Senior Project Manager

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; Calgary; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian educational institution is looking for a Senior Project Manager to oversee a major capital project for the new Taylor Family Campus Centre. The role involves leading project delivery, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with safety and institutional standards. Ideal candidates will have over 10 years of project management experience in complex environments, strong communication skills, and a relevant bachelor's degree. This is a 2-year temporary contract offering a salary between $100,000 and $125,000.

Benefits

4 Weeks Vacation

14 Flex Days per year

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in project management.
• Proven experience in project management within higher education or governmental sectors.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects with significant budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of major capital projects.
• Manage transition to operations of major capital projects.
• Oversee logistics and compliance with safety requirements.

Skills

Project Management

Change Management

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or Construction Project Management

Tools

MS Office 365

Archibus

Adobe Suite

CADD

BlueBeam

Job description

SAIT’s Facilities Management department serves as steward of its building and grounds, ensuring physical operations are maintained and that spaces are safe, secure, functional and inviting for all who use them. We are guided by SAIT’s shared priorities of sustainable growth, innovation in applied education and student success — our work contributes to that.

The Opportunity

SAIT is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead a major capital project and oversee the delivery of the new Taylor Family Campus Centre.

Reporting to the Director of Major Capital Projects, Facilities Management, the Senior Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the delivery from construction through activation and operations readiness. This role manages all aspects of project delivery, operational readiness, and change management, ensuring smooth transitions that enhance the campus experience and align with institutional priorities.

This is a high-impact role, that offers the chance to manage a complex, multi-disciplinary project in collaboration with leading industry professionals. The Senior Project Manager will play a critical role in guiding the successful operational handover of this landmark facility.

Key Opportunities

• Meaningful Mission – The opportunity to lead major capital projects on a campus, with a lasting impact to SAIT’s Community and Student Life.
• High visibility, high impact – Transition to operations, influencing how the new transformative facility welcomes SAIT and surrounding communities.
• Multi-discipline collaboration – Leading and delivery of complex, multi-faceted major project for higher education institution, working with leading industry professionals.

NOTE: This is a 2-year Temporary contract.

The Role

• Project Leadership & Delivery:
• Lead the planning and execution of major capital projects, ensuring minimal disruption to campus operations and services.
• Manage transition to operations and activation of major capital projects, coordinating with execution teams for operational readiness and occupancy.
• Oversee logistics, including space readiness, furniture, technology, signage, and accessibility.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, budgets, schedules, and risk registers.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (Facilities, IT, Communications, Operations Steering and working Committees, etc.) to align timelines, resources, and deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, regulatory, and safety requirements.

• Change Management & Communications:
• Design and deliver communication plans to keep stakeholders informed and engaged throughout all project phases.
• Build relationships across campus to foster collaboration and alignment with institutional priorities and culture.
• Facilitate decision-making through established governance structures, including steering committees and working groups.
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and reports for executive leadership and governance bodies.
• Lead communication and engagement strategies to support organizational change and project adoption.

• Strategic Alignment & Operationalization:
• Lead strategic alignment between construction handover and planning for operationalization of major capital projects.
• Ensure that all operational requirements are identified, communicated, and integrated into project delivery.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement activation and move-in plans that support seamless transition from construction to operations.
• Coordinate with facilities management and other departments to ensure readiness for occupancy and ongoing operations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or Construction Project Management.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in project management, with a solid understanding of design and construction practices and methodologies.
• Proven experience in project management within higher education, government, or institutional infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrated success in complex facilities development or relocation projects, ideally in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Experience managing projects that include building operations handover and activation is an asset.
• Experience overseeing multiple, concurrent projects with budgets up to $60 million or more.
• 4+ years of experience in a supervisory role with direct reports, showcasing expertise in people leadership and change management.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credential preferred.
• High proficiency in MS Office 365, Archibus, Adobe Suite, and medium proficiency in CADD, BlueBeam.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and change management skills.

Job Classification: P2043 - Project Coordinator

Salary Range: $100,000 - $125,000

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Paid Leave: 4 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per year

Position End Date: December 31, 2027

Posting closing date: November 28, 2025 at 4pm

About SAIT

SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.

Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.

At SAIT, we understand that experience comes in many forms. We’re dedicated to adding diverse perspectives to SAIT - so if your experience is close to what we’re looking for, please consider applying.

SAIT is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with applicants to provide accommodations upon request to the Talent Advisor.

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