Project Manager Operations Jobs in Red Deer, AB (NOW HIRING)

At Clark Builders, we're more than a construction company - we're purpose driven partners committed to building stronger communities. Serving institutional, commercial, and industrial clients across Western and Northern Canada since 1974, we bring a relationship-based approach, deep expertise, and a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability to everything we do. As part of the Turner Construction family, we offer the personalized culture of a local team with the strength of a global leader. Learn more about our Purpose and what drives us by visiting our Who We Are page.

Position Description:

The Project Manager - Contracts is responsible for the front-end planning, procurement, contracting, and mobilization activities that position projects for successful execution. Serving as the primary link between Preconstruction and Operations, this role leads procurement strategy, subcontractor engagement, contract administration, and commercial risk management from project award through startup. Leveraging strong project management and procurement expertise, the Project Manager ensures projects are contractually sound, strategically procured, and aligned with budget, schedule, quality, and operational objectives before transitioning into construction.

The position will initially be based out of our main office in Edmonton, Alberta, with the role later shifting to a project site located near Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.

Reports to: Vice President, Pre-Construction

Essential Duties & Key Responsibilities:

• Lead project turnover from Preconstruction to Operations and establish project startup plans.
• Participate in design reviews, constructability reviews, tender evaluations, bid levelling, award recommendations, and project launch activities.
• Review owner contracts, drawings, specifications, and project requirements to identify contractual risks, procurement constraints, scope gaps, and commercial opportunities.
• Develop procurement strategies, subcontract award plans, procurement schedules, and long-lead material strategies aligned with project objectives.
• Support development of project budgets, cash flow forecasts, and procurement risk assessments.
• Lead all subcontractor and vendor procurement activities from solicitation through contract execution.
• Develop bid packages, scopes of work, special conditions, and procurement documentation.
• Manage subcontractor prequalification, tendering, bid reviews, scope clarification meetings, and contract negotiations.
• Evaluate trade partner capabilities, pricing, capacity, and risk to support award recommendations.
• Ensure subcontract agreements comply with project requirements, insurance and bonding obligations, safety standards, and corporate governance requirements.
• Maintain strategic relationships with subcontractors and suppliers while monitoring market conditions, trade capacity, and pricing trends.
• Manage procurement governance processes, including subcontract approvals and contract execution.
• Support project teams with contract administration, subcontract interpretation, change management, and commercial issue resolution.
• Monitor procurement milestones and identify risks impacting budget, schedule, or project execution.
• Assist in resolving subcontractor performance issues, claims, liens, surety matters, and contractual disputes.
• Support monthly forecasting, procurement reporting, and project review processes.
• Participate in owner, consultant, and subcontractor meetings as required to support project objectives.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Foster collaboration between Preconstruction, Procurement, and Operations teams.
• Mentor and support the development of Project Coordinators, Assistant Project Managers, and other team members.
• Promote best practices in procurement, contract management, risk management, and project delivery.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, Lean principles, and operational excellence.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Commerce, Supply Chain Management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in construction project management, procurement, contract administration, or commercial management.
• Strong understanding of construction operations, project delivery methods, and procurement practices.
• Demonstrated experience managing subcontractor procurement, contract negotiations, and project startup activities.
• Advanced knowledge of construction contracts, indemnity provisions, insurance requirements, bonding, and commercial risk management.
• Ability to read and interpret contract documents, drawings, specifications, scopes of work, schedules, and estimates.
• Experience leading tendering, bid levelling, subcontract negotiations, and contract award processes.
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and risk analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven leadership, relationship-building, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Strong negotiation, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Lean construction principles, BIM, and collaborative project delivery methods is considered an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, construction management platforms, and ERP systems (SAP experience considered an asset).