Director, Project Controls and Risk

Position Summary

Reporting to the Head of PMO, the Director of Project Controls & Risk will provide leadership to all areas of project controls for major projects for the PMO within the Engineering, Construction, and Expansion Group. Guiding a sizable team, the Director is responsible for ensuring the successful integration, implementation and delivery of project controls, quality assurance, and risk mitigation programs.

Key focus areas and deliverables include project delivery strategy, financial reporting, project performance, portfolio maturity assessments, program and procedure development, governance, regulatory adherence, systems and technology implementation, change management and ongoing continuous development initiatives.

Our ideal candidate is a dynamic change agent and strategic thinker with expertise in project controls management relating to large complex projects in engineering and construction within the public and private sector.

Scope & Responsibilities

The duties of this role will include but are not limited to the below:

• Engage and inspire employees within the team, providing clear direction on goals and deliverables, evaluating performance, ensuring adequate training and identifying opportunities for ongoing professional development and long-term succession planning within the group.
• Successfully manage relationships and quality control of project controls functions including estimating, scheduling, cost control, risk management, document control, change management, quality management and reporting for all projects.
• Establish and implement an overall project controls strategy that identifies the short and long-term requirements to successful delivery the transition of major projects from design stage to construction.
• Resolve issues and ensure consistency and data compatibility between the cost control, planning / scheduling, risk, quality and estimating functions and deliverables.
• Ensure all project data, concerns, complexities, and general project controls information is accurately communicated; provide detailed information to executive leadership, key department management and various external stakeholders to support informed decisions on all major projects.
• Lead and maintain the overall risk analysis and quality assurance programs, procedures, and practices; further establishing metric reporting and auditing standards.
• Analyze risk and quality data to identify trends to minimize risk and maximize opportunities.
• Lead cost-benefit analysis, evaluating the efficiencies of current tools and systems across all disciplines.
• Identify resource and capability requirements of new and existing integrated processes, tools, and systems; onboarding additional resources as required.
• Participate in project stage gate reviews and support project teams in the development of integrated stage gate deliverables and project baselines.
• Update project forecasting and performing variance analysis as required.
• Further establish and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) and related reporting in all areas of Project Controls, maintaining a focus on continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Integrate with contractor processes through contractual obligations and ensure adherence to all conditions regarding Project Controls requirements, project set-up, monitoring and close-out.
• Lead project-level resource planning, utilization analysis & resource leveling; manage and maintain Project Controls staffing plan forecasts.
• Provide feedback and guidance to direct reports for annual goal setting; supporting individual career plans, training & professional development opportunities.
• Continue the development of training materials to support strategy, systems and program enhancements and avoid knowledge gaps.
• Review and update Governing Documents as needed.
• Substitute for the Head of PMO as required.

Key Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in progressively senior leadership roles, leading Project Controls for large complex capital projects.
• Excellent leadership skills including the ability to guide, delegate, empower, motivate, attract and develop diverse, multi-functional teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of project management methods, function integration, project lifecycle and stage gate processes, design, estimating and budgeting, scheduling, costing, financial control and other cost engineering services.
• Proven experience in the assessment, analysis, management, and mitigation of risks associated with large and complex programs and projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the development of project controls and risk management practices and procedures.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and recommendations to various organizational levels including senior leadership.
• Working knowledge and understanding of cost and schedule management software/technology (e.g. Prism or equivalent, Primavera P6) is required.
• Knowledge and experience of Monte Carlo risk analysis applications in the development of cost and schedule risk modelling at project and program-wide levels is required.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective and collaborative work relationships with multi-discipline teams and internal/external stakeholders.
• Superior planning and organizational skills along with highly developed analytical, problem solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Highly effective presentation, facilitation, and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Must have or rapidly acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code and Related Orders including disability accommodation and accessibility requirements pertaining to passengers and employees.

Education & Professional Credentials

• Completion of a post-secondary college diploma or university degree in a related technical or business discipline (e.g. engineering, project management), and progressive experience in an engineering/construction project management and project controls environment; or a combination of education, training and experience deemed to be equivalent.
• AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP) would be an asset.
• PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent would be an asset.
• Professional Engineer (PEng) or equivalent designation would be an asset.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Mindset & Business Acumen
• Risk Management & Solutions-Oriented
• Reporting & Data Analysis
• Adaptability & Change Management
• Team Leadership & People Development