Project Manager I

The Role:

The Project Manager I will be involved in all stages of a project’s life cycle (i.e. Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring and Control, and Closure) for consulting specific projects.  Most components of this role will relate to engineering, science, and/or environmental consulting.  Scope of this role will be focused on areas such as mine engineering design, permitting, field investigations, desktop analyses, numerical modeling, permitting, studies, research, etc.  This role will work closely with technical leads and ensure the correct delivery of projects within the assigned business.

Oversees a small project or phases of a larger project.

Responsible for assembling project team, assigning individual responsibilities, identifying appropriate resources needed, developing schedules to ensure timely completion of project and monitoring progress against plan. Must be familiar with the project scope and objectives, as well as the role and function of each team member in order to effectively co-ordinate the activities of the team.   

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY & KEY SUCCESS METRICS

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES, AREAS OF FOCUS & METRICS

GENERAL

• Can manage a low-complexity project without reporting to another Project Manager, or a phase of a larger project with oversight of another Project Manager of functional leadership
• Responsible for assembling small project/task teams and assigning individual responsibilities, identifying appropriate resources needed. 
• Must be familiar with the project scope and objectives, as well as the role and function of each team member in order to effectively co-ordinate the activities of the team.
• Works for a known client who understands most of the project risk.  Actively seeks support when a risk outside of their understanding has been identified.
• The project is undertaken under a master service agreement (MSA) or WSP standard Terms and Conditions with some minor clauses added by the client.

CONSULTATION

• Act as primary (or secondary) client contact, depending on the needs of the project.
• Provide timely guidance and communication to entire project team on related project level issues.
• Liaise regularly with project Technical Managers/Project Director, technical teams, internal accounting teams, and external clients for low-complexity projects or the Project Manager for a more complex project.
• Addresses the quality management of the project and the product/deliverable with Discipline Reviewers as well as the Approved Reviewer.
• Considers stakeholder quality requirements in the project.
• Regularly inform Project Director on status of project.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to continually reassess project.Possesses the necessary skills to motivate, organize, manage and lead this team to ensure the successful completion of the project.

INTEGRATION

• Occupies a key position in development of proposals that can include the development of the GNG. This will be carried out in collaboration with Technical Leads
• Setting up and managing the project
• Preparation of the project execution plan
• Planning the execution of the project and monitoring performance according to the project execution plan and the contract terms and conditions.
• Managing project closure aspects ensuring correct project documentation, facilitating lessons learned workshops, and obtaining client feedback, sub-consultant/contractors evaluations and project experience profiles.
• Ensuring project team (including sub-consultants/contractors) have understood and continually reassess the HSSE requirements of the project. Experienced in identifying and mitigating risks/hazards typical of low complexity projects.  Project generally located in low/medium risk countries.
• Project team can include up to 5 people, as well as up to 3 subcontractors.
• Typically manages projects involving two WSP offices and Operating Companies, with less than a 4 hour time zone difference and a single language.
• Is developing delegation skills to manage the workload

SCOPE AND SCHEDULE

• Manages a local project or regional project in their own discipline, or up to two others. 
• Demonstrates good judgement in the collection of requirements, definition of scope, development of work breakdown structure and the management of scope variations to meet the project requirements. 
• Responsible for the development of the project scope statement and Work Breakdown Structure of low complexity.
• Identification and implementation of necessary controls to manage and supervise project scope variations to meet the project requirements. Identifies opportunities to increase scope when it is in the best interests of the business.
• Initiating client communications related to change orders.
• Responsible for the development of the project schedule
• Ensuring the project is following the schedule baseline and producing new baselines, and recovery plans as required.
• Responsible for outlining method of Earned Value Management and subsequent communication with Client and internal stakeholders.
• Competently undertakes corrective actions to realign schedule and deliverables while applying an understanding of the Project Critical Path and scheduling linkages and dependencies.

COST

• Responsible for project budgets and expenditures, including forecasting, typically for scopes of less than $USD 250,000
• Typically manages a time and material project budget structure, or small, simple lump sum in BWO, manages project billing requirements and payment terms.
• Can skillfully respond to budget amendments.
• Oversees the overall financial success of the project, ensuring Golder’s project profitability and cash management objectives are met.
• Anticipating changes to project cost and providing timely communication to the Client and project team.
• Ensuring compliance with client invoicing requirements and timely payment.
• Responsible for meeting Day Sales Outstanding (DSO) targets on each project, as per Golder requirements.

PROCUREMENT

• Responsible for project contracts and other documentation for sub-consultants, contractors and vendors.
• Actively managing procurement contracts and eliminating/reducing risk to WSP for a small number of subcontractors, vendors and suppliers.
• Managing internal work carried out under Intercompany Work Agreements (ICAs).
• Limited procurement activities with approved suppliers and subcontractors. Understands and ensures compliance with the Golder contract terms and conditions.
• Timely review, approval (or resolution) of vendor/subcontractor invoices.

