Graham is an employee-owned construction solutions partner that services the buildings, industrial, infrastructure, water and project finance sectors. We deliver lasting value for our clients through meticulous planning and scheduling, while upholding rigorous safety and quality standards. With offices throughout North America, our passionate and knowledgeable teams deliver projects that enable communities to thrive and people to live, work, move and grow in a rapidly changing world. With over nine decades of experience, Graham has the resources, capacity and expertise to undertake projects of every scope, scale and complexity. Join our team to deliver a better tomorrow.
We are seeking top-tier talent to join our Buildings division and deliver innovative projects in the healthcare, education, hospitality, recreational, entertainment, retail, commercial office, mixed-use, multi-family residential and light industrial sectors. As a member of this collaborative team, you can expect a safe, diverse and inclusive environment, and on-going learning and career development opportunities.
Summary
Reporting to the VP Pre-Construction or VP Operations, the Pre-Construction Director sets direction and provides leadership and oversight for all pre-construction activities, including the estimating and budgeting process, schedule development and management, constructability, procurement, benchmarking, development of complex project proposals, and management of client, consultant, and stakeholder relations from the start of a proposal / opportunity through to contract agreement. The incumbent defines the strategy for the entire pre-construction process, including management, coordination, and delivery of the pre-construction phases. The incumbent is also responsible for determining and allocating the resource requirements to implement the pre-construction strategy of the business unit.
Essential Functions
Execution
- Set the strategy for the entire pre-construction process and be accountable for it
- Provide comprehensive strategic oversight of the pre-construction requirements for the business unit
- Establish the bid strategy and identify competitive advantages and win themes for bids and proposals
- Provide leadership and support to the entire pre-construction process and team
- Propose the fee, escalation, and contingency necessary to win the project while delivering the project safely
- Ensure internal validation process prior to submitting a committed proposal or executing the contract
- Validate the procurement strategy of the project
- Review and approve the overall bid / pre-construction schedule
- Work with the Regional Manager / VP to provide input to the overall business plan
- Identify the training needs of the entire pre-construction team and monitor training progress
- Develop an effective bidding strategy for each project based on the owner's evaluation criteria; align Graham's response to maximize scoring
- Collaborate with the Business Unit Manager to develop the business unit strategy and processes
Planning and Process
- Provide oversight and utilize best practices to set the overall standard for pre-construction activities
- Initiate and ensure PPA approvals are completed, and any conditions are met through the pre-construction process
- Oversee the kick-off meetings and weekly strategy meetings, and chair any formal meetings for large complex projects, ensuring the pre-construction process will meet the milestone dates established
- Ensure the accuracy of the internal validation process prior to submitting a committed proposal or executing the contract
- Develop and implement overall strategic planning at the business unit in coordination with the District Manager, and lead and support at the project level
- Develop the pre-construction process, for continuous improvement, effectiveness, and efficiencies
Financial Accountabilities
- Oversee all financial deliverables for bids and pre-construction projects
- Oversee the management of the pre-construction budget on more complex projects if necessary
- Advise on selecting trade and consultant partners that are assessed to be financially viable with adequate manpower and appropriate level of expertise to complete the work
- Review and approve mitigation of potential pressures on fee and lead discussions to properly assess and calculate fee
Client Focus
- Build and maintain relationships and regular communication with the client, consultants, and key stakeholders
- Participate in the business development process, assuring potential projects and clients are tracked and monitored regularly
- Assist in the mitigation of conflicts over differences in the understanding of contracts
- Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships
- Provide direction and leadership to the entire Pre-Construction team.
- Ensure the needs and expectations of the client are achieved while balancing and aligning Graham's expectations and strategic plan
HSEQ
- Demonstrate HSE and Quality behaviours that reflect corporate expectations of Actively Caring and Road to Zero
Key Success Factors and Capabilities
Leadership
- Lead and motivate a multidisciplinary team, internal and external, without hierarchical relationships
- Understand everyone's role in the team to properly execute and win the bid
- Challenge situations while maintaining a solid understanding of the risks and where to focus energy and resources
- Understand complex situations involving multiple actors with divergent interests
- Identify, test, and obtain consensus on alternative proposals
- Make timely decisions without 100% of the information
- Manage own stress and the stress of the team
- Promote teamwork and togetherness in a positive work environment
Results Driven
- Bring energy and perseverance to the pursuit of goals and follow through on commitments
- Use metrics and benchmarks to measure performance and find ways to achieve schedules and objectives
- Provide organizational direction and feedback to keep performance and initiatives on track
Teamwork
- Put aside personal agendas and work for the benefit of all stakeholders
- Manage the experience of the Owner's team to ensure positive relationships are established and maintained
- Listen to and value people with different perspectives, skills, and experiences
- Understand and adjudicate divergent or conflicting positions within the team
Education, Experience and Knowledge
- Completion of a University (bachelor) program in a technical, business, or scientific field of study; degree in Engineering or Architecture is preferred
- P.Eng, Project Management, Gold Seal Certified, LEED Accredited, LEAN experience, MRICS, and CIQS are all assets
- 20+ years of experience as a Project Manager, Estimator, or Construction Manager, including previous exposure to P3, large design-build, and other complex projects in a senior position
- Proficiency in conceptual estimating, benchmarking, and market testing, and knowledge of analytics related to project pursuits
- Experience working as a consultant in an engineering or architecture firm is an asset
- Existing network of consultants in Canada and previous relationships with P3 agencies is an asset
- Proven experience with demonstrating the capabilities and proficiencies of a company
- Good understanding and knowledge of design processes, estimating, construction, finance, and contracts
- Good understanding of other parties' expectations and genuine interest in creating win-win solutions
- Understanding of complex situations involving multiple parties with divergent interests
- Timely decision-making skills to achieve the objectives and goals of the job
- Strong written, verbal, analytical, and organizational skills
- Strong negotiation skills
- Strong strategic thinking skills
- Exceptional listening skills and ability to gain information and intelligence and to know what projects are upcoming
- Strong ability to read clients and know how best to communicate with them
- Proficiency with MS Office Suite, BIM software, and Toolbox
Working Conditions
- The majority of the work is completed in an office environment with some mobility required for client meetings, site walkthroughs, site condition reviews and in-progress project visits
- Travel will be required between the regional branches within the portfolio of responsibility, to ensure consistency between Business Units, as well as to develop and maintain a presence of authority, mentorship, and leadership and to offer support
- Due to the nature of non-negotiable closing times, flexibility with working hours may be required to ensure deadlines are met (e.g., longer working days, weekends)
- This position is exempt from overtime compensation
If this sounds like you, then Graham may be the right fit. Apply today.
Graham is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Graham does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by country, regional or local law.
No unsolicited resumes or phone inquiries from agencies, thank you.