Commissioning Lead/Project Manager - Oil Sands

OCL Group Inc. • Fort McMurray, AB

11d • Onsite

About The Position

OCL Group Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Commissioning Lead / Project Manager to join their team at Kearl Oilsands. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in commissioning management within complex industrial or oil sands projects and will take a leadership role in driving safe, efficient, and compliant project delivery. The project involves the installation of four flotation column cells and tying into the existing plant facility, encompassing Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Piping, Electrical, Insulation and Commissioning scopes.

Requirements

• Ability to develop, manage, and execute commissioning plans across all project phases
• Skilled in aligning schedules, disciplines, and contractors toward common milestones
• Overseeing mechanical, piping and E&I construction, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and turnover to operations.
• Strong understanding of systems integration, instrumentation, controls, and power systems
• Proven capability to lead teams, delegate responsibilities, and manage performance in high-pressure environments
• Able to quickly identify, assess, and resolve issues impacting safety, quality, or schedule
• Clear and effective communicator across all levels—field crews, vendors, engineering teams, and client stakeholders
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation skills for system completions, punch lists, test results, and turnover packages
• Commitment to safe work practices and fostering a zero-incident culture
• Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-paced site conditions with shifting priorities
• Minimum 5–10 years of experience in commissioning roles within the oil & gas, energy, or heavy industrial sectors
• Engineering or Technical diploma/degree in a relevant discipline
• 5+ years of experience in commissioning in industrial environments
• Strong understanding of multi-disciplinary construction and commissioning processes
• Proven leadership, communication, and coordination skills
• Valid safety certifications (e.g., First Aid, OSSA, CSTS, WHMIS, H2S Alive)
• Ability to work in a remote camp-based environment and adapt to changing site conditions
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with prior experience in Aconex and Hexagon updates are strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with oil sands safety, regulatory, and operational standards is a strong asset

Responsibilities

• Develop commissioning plans and strategies for projects.
• Coordinate and oversee the commissioning process.
• Collaborate with project teams and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
• Conduct inspections and tests to verify system performance.
• Identify and resolve deficiencies or issues.
• Document and report commissioning activities.
• Manage commissioning schedules and resources.
• Review and approve commissioning documentation.
• Conduct training and handover activities.
• Collaborate with contractors and vendors.
• Monitor progress and address project risks.
• Manage relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Conduct post-commissioning evaluations and follow-ups.
• Ensure project completion within specified quality standards.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary, negotiable, based on experience
• Eligible for annual bonus based on company performance
• 100% employer-paid drugs, travel, life & dependent life insurance, and AD&D
• Long-term disability
• $7000 flex credit account per year (can roll into and health care spending account and/or RRSP)
• Paid vacation
• Cell phone allowance or company-provided cell phone
• Company-provided IT assets
• The company paid professional membership fees and/or dues (e.g., P. Eng)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees