Introduction & Key Role Objectives

WJ Groundwater is the leading construction dewatering and groundwater specialist in the UK with operations in Canada, the Middle East, Poland & the Philippines. We have specialized plant and equipment that allows us to install custom dewatering systems in various environments including from within tunnels and shafts and from the surface. Our current portfolio of projects covers everything from large infrastructure (heavy civil works) to residential developments, and small-scale dewatering solutions in hard-to-access areas.

As a Senior Project Manager, you will take a senior leadership role in our Ottawa operations. You will be responsible for overseeing all local business, including project delivery, local procurement, staff management, and health and safety compliance. This role is essential in ensuring the successful implementation of WJ’s systems and standards in Ottawa, while supporting the continued development of our operations in the region.

We are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of our employees. We provide extensive internal and external training programs, continuous learning opportunities, and clear career advancement paths to help our team members achieve their full potential. By promoting a supportive and dynamic environment, we ensure our employees thrive and contribute to our company's ongoing success and innovation.

Reports to President WJ Canada

Key Areas of Responsibility

• 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.

The above is not exhaustive and you will be expected to undertake any other duties that may reasonably fall within the level of responsibility and competence.

Qualifications & Experience

• A motivated and hardworking individual with strong leadership skills, capable of managing multiple teams and priorities in a fast-paced, field-based environment.

• The ideal candidate will have a 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.

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

• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to job sites across the region.

Working Conditions

This role is primarily site-based, requiring site visits for client meetings, site inspections, inductions, and project briefings. The role involves installing dewatering systems in various environments, including both outdoor and indoor settings, such as tunnels, adits, and shafts, which are classified as low to medium risk confined spaces. Comfort with working in all weather conditions, on heavy industrial construction sites, and within confined spaces is essential.

Standard working hours are 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility needed based on operational demands.

This is an existing position and all applications are reviewed by our hiring team. AI is not used in the screening or selection process.