Director, Commercial

Where Greatness Grows

The greatest achievements in history are borne from the greatness within people – where human potential meets vision, and passion fuels evolution. Unlocking this potential is the most important thing we do at Bird.

As a leader in Canadian construction for over 100 years, the impact of our team is etched deeply within the core of our legacy. Beyond Bird, this impact is felt in the fundamental aspects of our everyday lives. From the critical infrastructure we depend on, to the energy and resources that keep us moving - we are powering our communities and shaping Canada’s skylines coast-to-coast. Entrenched in the foundation of a culture built more than a century ago is an enduring quest to reimagine what is possible. Our impact is greater than ever, and we are looking for those who seek to redefine their story.

We are a dynamic team of over 6,000+ with a range of professions, backgrounds, and areas of expertise. This breadth of diversity in people and opportunities is one of greatest aspects of building your career with Bird. Every trajectory looks different. At Bird, you hold the pen, and you write your story. As you unlock your potential, you are surrounded by a team that supports you every step of the way.

Be a part of our team, where we pride ourselves on the quality of our work and the way we treat each other and our partners. You will build a career and long-lasting relationships based on respect, collaboration, and a solution-focused mindset. Bird is a place where you will unlock your potential and achieve your goals.

Reporting to the Vice President, the Commercial Director will be responsible for the review, development, improvement, and implementation of commercial management processes across all projects phases, including pre-construction, delivery and close. This will include successful administration of contracts with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers and will include the commercial functions of procurement, subcontract administration and payment, claims avoidance and claims management, design build contract issues, commercial reporting, and cost control. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong expertise in project controls, driving effective scheduling, cost engineering, forecasting, and disciplined contract change management to achieve predictable project outcomes.

What You will Do Here

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to project directors/sr. project managers related to contract management issues with clients, partners, contractors, and engineering consultants in terms of planning, resource allocation, internal budgeting, and scheduling of project mandates.
• Ensure successful project delivery by analyzing and monitoring project performance metrics, performing cost/benefit analysis, scheduling and driving performance management-based outcomes while using best practices in contract management.
• Coordinate, review and lead quarterly P & L reporting across all projects. Review and prepare with each Project team prior to reporting at Executive level.
• With support from legal and finance groups, initiate continuous improvement in contract management processes during pursuit and project delivery leading to increased internal stakeholder engagement.
• Develop and manage contract amendments and change orders procedures to track costs, scope and schedule changes resulting in the successful delivery of projects. Provide oversight into the negotiation of changes in compliance with corporate target metrics.
• Support proposal development and project execution teams by reviewing commercial and contractual issues to ensure risk management and claims avoidance policies align with business objectives and corporate policies. This includes teaming agreements, joint venture agreements, partnership agreements, service agreements, NDAs, RFPs, heads of terms, subcontracts, purchase orders, surety requirements, licenses etc.
• Developed a generic Prime Contract Compliance Requirements Analysis and communicate key contract deliverables along with reference documents to enable project teams to adopt a consistent manner in interpreting project obligations, avoiding liabilities and reducing risk.
• Provide training (lunch and learns) to project managers to understand the commercial delivery model, contractual obligations and rights, and proactively identify and mitigate key contract issues. Support project directors / managers during conflict resolution process during execution phase.
• Providing guidance and support to the estimating group when issuing bid packages and awarding construction and service contracts thereby decreasing costs for rework or schedule delays during execution.
• Develop and implement a consistent approach to risk management across all projects and ensure key issues and mitigating measures are captured in project reporting.
• Collaborate with other Bird District teams to develop companywide best practices and policies.

What we are looking for

• Undergraduate degree in construction management, business, engineering, or quantity surveying or equivalent professional experience. A graduate degree in law is considered an asset.
• 15+ years commercial leadership experience in the construction industry.
• Must have previously operated at senior executive level on major projects or as a commercial director in a large construction company.
• Professional Membership (CIQS or RICS) is considered an asset.
• Experience in all forms of Contract delivery.
• Thorough knowledge of contract language and legal requirements of contracts.
• Sound understanding of contractual, commercial, and financial functions on major building projects.
• Strong business acumen.
• Able to provide commercial direction and support to all district staff.
• Command the respect of the Executive leadership on commercial matters.
• Advise on commercial strategy for successful project execution.
• Be a team player with a 'can do' collaborative approach.

We Put Safety First

A healthy and safe work environment is non-negotiable. We build a culture of operational and psychological safety through engagement, learning and leadership.

We Lead With Honesty

We speak and act with integrity, clarity and care so people can trust our word and our work. Being honest means we can deliver the best outcomes and consistent results.

We Are Stronger Together

Success is a team effort. Our inclusive workplace enables our combined expertise, humility and creativity to unlock our greater potential.

We Are Driven To Do Great Work

We built our name on quality. We have a passion for excellence in our work and relationships that honours our businesses and our industry.

We Create Opportunity

Rooted in a solid foundation, we adapt and grow to face the future. We are committed to elevating each other to chart the best path forward in an evolving world.

Bird is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). This is a core part of our culture and guides our actions and strategic priorities. We strive to create an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive and share their unique perspectives and talents. Our ongoing commitments focus on addressing inequities and promoting a better understanding of diversity to build an inclusive and fair culture. We recognize that diverse teams are more knowledgeable, perform better, and achieve greater success. As such, we are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and creating opportunities for all employees to grow and succeed.