Senior Director Turnarounds

Bird Construction; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian construction leader is seeking a Senior Director of Turnarounds to oversee major industrial shutdowns. This role includes strategic planning, financial management, and ensuring operational excellence for projects worth approximately $200M annually. The ideal candidate will have over 20 years of progressive leadership experience, a strong grounding in risk management, and the ability to foster a safety culture within the organization. Exceptional communication skills and an undergraduate degree in Engineering are required.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace

Career growth opportunities

Commitment to DEI

Qualifications

• Minimum 20+ years of progressive leadership experience in managing industrial shutdowns.
• Proven track record of leading multi-million-dollar projects.
• Strong understanding of turnaround execution and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and execution of major plant shutdowns.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Manage approximately $200M in annual revenue across projects.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Financial acumen

Communication and negotiation

Risk management

Turnaround planning

Education

Undergraduate degree in Engineering

PMP designation or equivalent

Job description

Senior Director, Turnarounds

Where Greatness Grows

The greatest achievements in history are borne from the greatness within people – where human potential meets vision, and passion fuels evolution. Unlocking this potential is the most important thing we do at Bird.

As a leader in Canadian construction for over 100 years, the impact of our team is etched deeply within the core of our legacy. Beyond Bird, this impact is felt in the fundamental aspects of our everyday lives. From the critical infrastructure we depend on, to the energy and resources that keep us moving - we are powering our communities and shaping Canada’s skylines coast-to-coast. Entrenched in the foundation of a culture built more than a century ago is an enduring quest to reimagine what is possible. Our impact is greater than ever, and we are looking for those who seek to redefine their story.

We are a dynamic team of over 5,000 with a range of professions, backgrounds, and areas of expertise. This breadth of diversity in people and opportunities is one of greatest aspects of building your career with Bird. Every trajectory looks different. At Bird, you hold the pen, and you write your story. As you unlock your potential, you are surrounded by a team that supports you every step of the way.

Be a part of our team, where we pride ourselves on the quality of our work and the way we treat each other and our partners. You will build a career and long-lasting relationships based on respect, collaboration, and a solution-focused mindset. Bird is a place where you will unlock your potential and achieve your goals.

Reporting to the Vice President, Operations, the Sr. Director of Turnarounds leads an organization responsible for planning and executing major industrial shutdowns for clients across Canada.

Key duties involve strategic planning (scope, budget, resources), team leadership, risk management, ensuring compliance, and delivering tangible results under intense pressure. The successful candidate will drive significant change programs and is accountable for designing and implementing a Turnaround management system.

Reporting to this role will be the Director of Turnaround Execution, Director of TA Business processes, and Project PM’s as required.

This position is based in Calgary, Edmonton or Fort McMurray.

Position Overview

The Senior Director of Turnarounds is a senior leadership role providing skilled trade labor to execute major plant shutdowns across Canada. This individual will be responsible for designing and implementing a world-class turnaround management system, leading a large team of operational leaders, and ensuring safe, cost-effective, and profitable execution of projects. With oversight of approximately $200M in annual revenue, the Senior Director will play a critical role in driving operational excellence, client satisfaction, and sustainable business growth.

What You Will Be Working On

Strategic Leadership

• Design, implement, and continuously improve a standardized turnaround management system.
• Provide vision and direction to a team of leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and performance.
• Align turnaround execution strategies with organizational goals and client expectations.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee planning and execution of major plant shutdowns and repairs across Canada.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Monitor and manage costs to achieve profitability targets.

Client Engagement

• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with clients at senior levels.
• Act as a trusted advisor, ensuring client needs are met and exceeded.
• Represent the organization in negotiations, contract discussions, and strategic partnerships.

Financial Management

• Manage approximately $200M in annual revenue across multiple projects.
• Drive profitability through effective cost control, resource optimization, and risk management.
• Provide accurate forecasting, reporting, and performance analysis to executive leadership.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture across all turnaround activities.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies.
• Lead initiatives to continuously improve safety performance and reduce incidents.

What We Are Looking For

Experience

• Minimum 20+ years of progressive leadership experience in managing industrial shutdowns, turnarounds, or large-scale maintenance projects.
• Proven track record of leading multi-million-dollar projects and large teams in complex industrial environments.

Education & Certification

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Journeyman certification.
• PMP designation or equivalent project management certification preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing large budgets and driving profitability.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Deep understanding of turnaround planning, execution, and risk management.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

We Put Safety First

A healthy and safe work environment is non-negotiable. We build a culture of operational and psychological safety through engagement, learning and leadership.

We Lead With Honesty

We speak and act with integrity, clarity and care so people can trust our word and our work. Being honest means we can deliver the best outcomes and consistent results.

We Are Stronger Together

Success is a team effort. Our inclusive workplace enables our combined expertise, humility and creativity to unlock our greater potential.

We Are Driven To Do Great Work

We built our name on quality. We have a passion for excellence in our work and relationships that honours our businesses and our industry.

We Create Opportunity

Rooted in a solid foundation, we adapt and grow to face the future. We are committed to elevating each other to chart the best path forward in an evolving world.

Bird is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). This is a core part of our culture and guides our actions and strategic priorities. We strive to create an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive and share their unique perspectives and talents. Our ongoing commitments focus on addressing inequities and promoting a better understanding of diversity to build an inclusive and fair culture. We recognize that diverse teams are more knowledgeable, perform better, and achieve greater success. As such, we are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and creating opportunities for all employees to grow and succeed.