Project Manager (Substations)

Valard Group; Calgary; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% RRSP matching

Job summary

Valard Construction is hiring a Project Manager to lead full lifecycle delivery of substation projects across Canada, based in Calgary, AB or Markham, ON. You will own safety, schedule, cost, quality, and client relationships from contract handover through commissioning and closeout.

The ideal candidate has hands-on EPC or construction management experience on substations (115 kV+), with ~25% travel to active project sites nationwide. P.Eng or PMP is preferred.

Qualifications

• 5 years of progressive project management experience in utility-scale construction with substations (115 kV+).
• Experience leading projects valued from $10M to $100M+ as the accountable Project Manager.
• Desirable P.Eng. or PMP designation; strong commercial acumen in contract administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead project execution from kickoff through energization and closeout for substation work up to 500 kV.
• Own the project execution plan including procurement, subcontracting, construction sequencing, commissioning, and turnover.
• Drive site safety culture and enforce safety standards to target zero incidents.
• Direct site superintendents, field engineers, foremen, and subcontractors to meet schedule and budget.
• Own project financials including forecast at completion, earned value, and monthly cost reporting.
• Develop and maintain the project schedule in Primavera P6 and manage risk/change orders.
• Manage cash flow, billings, and progress claims with project controls and finance.
• Serve as primary client contact and coordinate interfaces with AHJs, Indigenous communities, and regulators.
• Lead project meetings and deliver monthly client reports; present to ownership reviews.
• Ensure compliance with Electrical Safety Codes and client specifications.

Skills

Project leadership

Safety leadership

Stakeholder management

Cost control

Team supervision

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Primavera P6

Job description

Our Substations group is currently looking to add a Project Manager to our growing team, based in either Calgary, AB or Markham, ON.

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, we are seeking an experienced and results-driven Project Manager to lead the full lifecycle delivery of substation projects across Canada. 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 experience who is ready to own a project end‑to‑end inside a top‑tier utility contractor.

Please Note: This position requires ~25% 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, AHJs, 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 the Electrical Safety Codes, standards, and client‑specific specifications
• Oversee QA/QC program execution, NCR resolution, and commissioning and turnover package preparation

• Post‑Secondary education in Engineering, Construction Management, or an equivalent technical discipline
• 5 years of progressive project management experience in utility‑scale 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
• Working knowledge of regulatory environments across Canada including IESO market rules, interconnection requirements, ESA, and OHSA
• Strong commercial acumen in contract administration, change management, and claims
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites

Preferred Skills / Qualifications

• P.Eng. or PMP 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

This position offers a salary range of $110,000 – $150,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

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.

About our Business

Valard Construction is Canada’s premier utility contractor providing comprehensive EPC+ (engineering, procurement, construction) and maintenance services to utilities, independent power producers, mining, oil and gas industries and rural electric associations. We have the capabilities, knowledge, and resources to take on any project, any size, any complexity, anywhere. We are also part of QuantaServices, the largest electrical power contractor in North America.

Valard Construction is an equal opportunity employer.

* Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be offered a position at a more appropriate level.

* Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

* 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.

* We do not use automated tools to screen applications. All hiring decisions involve human review. This job posting is for an existing vacancy.