Pre-Construction Director – Buildings

As a Pre-Construction Manager at Graham, you will: 

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Demonstrate HSE and Quality behaviours that reflect corporate expectations of Actively Caring and Road to Zero

• 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
• Promote teamwork and togetherness in a positive work environment
• 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
• 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
• 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

Qualifications/ Experience:

• 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