For over 50 years, LifeLabs has been Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent disease. We are passionate about empowering healthier Canadians through accessible, accurate, and innovative diagnostic services.
We are committed innovators, operating Canada's first commercial genetics lab, and the country's largest online patient portal, with more than 8 million Canadians receiving their results online. More than 112 million laboratory tests come through LifeLabs’ laboratories annually, and our team of more than 6,000 passionate, caring, and diverse professionals works together as one to provide high quality testing and results that Canadians can trust.
We know that behind every lab requisition, sample being tested, or investment in technology is an individual and their family counting on us. At LifeLabs, you can make a meaningful impact on Canadians’ lives every day.
Our teams are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers, reflecting our deep commitment to our core values of caring, agility, teamwork, and a customer-centered approach. As part of this commitment, LifeLabs prioritizes the ongoing development of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program to better serve the needs of our diverse workforce and the communities we serve. We continue to take steps to challenge ourselves to act with courage and integrity, and to create an environment where people can be their true selves.
These values are not just words on a page, they guide our actions and decisions every day and have come to define our team culture.
Job Title: Project Lead, Construction
Reports to: Manager, Construction
Purpose of the Role
The Construction Project Lead is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and delivery of construction projects across LifeLabs' Patient Service Centre (PSC), Laboratory, and Logistics network, including new builds, renovations, relocations, expansions, and refresh initiatives across Ontario and potentially a national presence in other provinces as required. The role ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with organizational standards and regulatory requirements while supporting operational and strategic business objectives.
Vacancy status: This posting is for an existing position.
What You’ll Do:
Construction Project Delivery & Execution
- Accountable for the partnership, design, and construction of assigned new builds, renovations, relocations, expansions, and /or refresh projects across the PSC, Logistics, and Laboratory network.
- Develop and manage project plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables to ensure successful project completion.
- Coordinate all phases of project delivery from initiation through close-out, ensuring alignment with allotted capital funding, operational requirements and organizational objectives.
- Lead project status meetings and provide regular progress updates to internal stakeholders and business partners.
- Present project recommendations and/or support the review to obtain the required approvals for construction projects and programs.
- Prepare project completion reports and ensure successful project turnover to operational teams.
Financial Management & Cost Control
- Manage and maintain construction project budgets and expenditures throughout the project lifecycle.
- Challenge project budget estimates and analyze actual costs to ensure effective financial control and budget compliance.
- Recommend revisions to construction and design standards that improve cost effectiveness without compromising quality.
- Conduct project cost benchmarking and value analysis to ensure best value for the organization.
- Support the development of annual capital plans, project forecasts, and PSC refresh programs.
- Prepare and communicate project financial updates, budget reports, and cost-savings analysis to leadership.
Standards, Governance & Compliance
- Implement established construction, design, signage, and project management standards across all assigned projects.
- Ensure project partners, consultants, contractors, and suppliers adhere to approved standards, guidelines, and specifications.
- Support the implementation and continuous improvement of national project management policies, processes, and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with applicable environmental, health and safety, building code, DAP and IQMH regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate and obtain permits, approvals, licenses, and regulatory documentation required to support project execution.
- Contribute to the ongoing review and enhancement of corporate design and construction standards.
Vendor, Contract & Procurement Management
- Assist Procurement and Supply Chain in the preparation and coordination of tender documents, detailed scopes of work, drawings, and project schedules.
- Support the review, evaluation, and recommendation of construction bids and vendor proposals.
- Administer construction-related purchase orders, and support implementation of service agreements, and consulting engagements.
- Monitor vendor, consultant, and contractor performance to ensure delivery of contractual obligations, quality standards, and project milestones.
- Resolve and/or provide alternative solutions to issues in relation to project scope, schedule, costs, and contract compliance in collaboration with project partners.
- Foster productive working relationships with consultants, architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers, and landlords.
Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Operations, IT, Facilities Management, Finance, Procurement, and other internal and/or external key business partners.
