Design and Construction Project Manager (Sanitary and Stormwater) at City of Kitchener

Overview

As the Design and Construction Project Manager within the Sanitary and Stormwater Utilities Division, you will lead the delivery of complex capital infrastructure projects from concept through commissioning. Projects may include sanitary pumping stations, wastewater collection systems, stormwater management facilities, watercourse improvements, and related infrastructure studies.

This role combines project leadership with technical oversight and is responsible for coordinating consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, utility partners, and other external and internal stakeholders to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable legislation, environmental requirements, and municipal standards.

Reporting to the Supervisor, Capital Programs, the position exercises considerable judgment and independence while contributing to continuous improvements in project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and project management practices across the utility.

(Temporary Full Time for Approximately 18 Months)

Responsibilities

• Lead capital infrastructure projects through all phases of delivery, including planning, feasibility studies, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and warranty activities, with a particular focus on sanitary wastewater infrastructure and pumping stations.
• Manage consultants, contractors, and multidisciplinary project teams to deliver technical studies, stakeholder engagement programs, environmental investigations, detailed designs, and construction services.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, procurement strategies, communication plans, and risk management approaches to support successful project outcomes.
• Coordinate regulatory approvals and permitting activities and ensure compliance with applicable legislation, including environmental, heritage, construction, health and safety, and water resource requirements.
• Review and interpret geotechnical, environmental, hydraulic, and engineering information and provide recommendations to support project planning, design, construction, and risk management decisions.
• Administer professional service and construction contracts, including procurement, contract change management, invoice review, consultant and contractor performance monitoring, and construction administration activities.
• Monitor project budgets, schedules, cash flow forecasts, risks, and reporting requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with residents, Indigenous communities, regulatory agencies, utility providers, elected officials, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare Council reports, briefing notes, presentations, and recommendations for senior leadership and decision-makers.
• Provide project leadership, mentorship, and knowledge sharing to project teams while fostering collaboration, accountability, and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project management practices, delivery frameworks, and governance processes within the Sanitary and Stormwater Utilities Division.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

• Minimum three (3) year degree or diploma in a related field (i.e., Civil Engineering/Civil-Environmental Engineering Technology).

Experience

• Minimum four (4) years of continuous and current project management experience leading engineering design teams and contract administration of major construction work.
• Demonstrated experience delivering sanitary wastewater infrastructure projects, including sanitary pumping stations would be considered an asset.

Skill Equivalency (if applicable)

Additional Requirements

• C.E.T. designation by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (O.A.C.E.T.T), or equivalent or higher technical designation (e.g., P.Eng).
• Valid MTO Class “G” driver’s license in good standing and use a personal vehicle for city business.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Excellent construction contract administration skills and demonstrated ability to lead complex capital projects using proper financial management, negotiation and facilitation techniques, and applicable knowledge of Stormwater and Sanitary Infrastructure regulatory requirements.
• Strong mathematical skills to perform calculations for design and have the technical ability to advise on roads, bridges, sewers, stormwater management, watermains and pumping stations.
• Strong knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Construction Act, Environmental Assessment Act, Environmental Protection Act, Ministry of Natural Resources Act, Conservation Authorities Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), Construction Projects Regulation, and other legislation related to the design, construction, and maintenance of municipal infrastructure.
• Demonstrated strong project management, research, and organizational skills to support program objectives and aid in change management processes.
• Excellent engagement skills and demonstrated ability to manage community and stakeholder engagement on controversial topics with empathy and transparency to foster trust in the project process.
• Comfortable in high-pressure situations and demonstrate agility in adapting to an evolving planning framework and community expectations to ensure the project is delivered successfully.
• Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization.
• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and MS Project; and Autodesk software applications (i.e., AutoCAD, Civil3D and LDD).
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.