The Director of Construction & Facilities Management is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of construction, renovation, and facility operations across a diverse portfolio of retail, industrial, and commercial properties. This role ensures the delivery of capital projects and maintenance programs that align with corporate standards for safety, sustainability, and operational excellence. The Director will lead a high-performing team and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support long-term growth and efficiency across the organization.

Strategic Planning & Leadership

• Develop and execute long-term strategies for construction, renovations, and facility maintenance to support business growth and operational excellence.
• Participate in strategic planning discussions related to portfolio expansion and capital investment.

Project & Facility Oversight

• Lead planning, budgeting, and execution of new builds, renovations, and capital improvements.
• Oversee preventative and reactive maintenance programs to ensure compliance with safety regulations and operational standards.
• Monitor operational performance and implement initiatives to improve cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Environmental & Sustainability Initiatives

• Develop and implement environmental sustainability strategies, including metrics and reporting practices to monitor success.
• Ensure alignment with ESG goals and corporate sustainability standards.

Financial & Risk Management

• Manage capital and operational budgets, including forecasting, approvals, and financial reporting.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with construction projects and facilities management.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Select, negotiate, and manage relationships with contractors, vendors, and service providers to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Finance teams to align vendor contracts with performance and budget goals.

Team Development & Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing team of project managers and technical staff.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and service excellence.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal departments, landlords, and external partners to align construction and maintenance efforts with business needs.

• Ensure open and effective communication across teams and departments.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Facilities Management, or a related field.

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in construction and facilities management, ideally in retail or commercial environments.

• Proven success managing large-scale capital projects and multi-site portfolios.

• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget planning, cost control, and financial reporting.

• In-depth knowledge of construction methods, building systems (HVAC, electrical, mechanical, fire protection), and asset lifecycle planning.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and make strategic decisions in dynamic environments.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Certifications

• PMP, LEED, Six Sigma, or other relevant construction/facility management certifications.

• Active P.Eng designation is considered a strong asset.

Kent is the largest retail building supply chain in Atlantic Canada. With 48 locations and an ecommerce website, our mission is to be the best source of home improvement products through superior customer service and know-how, quality products, and everyday great prices. We protect our customers and staff by hiring and training associates committed to our safety values. We employ over 3,700 people and work hard to increase our market share through strategic investment in training and technology. We focus on the development of our people and promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. In addition to our retail stores, we operate truss manufacturing facilities and a wholesale drywall company. We are a member of Independent Lumber Dealers Co-operative and the ARENA buying group which ensures our great product selection and pricing

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.