Project Director

Bird Construction; Calgary; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Bird Construction in Calgary is seeking a Project Director to drive the execution of major construction projects. You will lead bid responses, build client and trade relationships, and steer preconstruction planning to align with strategic goals.

The role requires extensive senior-level construction experience, demonstrated profitability management, and ability to navigate complex contracts and teams. A leadership-driven, safety-focused mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in engineering or construction management.
• 15+ years’ experience in construction.
• 10 years’ experience in a project management role in construction.
• Experience working with Defence Construction Canada is required.
• Track record of managing major building projects >$100M in value.
• Experience using ERP systems, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, MS Project & Primavera P6.

Responsibilities

• Lead opportunity management and respond to bid proposals with marketing and team support.
• Develop and maintain client, consultant and trade relationships preconstruction.
• Ensure contract negotiations align with process and master project schedule.
• Oversee preconstruction planning activities and ensure resource and budget alignment.
• Lead development of project strategy to meet performance, schedule and profitability targets.
• Ensure safety, sustainability, and governance standards are followed and project KPIs tracked.

Skills

Project leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Contract negotiations

ERP and Primavera P6

Risk management

Team leadership

Client relationship management

Budgets and profitability

Education

Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

Primavera P6

ERP systems

MS Project

Excel

Job description

Project Director

The Project Director is accountable for the quality and execution of major construction projects. This position will be based out of Calgary, AB.

What You Will Be Working On

Opportunity Management and Opportunity Response Support and be active in identifying Business Development opportunities that bring in new projects. As required, lead bid proposal responses to clients with the support of marketing and other team members.

Preconstruction:

• Develop, manage, and maintain new and existing client, consultant and trade relationships.
• Ensure all contract negotiations are executed in accordance with process and in line with the master project schedule.
• Ensure that all preconstruction planning activities are executed by the project team to the satisfaction of the organization and the client.
• Ensure the project strategy is executed at all times.
• Ensure that the projects are properly resourced.
• Ensure that all project budgets contain/exceed expectations for profit.
• Ensure that the project team is operating as a team.

Construction:

• Lead the development of a project strategy that secures the project, and meet or exceed the project’s required performance, schedule and profitability targets.
• Confirm that estimate/cost plan incorporates value for the owner, accommodates the consultant’s design intent and the targeted profitability.
• Conduct the negotiation and oversee the preparation and execution of the prime contract.
• Exhibit the key values of leadership, innovation, relationships, and profitability and meet all stakeholder commitments (vs. safety, sustainability, collaboration and integrity) as outlined in our Promise.
• Ensure project health, safety and environmental standards meet or exceed legislated requirements and company policy.
• Assist the Construction Director with day-to-day operations.
• Know project critical issues at all times and ensure that project team has followed up to address issues to satisfaction of all stakeholders.
• Responsible for understanding and overseeing that site process, productivity, targets, KPI’s, dashboards, etc. are adhered to.
• Keep the Construction Director informed of significant developments.

Post Construction:

• Ensure that the project teams clear all deficiencies in a timely manner.
• Ensure total completion is achieved as per the client’s expectation.
• Ensure project close out and lessons learned meetings take place in order for continuous improvements to take place.

Employee and Talent Management

Lead in the recruitment of new talent and support the development of personnel through on-going coaching and mentoring to ensure effective, safe project delivery and individual career development.

Develop high performance employees by effectively recruiting suitable new talent, providing continuous positive and constructive feedback, on-going assessment of non-performing employees and planning for succession.

Coach and mentor the project team members to ensure effective preconstruction delivery.

Conduct annual performance reviews of all direct reports, and ensure annual reviews are conducted with all staff.

What We Are Looking For

• Undergraduate degree engineering or construction management
• 15+ years’ experience in construction
• 10 years’ experience in a project management role in a construction company
• Experience working with Defence Construction Canada is required
• Track record of successful commercial project management of major building construction projects in excess of $100 million
• Ability to use ERP’s, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Microsoft Projects & Primavera P6 and Electronic Document Management
• Deep expertise and proven track record with respect to the continuous improvement project delivery services and value added constructability process and practice
• Experience in gaining major bids with joint venture partners, with proven management of successful infrastructure and construction bids
• Proven ability to ensure a successful completion of projects, their profitability, and for retaining owners as continuing clients of the company
• Ability to lead and operate within an environment where change happens frequently
• Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a focused team; the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly
• Strong leadership capability as evidenced by demonstrable success in team / collaborative work environments
• Ability to forge, grow and maintain positive relationships with multiple groups
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet the time demands of unpredictable activities; capable of handling pressure and challenges in a dynamic business environment
• Ability to work within tight deadlines and prioritization of work to achieve them
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, troubleshooting, problem-solving skills, and a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Highly developed interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a positive attitude
• Superior written and verbal communication skills

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.