Project Manager, Construction

PowerCo SE; Canada; On-site; CAD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Registered Pension Plan

Employee Assistance Plan

Vacation entitlement

Company events

Flexible benefits selection

Job summary

PowerCo Canada Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Construction Project Lead to drive the buildout of a battery cell manufacturing facility at the St. Thomas site in Canada.

You will coordinate external construction and design partners, manage schedule, budget, safety, and quality, and report to senior management. The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field, 5+ years leading major projects, and experience with LEAN methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in civil engineering, architecture, electrical or HVAC
• 5+ years leading major construction projects
• Deep knowledge of construction processes, scheduling, quality control and safety coordination
• Experience in projects and technical topics
• Able to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• LEAN Construction Management experience is an asset
• Experience in initial phase of a battery cell production plant is an asset
• Ability to travel within Canada/US and internationally up to 30%

Responsibilities

• Lead external project construction company and design company
• Coordinate/Lead Lot Construction Engineers team
• Lead Construction companies on site
• Understand challenges of constructing a battery cell facility and manage complex requirements and safety standards
• Ensure project reporting
• Coordinate construction site, processes, safety and quality assurance
• Provide detailed updates on progress including cleanroom validation and equipment installation
• Address conflicts involving complex systems or changes in technical specs
• Conduct inspections to meet high manufacturing standards
• Manage project costs and time
• Collaborate with Health and Safety to uphold standards and audits
• Collaborate with architects, engineers and design professionals
• Oversee procurement for materials, equipment and subcontractors
• Develop and maintain a detailed project schedule
• Identify delays and implement strategies to stay on track
• Ensure contract obligations are fulfilled and changes documented
• Monitor financial performance and report to senior management
• Serve as primary contact between project team, executives, clients, regulatory bodies

Skills

Construction leadership

Scheduling

Quality control

Safety coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel up to 30%

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering / architecture / electrical / HVAC

Tools

LEAN Construction Management

Contract law knowledge

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company.

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive. You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!

This is a full‑time onsite role based at the St. Thomas construction site.

Your role and key responsibilities

• Leading external Project construction company [SM1.1]and design company
• Coordination/Lead of Lot Construction Engineers team
• Leading Construction companies on site
• In-depth understanding of the specific challenges associated with constructing a facility for battery cell manufacturing, along with the ability to manage complex technical requirements and stringent safety standards
• Ensure project reporting
• Superordinate coordination of construction site, processes, safety and quality assurance
• Provide detailed updates on progress, including technical aspects such as cleanroom validation, equipment installation, and safety compliance.
• Quickly address any conflicts, particularly those involving the integration of complex systems or changes in technical specifications.
• Conduct frequent inspections to ensure all construction work meets the high standards required for battery manufacturing.
• Responsible for cost management[SM2.1] of the project
• Responsible for time management
• Work closely with Health and Safety to ensure highest Health and Safety standards on site. Ensure that the project team adheres to all health and safety regulations, conducting regular safety audits and drills.
• Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and other design professionals to ensure that construction plans are fully aligned with project specifications and objectives.
• Oversee the procurement process for construction materials, equipment, and subcontractor services, ensuring that all resources meet project specifications and quality standards.
• Develop and maintain a detailed project schedule, tracking progress against key milestones.
• Identify potential delays and implement strategies to keep the project on track, adjusting plans as necessary.
• Ensure that all parties fulfill their contractual obligations and that any changes are documented and agreed upon.
• Regularly monitor the project’s financial performance, providing accurate and timely reports to senior management.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the project team and key stakeholders, including company executives, clients, and regulatory bodies.

What you bring to the team

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in civil engineering, architecture, electrical or HVAC background or similar education
• 5+ years of experience leading major construction projects
• Deep knowledge in construction processes, scheduling, quality control and safety coordination
• Experience in participating in projects and technical topics.
• Ability to follow through and make significant progress in a fast pace, dynamic environment.
• Experience in construction contract law is an asset.
• Experience in LEAN Construction Management is an asset.
• Experience in initial phase of a battery cell production plant would be considered an asset.
• Action oriented work style and strong drive of results.
• Integrity and value-driven working style, complaint to rules and regulation.
• Adaptable to international teams with cross‑cultural communication skills.
• Ability to travel both within Canada/US and internationally up to ~ 30%.

What makes you stand out

What to look forward to

• Attractive Remuneration: The expected competitive compensation range for this position is CAD 88,390 - 110,498, which includes base pay and target amount of short term incentive plan.
• In addition we offer competitive benefits: our program is flexible to allow you to make the selections and get the coverage you need.
• Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.
• Employee Assistance Plan: We offer an Employee Assistance Plan which can support you in mental health, physical wellness and overall wellbeing.
• Vacation Allowance: We offer our employees competitive paid time off. Plus, you don’t need to take any vacation days from December 24 to December 31.
• Relocation Support.
• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community.

We are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Our compensation is determined based on a combination of factors including but not limited too relevant years of experience, education, and alignment with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description.

This posting is for a currently vacant role.

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

All screening, assessment, selection, and hiring decisions are made by humans. AI‑enabled tools may be used to support administrative processes such as transcription, documentation, and summarization.

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.

#LI‑Onsite

Location: St. Thomas, CA

Job Function: Operations

Level of Experience: Professionals

Salary Range:

Job ID: 4892

Change the Future with Us

PowerCo was founded in 2022 to become a global battery champion. Headquarteredin Germany, we are currently ramping up gigafactories in Salzgitter, Valencia and St. Thomas in Canada with a total volume of up to 200 GWh. We are integrating the entire value chain and building a supply chain as local as possible. With that we are driving the development of a strong, sustainable battery industry in Europe and North America.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, family status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, or local laws.

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.

Recruitment Practices

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

Our organization may use artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted tools as part of our recruitment and hiring processes. All decisions regarding hiring, interviews, and selection are ultimately made by human recruiters or hiring managers.