Director, Project

Aecon U.S.; Mineral (VA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the U.S. is seeking a Project Director with over 20 years of experience to successfully oversee complex nuclear projects. The candidate must have a background in managing large-scale refurbishment projects and a deep understanding of the nuclear industry. Responsibilities include developing relationships with clients and leading execution organizations to meet project goals. This position requires a BSc in Engineering or equivalent experience and significant executive management exposure.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in managing major refurbishment or large-scale nuclear projects.
• Technical knowledge of construction methods, building systems, and terminology.
• Significant experience in a key role in Utility Nuclear Leadership.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for planning and executing complex nuclear projects.
• Develop and connect relationships with clients.
• Manage the execution organization for nuclear construction projects.

Skills

Managing major refurbishment projects

Building functional Joint Ventures

Developing relationships with clients

Understanding of the Nuclear Industry

Education

BSc in Engineering or equivalent experience

Job description

Come Build Your Career at Aecon! As a North American leader in infrastructure development, Aecon is safely and sustainably building what matters for future generations to thrive! We lead some of the most impactful infrastructure projects of our generation, at the forefront of transformational change in transportation and energy, and partnering every day to build, connect, power, and strengthen our communities.

• Safety Always. Our number one core value. If we can’t do it safely, we don’t do it at all.
• Integrity. We lead by example, with humility and courage.
• Accountability. We’re passionate about delivering on our commitments.
• Inclusion. We provide equitable opportunities for everyone.

At Aecon

• Ensure you and your family receive the services needed to support your mental, emotional, and physical well‑being.
• Believe in helping you build your career through our Aecon University and Leadership Programs.
• We are committed to supporting and investing in inclusive work environments, through initiatives like Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility training, our Aecon Women in Trades and Aecon Diversity in Trades programs, and our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
• We are a leader in sustainable construction, with a strong commitment to operating responsibly by minimizing our impact on the environment and surrounding communities.

What is the Opportunity?

Aecon is a North American construction and infrastructure development company with global experience – transforming vision into reality. We offer a full spectrum of nuclear services for refurbishment, maintenance, new build, decommissioning, modularization, and fabrication to power a sustainable future. Our nuclear sector plays an important role in extending the life of existing nuclear stations and executing the next generation of nuclear new builds leveraging a similar fleet execution strategy. From our work delivering the two largest refurbishment projects (Savannah River nuclear station and North Anna Power Station) in North America to deploying the first grid‑scale SMR in the western world, we continue moving forward with a strategic focus on decarbonizing energy systems in support of a net‑zero future.

Citizenship Requirement

This position requires access to nuclear facilities and information governed by U.S. federal regulations. As a result, applicants must be U.S. citizens to meet eligibility and security clearance requirements.

Purpose Of The Position

Reporting to the Sr. Director, Commercial Nuclear Operations, the Project Director is responsible for the successful planning and execution of complex projects including achieving our operational goals for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of Safety, Quality, Schedule, and Cost.

What You’ll Do Here

• Develop an appropriate execution organization that can successfully execute nuclear construction projects for SLR and EPU.
• Has the critical capability to develop, connect and create relationships with clients that are productive and partnered in nature.
• Has significant experience collaborating clients and creating relationships between Owners and Contractors that are productive and partnered.
• The key relationship with the client and works to build a range of effective relationships that allows for the most appropriate execution of the projects.
• Manages the Strategic Vision and to develop a real and powerful competitive advantage in the nuclear industry.
• Works to contribute to the strategic capabilities and advantages of Aecon Nuclear.
• Understands the balance between schedule, cost, and safety and works to create effective outcomes for clients.
• Has the experience and the background to guide Aecon-Wachs through all phases of the refurbishment project.
• Has a full and exhaustive understanding of the contract.
• Is responsible for creating the right flows of information and communication with key stakeholders and the owner.
• Is a critical contributor and is integrated into the strategy and planning processes.
• Leading complex team with various disciplines from project controls, operations, finance, LR etc.
• Focus on proactively improving execution through innovation, lessons learned and productivity improvement.
• Effectively managing interactions with challenging clients to maintain positive relationships, resolve conflicts, and achieve desired outcomes, fostering long‑term partnerships.
• Effectively collaborating with partners from different organizations to achieve common goals, leveraging diverse expertise and resources while navigating complex relationships and shared responsibilities.
• High level of executive management exposure which will include having built, managed and sustained a high‑performing business to deliver profitable growth.
• Significant experience and understanding of the Nuclear Industry and its approaches, including requirements of both Owners and Contractors.

What You Bring To The Team

• BSc in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 20+ years of experience in managing major refurbishment or large‑scale nuclear projects is preferred.
• Experience managing and working in a large joint venture.
• Technical knowledge of construction methods, building systems and terminology.
• Ability to read and understand construction drawings, blueprints and specifications.
• Significant experience and understanding of the Nuclear Industry and its approaches, including requirements of both Owners and Contractors.
• Knowledge of key players and existing relationships within the nuclear sector.
• Must be knowledgeable of INPO (Institute of Nuclear Power Operation) practices and principles.
• Must have a full appreciation of the importance of Quality Assurance Programs and their significance to the nuclear industry.
• Experience in a key role in Utility Nuclear Leadership is valued.
• Experience as a Nuclear Operator is important to the execution of the project from the standpoint of the various phases of the project.
• High level of executive management exposure which will include having built, managed and sustained a high‑performing business to deliver profitable growth.
• Project management, contract management, and risk management necessary.
• Understanding of nuclear designs, systems, reactor generations, materials, and maintenance is desired.
• Experience working for a Nuclear Generating Station in an Operations capacity would be preferable.
• Substantial experience in building functional Joint Ventures that effectively execute work.
• A strong business and technical mix are required in order to understand and influence key internal and external stakeholders.
• Has significant experience working with Senior Executive Leadership and developing critical productive relationships.
• Experience with construction strategy, means and methods, project management fundamentals and acumen are crucial.
• Experience in major component replacement.

Aecon fosters diversity, inclusion and belonging within and across our organization. We consider all applicants for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law.

We are committed to adhering to the objectives and requirements outlined in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner, through the implementation of the requirements of the EEOC and its applicable regulations. Appropriate accommodation under the EEOC will be provided upon request throughout the interview and hiring process.