Project Manager, Design & Construction

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University is seeking a seasoned Facility Project Manager to lead the planning, design, and construction of renovation and new-build projects. You will define objectives, oversee quality, and coordinate with senior management and stakeholders across campus.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering (or related field), a Professional Engineer license or Architect designation, and at least seven years of relevant experience. Start date August 24, 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Requires 7 years of relevant experience.
• Must be a designated Professional Engineer or Licensed Architect.

Responsibilities

• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables that support business goals in collaboration with senior management and University stakeholders.
• Identify and manage project dependencies and critical path.
• Manage changes in project scope, identify potential crises, and devise contingency plans.
• Develop conceptual plans and budgets for facilities projects to support fiscal decision making.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Contract management

Stakeholder coordination

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, 7:30 AM to 4 PM

All start times are between 7:30-9 AM

Education Level Must be a designated Professional Engineer or Licensed Architect.

Career Level Requires 7 years of relevant experience

Anticipated Start Date August 24, 2026

Overview

At McMaster University, our people are our most valuable asset. We strive to attract, develop, and retain talented faculty and staff, and to foster inclusive excellence which values the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of each individual. McMaster's profile and stature have evolved to one of the Top 70 Universities in the World and we are recognized as Canada’s Most Research-Intensive University. McMaster is also recognized as one of the top employers in the Hamilton/Niagara region and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Diversity employers for the past 6 years.

The Facility Services department supports the academic mission of McMaster, its cutting-edge research, and world-class teaching and learning. Our team does this by developing innovative spaces to study, research, and work and by keeping our campus safe, clean, well‑maintained, and beautiful. Our team of approximately 400 does this essential work both on our campus, which includes 55 buildings on 300 acres, also on our multiple off‑site locations, which include 11 buildings.

Job Description

Job Summary

Responsible for developing facility projects, both renovation and new construction, to support the University's capital improvement from the initiation stage through planning, design, and construction. Defines and manages project objectives and oversees quality control throughout its life cycle.

Purpose and Key Functions

• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables that support business goals in collaboration with senior management and University stakeholders.
• Identify and manage project dependencies and critical path.
• Manage changes in project scope, identify potential crises, and devise contingency plans.
• Develop conceptual plans and budgets for facilities projects to support the fiscal decision making process.
• Develop best practices for project execution and management.
• Review contract plans and specifications for compliance with the appropriate building codes and project requirements.
• Scrutinize architectural drawings and review plans and specifications at appropriate stages ensuring compliance with the user requirements and general standards.
• Troubleshoot building envelope and system failures.
• Monitor and facilitate the resolution of construction contract disputes and claims.
• Develop and maintain facility project budgets.
• Draft and submit budget proposals, and recommend subsequent budget changes.
• Provide design input and write design specifications for renovation work.
• Prepare construction contracts and contract change orders and monitor their execution and distribution.
• Prepare requests for proposal and conduct all necessary meetings to facilitate hiring architectural and construction management services.
• Develop and deliver progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation, and presentations.
• Prepare and submit the necessary applications for building permits, site plan approvals and sewer and water permits.
• Conduct project post mortems and create a recommendations report in order to identify successful and unsuccessful project elements.
• Coordinate with proponent groups and building committees to facilitate facility planning, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Coordinate all parties involved in the planning, design, and construction process.
• Coordinate with facility occupants the move into new facilities.
• Plan and schedule project timelines and milestones using the appropriate tools.
• Monitor and report on all phases of planning and construction.
• Communicate project expectations to team members and stakeholders.
• Liaise with project stakeholders on an ongoing basis.
• Receive invoices from professional consultants and contractors and approve for payment.
• Monitor construction contract close-out and maintain documentation files.
• Negotiate prices with consultants and vendors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field of study. Requires 7 years of relevant experience. Must be a designated Professional Engineer or Licensed Architect.

Assets

Candidates with building systems mechanical engineering experience is an asset.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the "Dish With One Spoon" wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self‑identification in relation to equity‑seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in‑person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third‑party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.