Director, Commercial

Aecon; Montreal; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian infrastructure firm is seeking a highly skilled Commercial Director in Montreal. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of commercial management experience in major projects and will oversee the commercial strategy to ensure optimal outcomes. This role involves managing contracts, minimizing risks, and leading a team dedicated to performance excellence. This position offers competitive compensation and an opportunity to work at the forefront of infrastructure development.

Benefits

Career development programs

Inclusive work environment

Health and wellness services

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years commercial management experience on major projects.
• Proven track record in joint ventures with international partners.
• Sound understanding of construction methodology.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the commercial strategy of the project.
• Develop and implement change request management processes.
• Lead the drafting and negotiation of various contracts.

Skills

Commercial management

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Claims management

Procurement

Education

Legal, Engineering, or Quantity Surveying degree

Tools

Primavera P6

ERP systems

Job description

Come Build Your Career at Aecon!

As a Canadian leader in infrastructure development, Aecon is and building what matters for future generations to thrive! We lead some of the most impactful infrastructure of our generation, at the forefront of transformational change in transportation and energy, and partnering every day to build, connect, power, and strengthen our communities.

At Aecon, you can count on :

• Safety Always. Our number one core value. If we can’t do it safely, we don’t do it at all.
• Integrity. We lead by example, with humility and courage.
• Accountability. We’re passionate about delivering on our commitments.
• Inclusion. We provide equitable opportunities for everyone.

We lead the infrastructure industry with purpose, and our are at the heart of everything we do. So, we invest in our people, just like they invest in us!

At Aecon we :

Ensure you and your family receive the services needed to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Believe in helping you build your career through our Aecon University and Leadership Programs.

Are committed to supporting and investing in inclusive work environments, through initiatives like Equity, Diversity & Inclusion training, our Aecon Women in Trades and Aecon Diversity in Trades programs , and our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to ensure we are building inclusion into every aspect of our culture at Aecon.

Are a leader in sustainable construction .With a strong commitment to operating responsibly by minimizing our impact on the environment and surrounding communities.

Our business success relies on strong execution and continuous improvement – driven by the diversity, expertise and teamwork of our people. We’re always searching the globe for innovative, collaborative minds to join our best-in-class Aecon community!

Role Overview

The Commercial Director is responsible for overseeing the commercial strategy on a project(s), working very closely with the senior operations team on the project to develop and implement a commercial management system that drives performance and minimizes risk to the business. Provides sound commercial and contractual advice to project management to ensure optimal outcomes for the Project during both bid and execution phases. Manages the commercial interface and relationship with the client.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement processes to administer, document and accept / challenge / defend incoming and outgoing change requests throughout project execution.

Implement claim management processes to resolve unforeseen situations that arise during project development and execution and that are not covered by the change management process, including implementation of claims towards third parties and prevention / defending of incoming claims from third parties.

Implement an effective system to ensure that all contractually required notices are delivered to the client in accordance with the terms of the project agreement.

Administer the project contracts (project agreement, subcontracts, consultancy agreements, purchase agreements etc.) in such a way that the correct contractual procedures and sound administrative practices are implemented and followed at all times from project inception to completion, ensuring at all times that all contract deliverables and timelines are met.

Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of various contracts (with clients and subcontractors), including specific services contracts, master services agreements, commissioning contracts, engineering contracts, settlement agreements, non-disclosure agreements, construction contracts and procurement contracts, in a way that optimizes the business’ financial, legal, risk management and reputational positions.

Implement and monitor procurement scheduling and plans, facilitate competitive tendering process for materials, goods, services, and equipment, including development of terms and conditions, scope and specification requirements, implementing and overseeing the bidding process with pre-qualified companies. Evaluate submitted bids including tender analysis and recommendation.

Issue regular reporting and analytics on commercial issues to Executives (internal and JV Executive Committee) and Project Managers

Engage with Aecon’s insurance advisors to develop appropriate Project insurance programs and coverages.

Exercise proper judgment to engage with Aecon’s legal advisors to seek advice at the appropriate times.

Develop a risk management and mitigation plan to identify potential events (internal and external) that may cause the Project to fail to meet its objectives. Monitor and control those measures to mitigate the exposure to the risks being realized. Also, proactively analyze the risks associated with projects in the bid phase.

Commercial management of project close out / post practical completion, including defect liability period and O&M.

Lead and align a team of commercial direct reports to the Project and Aecon’s priorities by focusing the teams’ activities and holding each individual accountable for results.

Ensure commercial activities are effective and results focused.

Required Knowledge and Experience

Minimum of 15 years’ commercial management experience on major projects and a proven track record on delivering commercial success, working in joint ventures with international partners on major EPC infrastructure projects, fixed price, DB / DBFOM major Projects (over $500m) throughout the project life cycle from bid to contract closeout.

Legal, Engineering, or Quantity Surveying degree or equivalent.

Demonstrated experience working under a variety of standard form and bespoke contracts.

Sound understanding of construction methodology and process in a large, complex operating environment.

Thorough knowledge of change management principles including identifying significant variations, claims identification, narration, quantification, and evaluation.

A sound understanding of the law of contract in the jurisdiction of the project, combined with a detailed appreciation of contractual obligations and liabilities, commercial and financial functions (i.e. project cash flow).

Direct experience with the tendering process, contract administration, budgetary cost value and reduction capability, procurement, and subcontract administration, earned value management and Primavera P6 scheduling software.

Proven track record with claims management and dispute resolution on major projects.

Experience with risk identification and management.

Experience in liaising with client , subcontractor and consultant representatives.

Basic understanding of insurance program requirements for various project types and advise on suitability of corporate programs vs project specific requirements.

Experience with integrated ERP systems.