Director, Project Management

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Blackstone Energy Services is a Toronto-based, integrated energy transition company that helps public institutions and private sector organizations manage their energy costs, consumption and carbon emissions. We are guided by our impassioned vision to crush carbon footprints for all.

With our team of like-minded and award-winning climate champions, our success is built on developing responsible energy and carbon management solutions. This includes budgeting, energy procurement, cost improvement strategies, utility bill management, climate risk mitigation strategies, consumption efficiencies & conservation efforts, IoT distributed energy management solutions, GHG emission reductions, clean infrastructure retrofits, structured financial support and ESG & regulatory reporting.

We are a rapidly growing team with an entrepreneurial culture providing superior customer service and customized energy solutions with impact.

As Director, Project Management you will:

Provide expert project management and leadership to oversee of the implementation and delivery of innovative renewable energy, deep carbon and energy reduction infrastructure solutions for our customers’ facilities which include university campuses, colleges, hospitals, long-term care facilities, municipalities, commercial buildings and industrials.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the successful delivery of assigned distributed generation, energy efficiency, electrification and carbon-reduction projects from development and detailed feasibility through construction, commissioning, training and close-out, with accountability for scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety and customer satisfaction.
• Provide technical and project leadership across solutions including central heating and cooling plants, HVAC systems, heat pumps and building electrification, building automation and advanced controls, thermal and battery energy storage, solar PV, on-site generation, renewables and related energy infrastructure.
• Act as the primary project leader and customer representative for assigned projects, developing and maintaining project execution plans, schedules, resource plans, procurement strategies and financial objectives to achieve on-time and on-budget outcomes.
• Lead and coordinate the project delivery team, including project managers/coordinators, construction managers, project engineers, project administration, consultants, subcontractors and trades. Where appropriate, directly undertake project coordination, construction management or administration responsibilities when dedicated resources are not assigned.
• Coordinate with the VP, Clean Infrastructure Solutions and other functional leaders to select and allocate internal and external resources using a strong matrix project-management approach.
• Manage project financial performance against approved budgets, scope and schedules, including cost forecasting, Schedule of Values, billing, cash flow, committed costs, project margin and financial reporting. Analyze project financial and schedule performance to identify potential problems early and implement corrective action.
• Apply consistent and repeatable project management procedures, controls and governance standards, and contribute to continuous improvement of project delivery practices and the Project Management Office.
• Review and interpret contracts, terms and conditions, insurance and bonding requirements, specifications and other contractual obligations, identifying commercial risks and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
• Evaluate contractual scope and manage changes arising from client requirements, field directives, design development, site conditions and schedule changes, including preparation of cost estimates, proposals and change orders and negotiation of final commercial settlement and customer acceptance.
• Proactively identify, manage and mitigate project risks, establish recovery plans when required and resolve project issues and disputes with minimal escalation.
• Manage project procurement activities, including vendor and subcontractor selection, negotiation and issuance of subcontracts and purchase commitments, equipment and material ordering, submittals, approvals and delivery schedules.
• Ensure effective project document control, including contracts, drawings, submittals, RFIs, changes, schedules, commissioning documentation and other project records, in accordance with contractual requirements and company standards.
• Oversee project construction, engineering, start-up and commissioning to ensure compliance with contract documents, specifications, applicable federal, provincial and municipal codes, bylaws, engineering standards, installation requirements and accepted industry practices.
• Maintain and enforce the highest standards of health and safety, ensuring company staff, consultants, subcontractors and trades comply with applicable legislation, company requirements and industry standards.
• Provide technical oversight (through the support of the Lead Technical Specialist team) of the design, engineering, installation, start-up, functional testing and commissioning of central utility plants, HVAC, building automation, renewable energy, energy storage and on-site generation systems.
• Ensure engineering and commissioning activities achieve the required functional, energy and performance outcomes, and continuously improve design, construction and commissioning practices to increase project efficiency and reliability.
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, consultants, utilities, equipment manufacturers, subcontractors and trades. Lead project communications, stakeholder coordination and progress meetings and ensure all parties clearly understand project requirements and expectations.
• Work collaboratively with clients and stakeholders to identify best-value solutions, value-engineering opportunities and implementation strategies that meet the objectives established in the project charter.
• Coordinate customer training, system turnover and project close-out requirements to support successful transition to operations.
• Support projects during the energy audit, feasibility and development stages, providing constructability, implementation and delivery expertise related to scope definition, vendor and partner selection, cost estimating, scheduling, value engineering and risk assessment.
• Support account executives, sales and business-development teams in preparing project estimates, feasibility studies, proposals and RFP responses, and participate in customer presentations as required.
• Seek opportunities to accelerate implementation and realization of energy, carbon and operating-cost savings during the construction period while maintaining safety, quality, contractual requirements and project economics.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve project productivity, construction sequencing, energy-load scheduling, delivery efficiency and overall project performance.
• Serve as a leader and mentor to project delivery staff, supporting the professional development and growth of junior team members and strengthening overall project-delivery capability.
• Conduct all project activities with a high standard of ethics, professionalism and commercial accountability, while maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction and long-term relationships.
• Support strategic corporate and subsidiary initiatives as required.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

• Cooperate and support interdepartmental, interdivisional, intercompany goals, directives and initiatives endorsed by the Corporation as and when required.
• Support the VP, Clean Infrastructure Solutions and President, Energy Solutions with business development planning and activities such as presentations, strategy, or negotiations that may assist building sales pipeline and closing contracts.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

• 10+ years of Project Management experience in the built environment with projects that include Energy Performance Contract project management, Mechanical / Plumbing Retrofits, HVAC controls, renewables, and general construction
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and foster cohesive teamwork with a team of direct reports, with responsibility for their career growth, training and annual performance evaluations.
• Professional presence with strong oral and written communication skills to prepare reports, briefing notes and presentations, and to liaise with consultants/contractors, partners and clients
• Effective interpersonal and influencing skills to discuss and resolve issues, encourage good working relationships and performance to deliverables
• Critical persuasion and negotiation skills to obtain agreement on incorporating contract changes that may have impacts on schedules, deliverables and budget
• Must have the ability to communicate technical solutions to a non-technical
• Proficient in Project Management software (MS Project) and financial accounting
• Comfort and capability using MS Office tools.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or Construction Management
• Licensed Eng. (Ontario) required
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred/an asset
• CEM designation an asset
• IHSA - Supervision certificate
• Knowledge and experience with Procore an asset
• Valid Ontario Driver’s license
• Specific experience in Healthcare and Higher Education work environments is an asset
• Performance Contracting/ESCo experience an asset

What’s in it for you?

• An opportunity to join a dynamic, fast-paced energy transition company with true climate responsibility impact
  
• Competitive salary and total comp package
• A collaborative, inclusive, solutions-oriented work culture
  
• RRSP program with employer match
  
• Company-paid extra "Blackstone" days off
• Fitness Club & Bike Share subsidy
  
• A fully funded, employee-focused health benefits plan (including vision care, an extensive Employee & Family Assistance Plan, and enhanced coverages for wellness-based practitioners such as mental health support, massage therapy and others)
• DEI+B Committee
• Central midtown Toronto office on the TTC line at Eglinton Station

Blackstone is an equal opportunity employer, providing equal opportunities to employees regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, or age. We strive to maintain an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard, and can be their best selves at work. Our commitment to sustainability and climate responsibility is foundational to who we are. Read our Corporate ESG report here.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. Our recruitment process does not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support activities such as application screening and candidate assessment. All hiring decisions are reviewed and made by human representatives of the Company.