Senior Project Manager

WJ Groundwater•Ottawa, ON

11d•$90,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

WJ Groundwater is a leading construction dewatering and groundwater specialist in the UK with operations in Canada, the Middle East, Poland & the Philippines. They specialize in installing custom dewatering systems in various environments, including tunnels, shafts, and from the surface, for projects ranging from large infrastructure to residential developments. As a Senior Project Manager, this role involves taking a senior leadership position in the Ottawa operations, overseeing all local business aspects such as project delivery, local procurement, staff management, and health and safety compliance. The position is crucial for implementing WJ’s systems and standards in Ottawa and supporting regional operational development. The company is committed to employee growth through extensive internal and external training, continuous learning, and clear career advancement paths, fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for success and innovation.

Requirements

A motivated and hardworking individual with strong leadership skills, capable of managing multiple teams and priorities in a fast-paced, field-based environment.
Solid background in construction or infrastructure operations, with proven experience overseeing regional activities, supporting project execution, and maintaining high standards in safety, equipment readiness, and team performance.
Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a construction, dewatering, infrastructure, or related operations role.
Minimum 3 years of experience managing teams in field or operational environments.
Strong understanding of construction site practices, equipment coordination, and water management systems.
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to build and guide multidisciplinary teams.
Knowledge of health and safety legislation in Ontario, with experience implementing safety systems and managing compliance.
Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to job sites across the region.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in MS Office and operational tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Yard Management Systems) is an asset.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day field and yard operations within the Ottawa region to ensure safe, high-quality, and timely execution of projects.
Coordinate closely with Toronto staff and site supervisors and staff to allocate resources effectively across multiple projects.
Ensure all equipment, materials, and workforce are prepared and mobilized in accordance with project schedules and specifications.
Monitor progress, troubleshoot operational issues, and liaise with the head office to ensure alignment in procedures and performance standards.
Support the establishment and ongoing improvement of branch infrastructure, systems, and reporting practices.
Act as senior management for the Ottawa team, overseeing project managers and coordinators, and local supervisors.
Set clear expectations, provide coaching, and manage performance to ensure a safe and productive work environment.
Collaborate with HR and leadership on recruitment, onboarding, and training for regional staff.
Foster a team culture that reflects WJ’s values of safety, integrity, and excellence.
Ensure appropriate inventory management systems are in place and followed.
Support the planning and execution of drilling operations and dewatering and water treatment system deployments.
Work with the Ontario-based leadership team to align procurement, logistics, and technical standards.
Support the regional growth of WJ Groundwater in Ottawa by identifying operational needs, and building partnerships with clients, suppliers, and contractors.
Represent the BC branch in inter-office meetings and provide regular updates on performance, challenges, and resource needs.
Assist with pricing, scheduling, and technical input for new projects in collaboration with the estimating and technical teams.
Act as the key Ottawa liaison during the tender preparation process, collaborating closely with the Ontario-based estimating team to ensure bids are accurate, competitive, and reflect regional operational capabilities.
Ensure all activities comply with company safety procedures and applicable regulations.
Support the implementation of WJ’s Integrated Management System (IMS), including COR and ISO standards.
Promote a proactive approach to safety and lead incident response, reporting, and resolution processes in the Ottawa Operations.
Coordinate with the HSE team to conduct audits, reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.