Construction Manager — Railway Project in Arctic conditions

SYSTRA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Construction Manager will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of a multi-year heavy civil and rail construction program on a remote location. This role is accountable for safely delivering earthworks, structures, track installation, tunnel and associated infrastructure in extreme Arctic conditions, ensuring schedule and budget compliance while respecting environmental, cultural, and regulatory frameworks. The position requires proven leadership in remote logistics, winter construction methodologies, and collaboration with Inuit organizations and local communities.

Requirements

• Candidates typically have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• The role requires 15+ years of heavy civil construction management with at least 10 years in rail or linear infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience in remote, Arctic or sub-Arctic projects, winter construction, permafrost and tundra conditions, and marine/air logistics is essential.
• Experience delivering earthworks, bridges, and track works to stringent rail tolerances is required.
• Successful candidates possess expertise in: Construction planning, scheduling (Primavera P6/MS Project), and earned value management.
• Field engineering, surveying, and rail geometry controls.
• Cold-weather construction methods, winterization, and permafrost protection.
• Environmental compliance, permits, and mitigations for Arctic ecosystems.
• Contract administration, change management, and claims support.
• Quality management systems, ITPs, and materials testing for aggregates, concrete, steel, ballast, and track components.
• Remote logistics, camp operations, fuel management, and emergency response planning.
• The Construction Manager demonstrates strong leadership, clear communication, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.
• They build high-performing teams, mentor staff, and maintain respectful relationships with Indigenous partners.
• They are adaptable, culturally aware, highly organized, and adept at problem-solving in constrained environments.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or equivalent credentials are preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and completion of advanced safety certifications (e.g., COR/OSHA equivalents, wilderness first aid) are assets.
• Prior engagement with Indigenous communities and local hiring/training programs is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Project Delivery and Planning: The Construction Manager develops and maintains the construction execution plan, phasing, and look-ahead schedules aligned with the overall project baseline. They coordinate work packages for track, earthworks, tunnels, bridges, culverts, stations, maintenance facilities, and temporary works, integrating design updates and constructability reviews. They lead pre-construction planning, method statements, and risk workshops, and ensure resources, plant, and materials are mobilized effectively to meet seasonal windows.
• Field Leadership and Coordination: Daily oversight includes directing superintendents, forepersons, and subcontractors, managing site logistics, and synchronizing multi-disciplinary crews. The manager chairs site coordination meetings, resolves interface issues, and enforces workfront readiness. They ensure accurate field engineering, surveying, and quality control for rail geometry, ballast, subgrade, and structural works.
• Safety, Environment, and Quality: The Construction Manager champions a zero-harm safety culture, implements Arctic-specific safety protocols (cold stress, wildlife, ice/snow hazards), and ensures compliance with OHS regulations. They oversee environmental management plans, erosion/sediment controls, permafrost protection, wildlife interactions, spill response, and waste management aligned with Nunavut regulations and permit conditions. Quality management includes ITPs, inspections, materials testing, welding standards, track tolerances, and turnover documentation.
• Indigenous and Community Engagement: They collaborate with Inuit organizations, local communities, and workforce partners to support employment, training, and procurement commitments. The manager respects cultural practices, integrates traditional knowledge into planning, and ensures clear communication regarding construction impacts, schedules, and mitigations.
• Logistics and Remote Operations: The role manages complex supply chains involving sealift scheduling, air cargo, winter roads/ice crossings, and seasonal storage. The manager plans for redundancy, spares, and weather contingencies; coordinates fuel, heating, accommodation camps, and emergency response; and optimizes equipment utilization and maintenance in cold climates.
• Budget, Schedule, and Reporting: They track production rates, costs, and contingency usage; maintain detailed schedules with Arctic seasonal constraints; and drive recovery plans as needed. The manager prepares weekly and monthly progress reports, dashboards, and forecasts; validates quantity tracking, earned value, and change orders; and supports claims and contract administration.
• Interface Management and Stakeholder Coordination: They coordinate with design engineers, geotechnical, environmental specialists, rail systems providers (signals, communications, power), and owner’s representatives. The manager ensures timely RFIs, submittals, as-builts, and handover packages; supports commissioning and integration with operations; and manages third-party interfaces for utilities and access.

Benefits

• The package typically includes a competitive salary, rotational allowances, remote premiums, camp accommodations, travel coverage, comprehensive benefits, and professional development support.
• Relocation or rotational travel assistance is provided.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager