Dewatering Project Manager

WJ Groundwater Canada; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WJ Groundwater Canada, based in Toronto, seeks a Senior Project Manager to lead dewatering operations, coordinate design and installation teams, and act as the main client contact. You will oversee project delivery from planning through execution, ensuring on-time, on-budget performance and high-quality technical outcomes.

Applicants should have a civil/environmental engineering background with 5+ years in dewatering or groundwater projects, strong leadership, budgeting, and communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Geotechnical, Environmental) or related field.
• Over 5 years of project management and/or construction experience in dewatering or groundwater projects.
• Experience in budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Understanding of water management and geotechnical activities.
• Proven ability to supervise dewatering operations across varied ground conditions.
• Experience with contracts, client relations, and site supervision.

Responsibilities

• Define project program to meet targets and industry benchmarks for quality, cost and delivery.
• Supervise site activities and coordinate with clients, staff, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Control costs through BOQ analysis and planning of expenditures and workforce.
• Monitor dewatering performance, select materials, and optimize systems.
• Prepare method statements with CAD drawings, cross sections and procedures.
• Prepare and negotiate monthly payment applications and support AR processes.
• Develop dewatering methodologies to ensure high-quality technical delivery.
• Manage change orders, financial reports, and client communications.
• Maintain thorough documentation of contractual activities and data presentation.
• Undertake business development, including site visits and tender preparation.
• Ensure health and safety compliance and conduct risk assessments.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Budgeting

Scheduling

Client liaison

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Geotechnical, Environmental) or related field

Tools

Autodesk Suite

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Introduction & Key Role Objectives

WJ Groundwater is the leading construction dewatering and groundwater specialist in the UK with operations in Canada, the Middle East, Poland & the Philippines. We have specialized plant and equipment that allows us to install custom dewatering systems in various environments including from within tunnels and shafts and from the surface.

The primary function of this position is to ensure that dewatering system performance meets client expectations and that projects are executed on time and within budget. This role will act as the key liaison between the design and installation teams, leading dewatering operations and serving as the main contact for clients.

We are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of our employees. We provide extensive internal and external training programs, continuous learning opportunities, and clear career advancement paths to help our team members achieve their full potential. By promoting a supportive and dynamic environment, we ensure our employees thrive and contribute to our company's ongoing success and innovation.

Reports to Dewatering Division Manager

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Deliver WJ’s contractual obligations by defining the project program to meet targets and achieve top-tier industry benchmarks for quality, financials, and overall project delivery.
• Supervise and plan site activities and coordinate with clients, site staff, supervisors, subcontractors and suppliers to resolve issues and ensure project progress.
• Ensure project profitability by controlling costs through BOQ analysis and effective planning of expenditures and workforce requirements.
• Monitor dewatering performance, oversee material selection and system modifications, and suggest optimizations based on project goals and site conditions.
• Prepare Method Statements with CAD drawings, cross sections and work procedures.
• Prepare, issue, and negotiate monthly payment applications, and assist in the AR process.
• Contribute to the development and application of dewatering system methodologies and techniques to ensure high-quality technical delivery and maintain industry expertise.
• Perform project management responsibilities, including managing change orders and commercial details, and preparing engineering and financial status reports for clients.
• Maintain high-quality documentation of WJ’s contractual activities including the collection, collation and presentation of data.
• Undertake business development activities, including site visits, client discussions, and the preparation of tenders and quotations for new contracts.
• Ensure personal health and safety, as well as that of reporting staff, by preparing Risk Assessments, briefing, and auditing site staff to enforce safe working practices.

The above is not exhaustive and you will be expected to undertake any other duties that may reasonably fall within the level of responsibility and competence.

Qualifications & Experience

• A motivated and hardworking individual with good written and communication skills is essential
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Geotechnical, Environmental) or a related field
• Over 5 years of project management and/or construction experience in dewatering, groundwater management, or related infrastructure, with skills in budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation
• An understanding of water management, hydrogeology, engineering geology, or civil engineering, including water well drilling, development and rehabilitation
• Proven ability in supervising dewatering operations across various ground and groundwater conditions
• Experience in contract administration, client relations, and construction field supervision, including oversight of geotechnical activities
• Familiarity with construction industry contracts and commercial issues is preferred
• Advanced IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and Autodesk Suite
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills, capable of managing workloads and multiple high-value projects under tight deadlines
• Strong leadership and team management skills with proven ability to plan, organize, and schedule workloads for both self and others
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to read and modify technical drawings and effectively communicate complex ideas to multidisciplinary teams
• Resourcefulness, initiative, and the ability to work independently
• A valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle is required for travel between project sites

Working Conditions

This role is primarily based at our head office in Toronto but requires site visits for client meetings, site inspections, inductions, and project briefings, with occasional full-day work on client worksites. The role involves installing dewatering systems in various environments, including both outdoor and indoor settings, such as tunnels, adits, and shafts, which are classified as low to medium risk confined spaces. Comfort with working in all weather conditions, on heavy industrial construction sites, and within confined spaces is essential.

Standard working hours are 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility needed. Occasional flexibility in working hours may be required.

Accessibility & Accommodation

WJ Groundwater is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including persons with disabilities. Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process.

This is an existing position and all applications are reviewed by our hiring team. AI is not used in the screening or selection process.