POSITION OVERVIEW:
Reporting to the Director of Construction, the Construction Manager provides leadership and oversight for a portfolio of mechanical construction projects and a team of Project Managers. The role is responsible for supporting safe, profitable, and timely project delivery while maintaining strong client relationships and consistent operational standards. This is a hands-on management position that combines project and portfolio oversight, financial management, team development, risk management, and continuous improvement across assigned projects.
A safe and healthy work environment is one of Symtech's primary goals and a central guiding principle for the organization. Symtech and its employees are aligned in the organization's goal of zero incidents. Symtech's most valuable asset is its employees. Symtech is dedicated to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for all its employees. Symtech's safety culture is encouraged within the organization and promoted through demonstrating and communicating the importance of safety within the community where work is performed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead, mentor, and develop Project Managers, Project Coordinators, Project Administrators, and other assigned project team members.
- Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight to Project Managers across a portfolio of assigned projects.
- Maintain complete and current knowledge of the safety, schedule, financial, manpower, procurement, quality, contractual, and client status of assigned projects.
- Conduct regular project reviews and provide direction, coaching, and corrective support to project teams.
- Participate in the hiring, onboarding, development, and performance management of project management staff in coordination with the Director of Construction.
- Promote accountability, collaboration, operational consistency, and compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Engage regularly with site employees and field leadership, leading by example on safety and supporting Symtech’s goal of zero incidents.
- Oversee multiple projects from planning through close-out to confirm alignment with contract documents, schedule, specifications, budget, and client expectations.
- Monitor project schedules, manpower requirements, procurement activities, trade coordination, material availability, and construction progress.
- Identify and track schedule delays, stacking of trades, out-of-sequence work, scope gaps, and other project risks, and ensure mitigation plans are developed and implemented.
- Assist Project Managers in resolving complex field, client, subcontractor, vendor, contractual, and commercial issues.
- Review major RFIs, submittals, change orders, procurement strategies, project reports, and close-out requirements.
- Support permitting, testing, inspections, mechanical compliance studies, and other regulatory or project completion requirements.
- Coordinate with Superintendents, Forepersons, vendors, partners, contractors, consultants, and internal departments to maintain project delivery objectives.
- Review project budgets, forecasts, cost reports, committed costs, progress billings, cash flow, and financial projections.
- Work with Project Managers to protect project margins, improve profitability, and develop recovery plans for underperforming projects.
- Ensure progress billings and required supporting documentation are prepared and submitted before contractual due dates.
- Review vendor invoices, subcontractor commitments, major expenditures, and equipment or material requirements within delegated authority.
- Participate in monthly financial review meetings and provide clear updates regarding project performance, risks, and corrective actions.
- Support the Director of Construction in achieving departmental revenue, profitability, cash flow, and operational objectives.
- Maintain strong relationships with owners, general contractors, consultants, subcontractors, vendors, and strategic partners.
- Represent Symtech in project progress meetings, client reviews, negotiations, and issue-resolution discussions.
- Support business development activities by identifying opportunities for repeat work and strengthening relationships with current and prospective clients.
- Oversee the preparation, pricing, presentation, negotiation, and close-out of change quotations and ensure all project changes are identified and accounted for.
- Support contract administration and negotiation, including revisions, additions, vendor agreements, bonds, letters of credit, and other project security requirements as applicable.
- Monitor project risk registers and ensure mitigation measures, responsibilities, and follow-up actions are documented and completed.
- Support the implementation of project quality control programs and review QA/QC findings, analytics, deficiencies, and corrective actions.
- Conduct regular site visits and project audits to verify compliance with safety, quality, contractual, and operational requirements.
- Prepare and submit portfolio updates, project status reports, financial summaries, risk escalations, and other reports required by the Director of Construction.
- Assist in developing and implementing departmental processes, standards, reporting practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Coordinate with Estimating, Finance, Health and Safety, Quality, Operations, and other departments as required.
- Participate in department, project, financial, and management meetings, and communicate material project issues promptly to the Director of Construction.
- Perform other related duties as assigned based on the position’s role within the business unit.
The duties and responsibilities above are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work performed by this position. This is not a complete listing, and other duties will be assigned based on the position’s role within the business unit.
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:
- 12 or more years of progressive experience in mechanical construction management, including experience leading large and complex ICI, industrial, commercial, institutional, or infrastructure projects.
- Proven experience overseeing multiple projects and providing leadership to Project Managers and project support staff.
- Post-secondary education in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred; an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience will be considered.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is preferred.
- Strong financial acumen, including experience with project budgets, forecasting, cost control, progress billing, cash flow, change management, and profitability improvement.
- Thorough knowledge of mechanical construction methods, scheduling, procurement, contract administration, equipment, and project controls.
- Knowledge of mechanical drawings, schematics, and P&IDs, and equipment specifications (including chillers, boilers, air handling units, pumps, and cooling towers); HVAC, plumbing, and piping plans, ductwork and piping layouts, equipment schedules, and control sequences.
- Knowledge, interpretation, and application of the Ontario Building Code, ASHRAE standards, CSA and TSSA requirements, and the Canadian construction safety code.
- Demonstrated leadership, coaching, negotiation, problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, organizational, record-keeping, and follow-up skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, evaluate risk, make sound decisions, and escalate material issues appropriately.
- Ability to build effective relationships and interface professionally with executives, clients, consultants, vendors, subcontractors, field personnel, and employees at all levels.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, project management systems, and construction management software; Accubid experience is considered an asset.
- Valid driver’s licence and ability to travel to active project sites.
TRAVEL:
- 50 - 80% travel may be required for this position.
Symtech Innovations is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate equity and diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, provincial, or local laws.
