Director of Construction

Located in Regina, Saskatchewan


Opportunity: 

The Pederson Group has been retained by Avana to conduct a search for a Director of Construction to lead their projects in Regina! 

Established in 2014, Avana is a leading Saskatchewan-based real estate developer and enterprise proud of their female-led, family-owned values. With over $400 million in assets, Avana made the Top 10 on the Canadian Business and Maclean’s 2020 & 2023 Growth List of the top 500 companies in Canada. This ranking marked the first time in history that a female-led company from Saskatchewan broke the Growth List’s Top 10. Over the next three years, Avana is investing over $700M to add over 2,100 housing units, enabling 6,000 people access to affordable housing and 3,000 employment opportunities. 

Reporting to the President, the Director of Construction will be responsible for overseeing Avana’s construction planning and delivery for internally and externally managed projects. This position requires strong planning, communication and leadership skills as the Director of Construction will play a key role in the ongoing growth and development of both people and business.

Key Goals:

  • Continue implementing an overall construction management system to guide the construction team in delivering all projects on time, on budget and within scope.

  • Develop a strategic approach to construction management while coaching and mentoring other leaders and team members to achieve business growth objectives.

  • Develop a construction approach that can be expanded to additional geographies.

Responsibilities:

Operational Delivery:

  • Oversee all construction projects across multiple markets through a combination of internally resourced and externally hired construction management contracts.

  • Ensure construction systems, processes and procedures deliver on a standard where all projects are on time and within budget.

  • Ensure internal teams, external trades, and partners operate within pre-approved budgets and related contingencies.

  • Submit all Class A schedules and budgets for approval prior to the initiation of construction.

  • Provide leadership to the Construction Division, ensuring clear accountability and expectations.  

  • Delegate responsibilities effectively to the Construction Division while promoting a positive and productive work environment. 

  • Oversee the development of a robust construction management methodology and program while ensuring direct reports achieve key project milestones and objectives.

  • Identify operational risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards.

  • Lead and participate in developing ongoing and post-project reporting to ensure effective internal communication, historical tracking and project learning.

  • Ensure the Construction Division has efficient tender processes, effective resourcing of trades and proactive procurement of all necessary assets and supplies for each new project.

  • Improve and advocate for the site safety program, ensuring the construction team actively supports and adheres to all necessary safety procedures and protocols.

  • Oversee the process and requirements for achieving all necessary building inspections and permitting with the local municipalities while ensuring timely and quality suite handover to the Residents Division. 

  • Monitor divisional performance against goals to ensure that key results are delivered and corrective action is taken as necessary.

  • Manage and monitor schedule and budget performance, ensuring the monthly QS process is accurate and connected to ongoing performance management.

  • Report regularly to the President on the status of the construction portfolio and divisional priorities.  

  • Provide support for the achievement of corporate objectives.

Operational Improvement: 

  • Identify and recommend improvements to the design and implementation of construction strategies, including developing a strong construction financial management approach to achieve best-in-class project costs and a full understanding of profit margin and all profit drivers within the construction program.

  • Lead and participate in developing and evolving all divisional processes and procedures for internal optimization of project management methods and proactive risk mitigation.  Ensure processes allow for effective relationship management with third parties, including our trade partners.

  • Develop construction management systems, processes, and procedures to allow the business to extend and scale into new markets more effectively. 

Organizational Strategy & Results: 

  • Support the development of organizational asset management practices to ensure effective oversight and management in coordination with the Residents Division.

  • Collaborate closely with other Avana Divisions, providing information exchange and advice, as well as supporting data collection/analysis activities, process development and troubleshooting.

  • Encourage innovative approaches to capitalize on opportunities and respond to challenges.

  • Attend cross-divisional and leadership meetings to lead and actively contribute to strategic decision-making.

  • Promote internal development and succession of employees across the organization by finding opportunities to coach and mentor.

  • Support others in contributing to the long-term growth of the organization.

  • Effectively represent Avana as an advocate and champion for social change in the communities Avana serves.

Experience and Qualifications:

  • Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in development or construction management, with a focus on large-scale, multidisciplinary projects for multi-family, commercial or institutional sectors.

  • In-depth knowledge of design-build and joint venture project delivery methods.

  • Proven experience conducting performance analysis of workflow and processes.

  • Strong understanding of the unionized construction landscape and experience managing subcontractor relationships.

  • Proven ability to lead large teams, mentor professionals and foster collaboration across disciplines.

  • Past experience with procurement management and contractual requirements.

  • Exceptional communication, leadership and decision-making skills.

  • Strong problem-solving capabilities and ability to perform under pressure.

What The Company Offers You:

  • Competitive salary. 

  • Comprehensive benefits package. 

  • Pension plan. 

  • Annual bonus. 

  • Parental leave. 

  • Work with a company that highly values their employees and fosters a collaborative, supportive team environment! 

Apply or Learn More:

Interested in this opportunity? Apply now by submitting your application above. 

To learn more about the opportunity, contact Justis Pederson at +1 204-414-0754 or [email protected]!

We are looking forward to hearing from you!