications, as needed. 
• Participates in tenders (e.g., technical specifications, drawings, schedule, inquiries) and selecting consultants and contractors. Reviews and negotiates work plans and budgets.
• Oversees construction and leasehold improvements, including inspections.
• Ensures installation of equipment, furniture, security systems, and fitments.
• Coordinates and monitors major furniture purchasing, delivery, and installations.
• Establishes and maintains standards, practices, and policies for inspections and acceptance, and ensures compliance.
• Determines/obtains approvals (e.g., utilities, developers, area municipalities, provincial and federal Ministries/agencies). 
• Administers contracts and ensures contractor compliance. Recommends design changes or extra work. Negotiates extra work, claims, and disputes.  
• Performs site visits; arranges inspections; establishes deficiencies; conducts final inspections and  issues completion certificates on behalf of the Region. 
• Oversees warranty inspections and issues. 
• Provides input into capital budget estimates and forecasts. Arranges purchase order payments. Identifies and negotiates cost sharing with local municipalities and private owners. 
• Provides engineering expertise to divisional staff in resolving technical, operational, and construction problems.
• Discusses issues with other divisional staff, as well as Planning, Corporate Services, Legal, Design & Construction, Health & Safety, and police. Liaises with Regional clients regarding projects. Has contact with Ministries, building officials, conservation agencies, and Fire. 
• Participates on Divisional/Departmental team meetings, and Regional committees to represent divisional interests.  Attends workshops with other divisions/municipalities. Represents the Region at public consultation meetings.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skill in engineering and/or architecture theory and principles, project management, contract law, budget preparation and monitoring, asset management, life-cycle management, and residential or commercial construction, acquired through an engineering / architecture degree accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board / Canadian Architectural Certification Board (or non-Canadian university degree assessed to meet equivalent academic standards), plus progressively responsible related experience. 
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and federal and provincial Ministry guidelines and legislation (e.g., health and safety, construction liens, environmental, energy), technical and construction standards, contract law, building codes, fire and insurance regulations, forms of agreement, and industry standards.
• Organizational, time management, continuous improvement, and problem solving skills to manage projects simultaneously, identify difficulties and workable solutions, and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
• Communication, human relations, and negotiation skills to promote asset management principles, practices, strategy, and best practices; administer contracts; coordinate projects, discuss costs and payments; collaborate with members of project teams; present to Committees, and area municipalities, including public consultation sessions; and participate as an effective team member. 
• Ability to write/prepare project correspondence, reports, contracts, agreements, project definition reports, written and visual materials for public meetings. Ability to read and interpret manuals, professional journals, design specifications, contracts, reports, legal documents, and memos. 
• Ability to use computer software such as Microsoft Office and project management tools.
• Ability to participate in an official standby/on-call rotation to respond to legislated or time sensitive demands beyond regularly scheduled work hours.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.