Commercial Operations Specialist - MRO

Bird Construction; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Bird Construction is seeking a Commercial Operations Specialist - MRO to advance labor-rate development and cost management across estimating, budgeting, and project controls. You will build rate databases, analyze wage structures, and leverage industry data to produce accurate, defendable estimates.

The role requires CET designation eligibility and advanced Excel skills, plus the ability to collaborate with finance, estimating, and construction teams to drive cost insights and continuous

Qualifications

• Develop and maintain construction labor rates using Building Trades, CLAC, and Open Shop labor agreements and market data.
• Analyze wage schedules, labor burdens, overtime provisions, travel allowances, camp costs, and associated labor costs.
• Build and maintain rate databases, cost models, and Excel-based tools.
• Support project estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and benchmarking activities.
• Perform productivity analysis using historical project performance and industry data.
• Research, validate, and challenge cost assumptions to improve estimate accuracy.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for project and management teams.
• Monitor labor market conditions and emerging cost trends.
• Collaborate with construction, project controls, finance, and estimating teams to ensure alignment on cost assumptions and methodologies.
• Continuously improve processes, tools, and methodologies related to rate development and cost management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain rate databases and cost models.
• Support estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and benchmarking activities.
• Perform productivity analysis using project history and industry data.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for project teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Advanced Excel

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) designation

Tools

Power BI

SAP

Primavera P6

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Commercial Operations Specialist - MRO We are seeking a highly analytical and motivated Commercial Operations Specialist - MRO to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and validating construction labor rates and productivity models used to support estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and project performance management. The successful candidate will leverage labor information from Building Trades, CLAC, and Open Shop resources to develop accurate, competitive, and defensible construction rates. This position works closely with estimating, project controls, construction, procurement, and finance teams to support effective project planning and decision-making.

What You Will Be Working On

Develop and maintain construction labor rates using Building Trades, CLAC, and Open Shop labor agreements and market data.

Analyze wage schedules, labor burdens, overtime provisions, travel allowances, camp costs, and associated labor costs.

Build and maintain rate databases, cost models, and Excel-based tools.

Support project estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and benchmarking activities.

Perform productivity analysis using historical project performance and industry data.

Research, validate, and challenge cost assumptions to improve estimate accuracy.

Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for project and management teams.

Monitor labor market conditions and emerging cost trends.

Collaborate with construction, project controls, finance, and estimating teams to ensure alignment on cost assumptions and methodologies.

Continuously improve processes, tools, and methodologies related to rate development and cost management.

What We Are Looking For

Required Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) designation or eligible to obtain designation.

Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.

Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent computer skills and ability to quickly learn new systems and software.

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.

Demonstrated willingness to learn and a strong questioning attitude.

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multiple disciplines.

Preferred Experience in:

Project Controls, Cost Control, Estimating, Project Finance and Construction Cost Management.

Knowledge of industrial construction labor environments, including Building Trades, CLAC, and Open Shop workforces.

Experience with Power BI, SAP, Primavera P6, or other cost management and reporting systems.

Exposure to large industrial, mining, energy, infrastructure, or oil sands projects.

What Makes You Successful

You enjoy working with data, identifying trends, and challenging assumptions.

You are naturally curious, possess strong business acumen, and have the ability to translate complex labor and cost information into meaningful insights that support project success.

You thrive in a collaborative environment and are committed to continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

Opportunity to influence project cost performance and decision-making.

Exposure to large-scale industrial projects.

Collaborative and supportive team environment.

Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities.

Competitive compensation and benefits package.

If you have strong analytical skills, advanced Excel capabilities, and a passion for construction For Those Who Seek to Redefine The greatest achievements in history are borne from the greatness within people - where human potential meets vision, and passion fuels evolution. Unlocking this potential is the most important thing we do at Bird. As a leader in Canadian construction for over 100 years, the impact of our team is etched deeply within the core of our legacy. Beyond Bird, this impact is felt in the fundamental aspects of our everyday lives. From the critical infrastructure we depend on, to the energy and resources that keep us moving - we are powering our communities and shaping Canada’s skylines coast-to-coast-to-coast. Entrenched in the foundation of a culture built more than a century ago is an enduring quest to reimagine what is possible. Our impact is greater than ever, and we are looking for those who seek to redefine their story.

What We Believe In

We Put Safety First

A healthy and safe work environment is non-negotiable. We build a culture of operational and psychological safety through engagement, learning and leadership.

We Lead With Honesty

We speak and act with integrity, clarity and care so people can trust our word and our work. Being honest means we can deliver the best outcomes and consistent results.

We Are Stronger Together

Success is a team effort. Our inclusive workplace enables our combined expertise, humility and creativity to unlock our greater potential.

We Are Driven To Do Great Work

We built our name on quality. We have a passion for excellence in our work and relationships that honours our businesses and our industry.

We Create Opportunity

Rooted in a solid foundation, we adapt and grow to face the future. We are committed to elevating each other to chart the best path forward in an evolving world.

At Bird, we value Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and believe it is essential to our success. We will continue to listen, learn, and take action in our commitment to building progress in our organization, and the industry as a whole.

Cultivating an environment where all employees feel included, seen, and have a sense of belonging is core to Bird’s culture. We commit to proactively employing a workforce that reflects the communities in which we work, fostering an environment of continuous learning, and never compromising on our values.

Bird construction was founded as a small partnership in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1920. Today we are a highly respected company, operating across Canada. Bird is one of Canada's leading builders and is recognized for its strong commitment to the growth and prosperity of both our clients and our people.