PROJECT DOCUMENTATION

• Compile regular progress reports for the client, the project team and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Establishing the protocol for the document control system, and continually reassessing requirements.
• Works to help with submission of deliverables to the Client, or is responsible for deliverables on low-complexity projects.
• Identification of project risks and ongoing management of the risks.

POSITION CHALLENGES

SUMMARY OF KEY COMPLEXITIES AND CHALLENGES OF THE JOB

1. Proactive to anticipate needs or potential obstacles and plans to overcome
2. Managing expectations of internal and external clients.
3. Verifying product(s) meets Client agreed scope.
4. Overseeing project deliverables to ensure team is not over or under delivering.
5. Driving schedule and communicating to project team.
6. Selecting and securing, appropriate resources for project and its complexity.

DECISIONS MADE & DEFERRED

POSITIONS IMPACT ON PROCESS AND IMPACT OF CONSEQUENCES

• The employee has the authority to stop work for themselves and/or others in an unsafe situation.
• Defer to Project Director upon acknowledging the need to escalate items/ issues related to data, budget, schedule, scope, deliverable, etc.
• Work is self-checked and can be reviewed by Project Director or other project technical team leads as required dependent on level of project complexity.
• Solves a range of problems using own initiative, and when required in consultation with the Project Director or other technical team leads as required dependent on level of project complexity.
• Takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises sound judgement based on experience.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Lifting, moving, and carrying up to 20 lbs may be required.
• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Regular ergonomics assessment to avoid repetitive strain injuries.
• Manual dexterity required to use equipment, peripherals and computers
• Visiting project sites with varying conditions

CAREER PATH OPPORTUNITIES                                                                   

1. Project Manager II / III; Project Director

JOB RELATED COMPETENCIES: COMPETENCIES OUTLINE THE ATTRIBUTES OR BEHAVIOURS THAT LEAD TO HIGH PERFORMANCE

The required and preferred competencies an individual must have to be successful in the position and the level of proficiency required (Basic, Proficient, Advanced, Expert; as defined in the competency framework).

COMPETENCIES - DESCRIPTION - PROFICIENCY

• Ensures Accountability - Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments and deliver results - Proficient
• Drives Results - Focusing on consistently achieving results to meet commitments and deliver results - Proficient
• Resourcefulness - Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently and being able to find quick and clever ways to overcome resourcing difficulties - Basic
• Action Oriented - Taking action on new opportunities and challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm - Basic
• Decision Making  - Making correct and timely decisions based on sound analysis, reasoning, judgment, well-balanced priority setting and ethics - Proficient
• Commerciality - Understanding the key business drivers and financial indicators that make Golder successful and using these to make better business decisions - Basic
• Client Focus - Building long term partnerships and making customer satisfaction the central focus of all actions - Basic
• Builds Effective Teams - Building strong and diverse teams and guiding them to apply their complementary and varied skills and perspectives to achieve common goals - Proficient
• Builds Trust - Encouraging a rusting atmosphere by regularly communicating, being accountable and transparent and acting with integrity - Proficient

COMMUNICATION AND CONTACTS: KEY POSITIONS THAT THIS JOB PROVIDES SERVICES TO, OR INTERACTS WITH, ON A REGULAR BASIS

The scope (“who” – internally and/or externally) and purpose (nature of the contact verbally and/or written format) for dealing with others should be included in this section. 

CONTACT - PURPOSE

• Client - Required verbal or written communication for achieving the reasons for making the contact; e.g. provide information, negotiate, influence etc.
• Project Director - Keep apprised of project budget schedule, budget, changes and risk
• Internal Stakeholders (PC, Finance, etc)

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, & ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THE JOB

This section includes the MINIMUM level of knowledge, skills and certifications required to successfully perform the job. All qualifications must comply with local human rights legislation.

• Required: Undergraduate degree or Diploma in Engineering, Science, Environmental, Business or related discipline
• Required: minimum of five (5) years or work experience, including two (2) years of consulting and/or project management experience
• Required: demonstrated experience with project financial tracking, and change management related to scopes of work;
• Required: understanding and adherence to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMI)
• Required: experience in identifying and mitigating against project risks and developing risk registers.
• Required: expertise in project planning, numerical tracking and analysis (e.g., using MS Excel or similar programs)
• Required: highly organized, adaptable, a developing leader, and calm under pressure
• Desirable: PMI Project Management Professional or equivalent.
• Desirable: experience in managing multi-discipline teams
• Desirable: proven focus on the management of clients and subcontractors
• Desirable: experience in the use of MS Project and/or P6 Primavera

What's in it for you?

What if we can have work-life balance? What if we can be rewarded in ways that support our individual needs? What if we can be accepted for who we are? Here at WSP – we can

WSP recognizes that work is only one part of our lives and making time for the other things in our life is important – be that our families, our friends or ourselves. So, if working from home, working part-time or having flexible start and finish time will help with this let us know as part of your application.

As well as rewarding you with competitive pay, WSP offers standard benefits including first class medical cover, generous days annual leave, and paid professional subscriptions.

Be you, be happy - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects and maximizes the contribution individuals can bring to WSP. We recognize the benefits that people with varying backgrounds and experiences can bring. Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.