Project Manager (Substation Construction)

Valard Group; Calgary; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% RRSP matching

Job summary

Valard Construction's Substation group in Calgary, AB seeks a Project Manager to lead full lifecycle delivery of substation projects (up to 500 kV). You will own safety, schedule, cost, quality, and client relationships from contract handover through commissioning.

The role requires 5+ years in utility construction with substations, travel across Canada (50%), and hands-on EPC/construction management; PMP or P.Eng. designations are preferred. Competitive rewards include a 5% RRSP match.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Engineering or Construction Management.
• 5 years of progressive project management experience in utility construction (substations 115 kV+).
• Demonstrated experience leading projects valued at $10M–$100M+ as the accountable PM.
• Strong commercial acumen in contract administration, change management and claims.
• Valid driver's licence and ability to travel across Canada.

Responsibilities

• Lead project execution from kickoff through energization and closeout for substation scopes (up to 500 kV).
• Own the project execution plan including procurement, subcontracting, construction sequencing, commissioning, and turnover.
• Drive site safety culture and enforce standards with a target of zero recordable incidents.
• Direct site personnel to deliver to schedule and budget.
• Develop and maintain the project schedule in Primavera P6 and manage critical-path recovery.
• Identify and mitigate project risks; lead change order origination, negotiation, and execution.
• Manage cash flow, billings, and progress claims with project controls and finance.
• Serve as primary client contact; coordinate interfaces with stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Lead project meetings and deliver monthly client reports.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Contract administration

Cost control

Education

Post-secondary education in Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

Primavera P6

Job description

Our Substation group is currently looking to add a Project Manager to our team, based in Calgary, AB.

Reporting to the Director, Substations & Renewables, we are seeking an experienced and results‑driven Project Manager to lead the full lifecycle delivery of substation projects. This role owns safety, schedule, cost, quality, and client relationship outcomes from contract handover through commissioning and closeout. The successful candidate is a proven builder with hands‑on EPC or construction‑managed substation and/or renewable experience who is ready to own a project end‑to‑end inside a top‑tier utility contractor.

This position requires a minimum of 50% travel to active project sites across Canada.

Duties and Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Execution

• Lead project execution from kickoff through energization and closeout for substation (up to 500 kV) and interconnection scopes
• Own the project execution plan including procurement, subcontracting, construction sequencing, commissioning, and turnover
• Drive site safety culture in partnership with HSE; enforce Valard, Quanta, and client safety standards with a target of zero recordable incidents
• Direct site superintendents, field engineers, foremen, and subcontractors to deliver to schedule and budget

Cost, Schedule & Risk

• Own project financials including forecast at completion, earned value, and monthly cost reporting
• Develop and maintain the project schedule in Primavera P6; lead critical‑path narrative and recovery planning as required
• Identify, log, quantify, and mitigate project risks; lead change order origination, negotiation, and execution
• Manage cash flow, billings, and progress claims in coordination with project controls and finance

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the client, engineer‑of‑record, and key subcontractors
• Coordinate interfaces with customers, Authorities Having Jurisdiction, Indigenous communities, landowners, and regulatory bodies as required
• Lead project meetings, deliver monthly client reports, and represent Valard in executive and ownership reviews

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Electrical Safety Code, CSA standards, applicable regulatory requirements, and client‑specific specifications
• Oversee QA/QC program execution, NCR resolution, and commissioning and turnover package preparation

• Post‑Secondary education in Engineering, Construction Management
• 5 years of progressive project management experience in utility construction with a clear track record on substations (115 kV and above)
• An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered
• Demonstrated experience leading projects of $10M–$100M+ in value as the accountable Project Manager
• Strong commercial acumen in contract administration, change management, and claims
• Valid driver's licence and ability to travel to project sites across Canada

Preferred Skills / Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Designation
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation
• Previous experience with a tier‑one utility contractor or EPC organization
• Experience delivering AIS/GIS substations, transformer installations, protection and control scope, and high‑voltage commissioning interfaces

We offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that incorporates a complete range of employee benefits, including a 5% RRSP matching program, to ensure you have the tools necessary to manage, maintain, and improve your health and wellbeing.

Valard Construction is an equal opportunity employer.

Valard Construction is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available on request during the recruitment process.