Vice President, Development & Construction

Primaris REIT; Toronto; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Primaris REIT in Toronto is seeking a strategic Vice President, Development & Construction to lead development, redevelopment and major capital projects across our enclosed shopping centre portfolio. You will move projects from concept to handover, coordinating design, procurement, construction and operations with senior leadership.

The role requires 15+ years in commercial real estate development and construction, including leadership, strong financial acumen, bilingual (French/English)

Qualifications

• University degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Real Estate, Business, or a related field.
• Professional designation (e.g., P.Eng., OAA, PMP) is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Move projects from concept and pre-development through internal approvals, design, tendering, construction, and handover to Property Operations.
• Lead development, redevelopment and major capital projects from initial concept through completion.
• Oversee feasibility, due diligence, planning, design, budgeting, scheduling and municipal approvals.
• Establish project scope, business rationale, delivery strategy, budget, schedule and key risks.

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Communication

Stakeholder management

Project management

Multi-project portfolio management

Negotiation

Travel across Canada

Education

University degree in Engineering/Architecture/Construction Management/Real Estate/Business

Professional designation (P.Eng./OAA/PMP)

Job description

Primaris REIT is currently seeking a strategic and results-driven Vice President, Development & Construction to join our team at our Toronto Head Office. This leadership role oversees development, redevelopment and major construction projects across a portfolio of enclosed shopping centres. The successful candidate will combine development and construction expertise with strong financial judgment and the ability to deliver projects on time and on budget within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Vacancy Status

New Position

Role

As the Vice President, Development & Construction, you will be accountable for moving projects from concept and pre-development through internal approvals, design, tendering, construction, and handover to Property Operations. You will also:

Development and Project Execution

• Lead development, redevelopment and major capital projects from initial concept through completion.
• Oversee feasibility, due diligence, planning, design, budgeting, scheduling and municipal approvals.
• Advance ideas effectively through internal review and approval channels.
• Establish project scope, business rationale, delivery strategy, budget, schedule and key risks.
• Manage projects through design, tendering, construction, commissioning and operational handover.
• Coordinate construction within active shopping centres while minimizing disruption to tenants, customers and property operations.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, on budget and to approved quality standards.

Financial and Executive Leadership

• Prepare and oversee project budgets, forecasts, cash flows, contingencies and financial analyses.
• Evaluate project economics and clearly articulate how investments protect or create value.
• Translate complex financial and technical information into a compelling business narrative.
• Present recommendations, options, trade-offs and risks confidently to the Head of Development & Construction and other senior leadership.
• Provide clear, concise reporting and early identification of emerging issues.
• Manage upward effectively while maintaining accountability for project outcomes.

Design, Procurement, and Construction

• Lead architects, engineers, planners, cost consultants, general contractors and other project partners.
• Read, interpret and challenge architectural, engineering and construction drawings and specifications.
• Evaluate design for completeness, constructability, cost, operational suitability and alignment with project objectives.
• Develop procurement strategies and oversee competitive tendering and contractor selection.
• Negotiate commercial terms and maintain disciplined contract and change-order management.
• Oversee schedules, critical paths, progress claims, deficiencies, commissioning and closeout.
• Anticipate approval risks and establish practical strategies to maintain project momentum.
• Build and maintain a strong national network of general contractors, consultants, trades and subcontractors.

Organizational and Team Leadership

• Partner with Leasing, Operations, Asset Management, Finance, Legal and Property Management.
• Build alignment across internal stakeholders and resolve competing priorities.
• Lead, coach and develop the Development & Construction team.
• Establish consistent project governance, reporting, cost controls and approval practices.
• Support acquisition due diligence, capital planning and portfolio strategy.
• Represent the REIT professionally with tenants, municipalities, contractors and other external stakeholders.

Other reasonable job duties and/or projects may be assigned.

Requirements

To excel in this role, we are looking for a motivated and adaptable professional who communicates openly, takes initiative, embraces change, and is committed to delivering exceptional results. If this opportunity sounds interesting to you, you are likely to possess the following attributes:

• University degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Real Estate, Business, or a related field.
• Relevant professional designation (e.g., P.Eng., OAA, PMP) is an asset.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel across Canada.
• 15+ years of experience in commercial real estate development and construction, including 7+ years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in both development and construction, with experience leading multi-project, multi-market portfolios.
• Proven track record managing significant capital programs and complex development and construction projects.
• Bilingual (French/English) full professional fluency strongly preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the development and construction lifecycle, including planning, design, procurement, contract administration, and project delivery.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, project evaluation, and value creation.
• Ability to interpret construction and design documentation and effectively manage project risks, costs, and schedules.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong leadership, commercial judgment, and decision-making abilities.
• Proven ability to collaborate across functions and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

AI Use & Accommodation

To manage the large volume of applications, AI may be used in the recruitment process.

Primaris REIT is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing fair recruitment and employment practices to all employees and applicants.

• Communicate clearly, concisely, professionally and convey active listening and openness.
• Build positive relationships and demonstrate commitment, effort and a "take charge" attitude.
• Produce accurate work with attention to detail and consistently meet deadlines.
• Take ownership for actions, accept constructive criticism and make the necessary changes to behaviour.
• Overcome obstacles to get the job done, identify problems and recommend solutions.
• See change positively and adapt quickly to change in work requirements.

Values

• Respect: Value diverse perspectives, experiences and talents; treat others the way you would want to be treated
• Empowerment: Use the means provided to carry out responsibilities to the best of your ability and to implement creative ideas
• Integrity: Do the right thing, deliver on commitments and admit mistakes
• Teamwork: Work together as one team toward common goals
• Accountability: Hold yourself and others accountable for decisions and results

Primaris is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities in the course of employment, including in recruitment and hiring.

Primaris REIT is Canada’s leading enclosed shopping centre-focused real estate investment trust. We own and operate a portfolio of 15.2 million square feet of dominant enclosed shopping centres valued at approximately $5.2 billion at Primaris’ share. Our vision is to champion and elevate retail for Canadians by creating an exceptional experience for our customers while maintaining a strong presence in the industry.