Job Title: Construction Director
Location: Cambridge, ON (Onsite)
Estimated Duration: Full time
Overview
Reporting to the Project Director, the Construction Director will be responsible for leading the safe and successful delivery of a large-scale, complex transit infrastructure project, including oversight of civil, structural, systems, and station works. This role requires leadership in executing design-build and P3 delivery models within a joint venture environment. The Construction Director ensures that all aspects of construction performance — schedule, quality, safety, cost, integration, and stakeholder coordination — are effectively managed and aligned with project objectives.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead day-to-day construction execution across all packages (civil, structural, systems, stations) in alignment with design specifications, safety protocols, environmental standards, and project milestones.
• Provide strategic oversight and direction to site operations teams and interface closely with superintendents, subcontractors, and field engineers to manage productivity and mitigate delays.
• Monitor construction progress and implement mitigation strategies in collaboration with planning, commercial, technical, and project controls teams.
• Engage directly with key public and private sector stakeholders, including transit agencies, local municipalities, utilities, and third-party authorities having jurisdiction.
• Collaborate with design and integration teams to ensure constructability alignment and rapid resolution of technical queries and field changes.
• Oversee logistics planning, sequencing, access/staging coordination, and commissioning strategies to support project efficiency and safety.
• Manage compliance with all construction-related aspects of project agreements, regulatory frameworks, and performance specifications.
• Interface with lenders' technical advisors and investors as required to report on construction status, schedule risk, and earned value.
• Identify and resolve potential disputes proactively — including scope clarifications, interface gaps, and schedule recovery — in coordination with the project leadership team.
• Chair regular construction meetings, safety reviews, site walkdowns, and workface planning sessions.
• Work in tandem with the finance team to support monthly progress certifications, claims analysis, and payment approvals.
• Support communication teams in responding to community inquiries and contribute to execution of construction-related public relations plans.
• Drive adherence to construction risk mitigation plans and monitor effectiveness of identified contingency strategies.
Must Haves
• 15+ years of progressive experience in large-scale infrastructure construction, preferably in the transit, rail, or heavy civil sectors.
• Extensive experience managing major Design-Build or P3 infrastructure projects on behalf of a Tier 1 contractor or consortium.
• Proven track record in executing construction in active urban environments, including coordination with operational transit systems.
• Strong background in the construction of bridges, tunnels, rail systems, utilities, and stations.
• Deep understanding of construction safety, access/staging strategies, and traffic management in constrained environments.
• Civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering degree from a recognized institution. Advanced education (e.g., PMP, MBA) considered an asset.
• Experience working within Joint Venture and multi-partner project delivery environments.
• Familiarity with unionized construction settings and subcontractor management best practices.
• Previous P&L responsibility on complex construction programs in excess of $300M+ preferred.
Key Competencies
• Strong command skills with the ability to drive execution, influence without direct authority, and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Ability to identify emerging risks, evaluate options, and execute recovery strategies quickly and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex relationships with owners, consultants, agencies, and communities.
• Deep commitment to zero-harm delivery, construction safety systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Agile mindset with the ability to manage dynamic construction environments and evolve plans as conditions change.
• Strong verbal and written skills for coordination across JV partners, field staff, external authorities, and executive stakeholders.
• High personal and professional standards with a commitment to transparency, collaboration, and accountability.