Project Manager, Construction/Design – Kitchener

Entrepot Frigorifique Conestoga (Quebec Ltee); Kitchener; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Conestoga Cold Storage Limited is seeking a Project Manager, Construction/Design to lead complex building and construction initiatives in the Kitchener region. You will collaborate with construction crews, structural engineers, refrigeration technicians and operations leadership to deliver energy‑efficient, code‑compliant cold storage solutions on time and on budget.

This on‑site, hands‑on role requires a minimum of 10 years in project management within construction or cold storage, strong

Qualifications

• 10+ years of project management experience in construction, industrial refrigeration, or cold storage.
• PMP certification considered an asset.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics and technical drawings with knowledge of thermodynamics and heat transfer.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end project management for building and construction activities.
• Lead project team and mentor members.
• Develop project scopes, deliverables, permits, schedules and budgets.
• Prepare tender documents and bid packages; evaluate contractor bids and manage contracts.
• Coordinate sequencing of trades, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Monitor progress, cost control and change management to meet schedule and budget.
• Ensure quality standards and regulatory compliance throughout the project.
• Maintain as-built drawings and operation manuals at project closeout.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Problem solving

Time management

Reading blueprints

Education

Mechanical Engineering Technology diploma

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Certified Engineering Technologist (CET)

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Position Title: Project Manager, Construction/Design Job Type: Full Time Reports To: President Location: Kitchener Issue Date: June 18, 2026 Revision Code:

Company Overview - Who We Are

For more than five decades, Conestoga Cold Storage Limited has been committed to serving customers across Canada and around the world with reliability and innovation. As a privately owned third-party cold storage company and one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for twenty consecutive years, we take pride not only in our technology but in our people. With six modern cold storage facilities, we have grown to become Canada's second-largest service provider in our industry. Our global reputation for excellence in automation and robotics reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and delivering world-class service.

Position Summary

With demonstrated expertise in mechanical design and a deep understanding of design tools, the incumbent will work in a project manager capacity to collaborate closely with construction crews/vendors, structural engineers, refrigeration technicians and operational leadership to deliver energy-efficient, safe, and code-compliant cold storage solutions across both building, maintenance and construction projects. This position is primarily based in the onsite and requires a hands-on approach as needed to support site activities, maintain quality standards, and uphold the company's professional standards and reputation.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Overall Project Management: Oversee end to end project, including both building and construction project activities, making decisions to remain on-time and on-budget, identify and mitigate project risks, and delivery of project outcomes according to specifications/codes.
• Team Leadership: Oversee project team, providing guidance on day-to-day accountabilities and mentoring team members, fostering their growth and development.
• Project Planning & Development: Provide concept drawings of building additions, extensions, and new builds (greenfield), define project scope, deliverables, permit approvals, schedules and budgets.
• Procurement & Contract Management: Prepare tender documents and bid packages; solicit and evaluate contractor and supplier bids, negotiate contracts and manage agreements and track procurement schedules and deliveries.
• Resource & Schedule Management: Develop project schedules, coordinating sequencing of trades, subcontractors, consultants, and suppliers, monitor project progress against schedule.
• Budget & Cost Control: Manage project spend, including change orders, invoicing and payments, and forecasting project costs and cash flow; identify and mitigate budget risks.
• Quality Control & Assurance: Establish quality standards and procedures, conduct reviews and manage deficiencies, warranty issues and corrective actions to ensure compliance with project specifications.
• Stakeholder Communication: Manage positive and proactive relationships with clients, municipalities, utilities and regulatory agencies, addressing concerns. Lead project meetings and progress reviews/report outs.
• Project Closeout: Coordinate inspections and occupancy approvals, maintain as-built drawings and operation manuals, ensure all contractual obligations are completed and conduct project reviews and lessons learned sessions.
• Maintenance Support: Provide support and expertise to Maintenance team and projects as needed.
• Regulatory Compliance & Safety: In collaboration with the site supervisor, ensure all projects and designs comply with Canadian safety standards, OSHA regulations, environmental regulations and building codes; coordinate safety orientations and investigate incidents and conduct inspections and site audits.

Key Performance Indicators: include, schedule and budget adherence, safety performance, client satisfaction, change order management, risk mitigation effectiveness and quality, productivity and efficiency metrics.

Qualifications And Skills

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in project management, specifically within the construction, industrial refrigeration, food/beverage processing, or cold storage warehousing.
• Post-secondary diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology, or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, with Certified Engineering Technologist designation or equivalent.
• PMP certification considered an asset.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks or other design and modelling software;
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings with deep understanding of engineering calculations (thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics) and the physical industrial refrigeration systems and material handling systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of building codes, piping codes, construction procedures, regulations, and safety standards, specific to the industrial refrigeration and cold storage warehousing industry.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated with proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Schedule

• 8.5 hour day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as required

Language Requirements

• French not required

Location & Work Arrangement

• Primarily based in Kitchener, Ontario [with regular travel to Halton Hills and Mississauga]
• Candidates must be able to reliably commute or relocate prior to starting
• On-site position, five days per week

Disclosure Statements

This is a publicly advertised posting for a new position within our organization.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Conestoga Cold Storage is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Artificial Intelligence

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of our hiring process.