- Act as the primary project contact for assigned initiatives and provide ongoing communication regarding project scope, budget, timing, risks, and deliverables.
- Lead stakeholder meetings, project reviews, and site visits to support project planning and execution.
- Manage stakeholder expectations and respond proactively to project concerns, issues, and changes.
- Maintain a collaborate environment with internal and external partners to facilitate project transitions, installations, relocations, and operational readiness activities.
Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in construction, facilities, and project management.
- Identify opportunities to improve project delivery processes, standards, and cost efficiencies.
- Support strategic refresh, renovation, and network development programs.
- Provide recommendations to leadership regarding design standards, operational improvements, and lifecycle planning initiatives.
- Contribute to special projects and other initiatives as assigned by management.
What you bring to the role:
- 5 years’ plus professional experience in Construction Management, Design, Project Management, Architecture, Engineering or Facilities and Real Estate Development
- University Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, and/or Project Management, Architecture or Engineering with membership in Provincial or National Professional Association.
- Minimum: College Diploma and 4 to 5 years professional experience in Construction Management, Design, Project Management, Architecture, Engineering or Facilities and Real Estate Development as such relates to Health care projects.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification an asset.
- Corporate real estate, construction and facilities experience, preferably in a large and matrix organization.
- Previous experience in developing corporate design standards an asset.
- Strong background and knowledge of financial controls, project development planning and costing, scope and detailed budgeting, as well as interior, architectural and structural design.
- Highly creative and innovative.
- Ability to manage relationships with internal and external business partners and stakeholders.
- Proven track record of successfully managing simultaneous projects of varying scope and complexity.
- Able to meet challenging deadlines.
- Results driven, organized and flexible.
- Travel to domestic markets and on-site evaluations – (40% to 60% or as necessary)
- Strong computer skills – Knowledge of Auto-Cad, MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint and MS Project.
Why Join Us?
Join us to play a key role in shaping healthcare spaces that support patient care across Canada. This is an opportunity to lead impactful construction projects from concept to completion, work with diverse stakeholders across the organization, and drive modernization initiatives that directly support LifeLabs' growth and operational excellence. You'll enjoy meaningful work, project variety, and the autonomy to make a lasting impact.
What We Offer:
Salary range: $81,431 - $103,825 CAD annually (commensurate with experience).
LifeLabs’ compensation programs are commensurate based on the role, skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, beliefs, age or any other personal characteristics. Pay programs are communicated regularly in an accessible and transparent manner.
LifeLabs is also proud to offer resources, opportunities, as well as a collaborative and supportive environment that enables our team members to thrive.
In addition to a competitive compensation package, LifeLabs provides a comprehensive total rewards program, specific to the job position. Your package may include:
- Employee Group Benefits: Competitive coverage for employees and their families to support their overall health and wellness needs, including Extended Health Care, Dental Care, and Life Insurance.
- Retirement Savings Plan
- Vacation and Wellness Days
- Employee Wellness and Giving Programs: Our award winning mental, physical and financial wellness programs aim to address the comprehensive well-being of our team members, including resources like the Employee & Family Assistance Program, financial planning tools, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Professional development and membership reimbursement, access to preferred rates and discount programs, including WorkPerks, Home and Auto Insurance, Costco Membership, etc., and optional health-related benefits.
In accordance with LifeLabs’ Accessibility Policy, and the applicable Accessibility Acts within the provinces we operate in, accommodations are available by request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. For a confidential inquiry or to request an accommodation, please contact your recruiter or email careers@lifelabs.com.
Vaccinations are highly encouraged at LifeLabs’. Vaccinations and/or immunization screening may be mandatory for selected employees if regulated by provincial or regional governments, or through employer-led vaccination policies in the facilities we service. Please ensure you ask if this position requires the successful candidate to be vaccinated or undergo immunization screening.
Ready to empower healthier Canadians? Apply today!
