Defence Project Manager Jobs in Ottawa, ON (NOW HIRING)

Kiewit is building Canada's defence infrastructure and we are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of complex projects across Canada. This position offers the opportunity to lead nationally significant infrastructure programs supporting Canada's defence capabilities and future military readiness.

This senior leadership role is responsible for the overall execution of large-scale projects delivered through Design-Build and Modified Design-Build (MDB) contracting models for the construction of  airfield systems, aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, and associated infrastructure.

Project Managers hold full accountability for safety, quality, schedule, cost, client satisfaction, and overall project performance. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee the design-construction interface, and maintain strong relationships with federal defence clients and stakeholders.

As a proven builder and project leader, you have personally directed the delivery of large, complex construction projects. You possess a strong field orientation, exceptional leadership capabilities, and the ability to effectively manage both the construction effort and the design-construction interface in a high-accountability environment. 

The nature of this position requires flexibility in location. Travel or relocation to project sites across Canada is required. #LI-RP1 

Project Leadership & Execution

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for defence infrastructure projects.
• Maintain full accountability for project performance including safety, quality, cost, schedule, and client satisfaction.
• Lead project teams through all phases of delivery, from mobilization and design coordination through commissioning and project closeout.
• Establish project execution strategies, risk management plans, and operational priorities.
• Ensure successful delivery of projects valued at $100 million or greater.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary executive liaison with clients and key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Defence Construction Canada (DCC), the Department of National Defence (DND), and other federal agencies.
• Lead executive-level meetings, progress reviews, and project reporting.
• Represent Kiewit in client negotiations, issue resolution, and project governance discussions.
• Obtain a thorough understanding of the Client's Statement of Requirements, contract obligations, project objectives, operational needs, and success criteria, and ensure these requirements are communicated and integrated into all aspects of project planning and execution.

Design-Build Leadership

• Ensure the project design remains aligned with the Client's Statement of Requirements, operational objectives, budget, schedule, and performance expectations.
• Lead the integration of engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations considerations to deliver practical, constructible, and value-driven solutions.
• Apply extensive knowledge of structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), building envelope, site infrastructure, and building systems to identify design decisions that may impact capital cost, schedule, constructability. 
• Facilitate collaboration between client representatives, designers, constructors, operators, and stakeholders to ensure design solutions reflect operational requirements and provide the best overall value to the Owner. 

Construction Management

• Ensure procurement, subcontract execution, material delivery, and construction sequencing remain aligned with the assumptions and commitments established during pre-construction to mitigate risk.
• Lead regular reviews of project performance against budget, schedule, quality, safety, and client objectives, implementing corrective actions when necessary to maintain project success.
• Remove barriers to execution, resolve major commercial, operational, and stakeholder issues, and make timely decisions that protect project outcomes and client satisfaction.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Maintain full P&L accountability for assigned projects.
• Lead project forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Oversee contract administration, change management, claims mitigation, and dispute resolution.
• Drive operational efficiency and maximize project profitability while maintaining client expectations.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing project teams.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Provide leadership to project managers, superintendents, engineers, commercial personnel, and support functions.
• Build scalable execution capabilities to support future defence infrastructure opportunities.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. Professional designation considered an asset.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience delivering major infrastructure, industrial, aviation, or defence-related construction projects.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale Design-Build or Modified Design-Build projects valued at $100 million or greater.
• Direct experience delivering airfield infrastructure, aircraft hangars, aviation facilities, or similarly complex infrastructure.
• Proven track record of leading complete project execution with full accountability for project outcomes.
• Strong commercial, financial, and contract management capabilities.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams in complex construction environments.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively and work at remote project sites as required.

Preferred

• Experience working with Defence Construction Canada (DCC), Department of National Defence (DND), NORAD, or similar defence organizations.
• Experience executing projects in remote, northern, or logistically challenging environments.
• Strong understanding of airfield systems, aviation infrastructure, and large-span structures.
• Experience delivering mission-critical facilities under strict security and operational requirements.