Project Manager - Construction & Operations

Project Manager, Delivery, Social

The Company

Plenary is a leading specialized developer of long-term Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. Since its inception in 2005, we have built a portfolio of 60 projects and more than $30 billion in North American assets under management. We are determined in our approach to deliver first-class infrastructure, build the right delivery solutions for the projects we work on and inspire people with our vision for transformational spaces.

Why work for Plenary?

Recognized as a Great Place to Work in both the US and Canada, we pride ourselves on our winning workplace culture. Our focus is on empowering our employees, driving results, building strong camaraderie, and celebrating our wins as a team. Our workplace culture is like no other and is our driving force to bring infrastructure to life. Learn more about us by visiting www.plenaryamericas.com

Responsibilities

Under the direction of senior Plenary leadership, the Project Manager will oversee the successful delivery of a high-profile, complex PPP project, exceeding $500 million in capital costs, within an active transit hub in Philadelphia, PA.

In this pivotal role, the Project Manager will be responsible for managing the execution of construction and facility operations (including retail), working closely with our consortium partners. They will lead cross-functional teams, proactively identify and resolve challenges, and drive strategic solutions that align with project goals.

Success in this role requires a confident, ambitious leader with the ability to navigate high-stakes stakeholder interactions, facilitate critical discussions with clarity and composure, and foster strong relationships across all levels of the project.

For the construction portion of the project, have responsibility to:

• Implement a Project Management system framework that complies with Plenary requirements and the Ground Lease and Development Agreement (Project Agreement) for the project;
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the Ground Lease and Development Agreement and related sub agreements (e.g. Construction, Operations and Retail contracts, etc.) and develop an inventory of Construction and Operations deliverables for Plenary and its partners. Implement a system to manage the timely delivery of obligations;
• Attend and participate in all design and construction meetings to ensure compliance with the Contract Documents and efficient communications between all Project parties;
• Review and provide feedback on project documentation submitted by Construction and Operations Partners (e.g. Schedules, Reports, Commercial submissions, Policies and Procedures Manuals, etc.);
• Monitor construction project schedule and identify variance from Baseline schedule;
• Represent Plenary and the project at relevant meetings, conferences and public events. This includes interfacing with elected and public officials, and the community at large;
• Coordinate with colleagues and partners to ensure a seamless transition of service delivery between completion of the construction phases and commencement of the operations phases;
• Ensuring that close working relationships are established between all parties during both the construction and operations phases, and that there is effective service integration between the contractors and the client; and
• Prepare regular monthly and quarterly reports regarding any design and construction, operations, and asset performance information required for distribution to the Plenary Group Boards for the relevant project and ensure compliance with related Management Services Agreements

For the operations portions of the project, have day-to-day responsibility to:

• Monitor and manage the operating budgets to ensure effective budget management controls are in place and optimal financial outcomes are achieved;
• Oversee annual forecasts provided by Operations contractors to ensure any financial risks to Plenary are managed;
• Ensure that Plenary and its subcontractors meet all of its service requirements detailed in the Ground Lease and Development Agreement;
• Management of all aspects of the transition from the existing phases to new phases of the project;
• Continuous monitoring and assessment of all Operations aspects (including Retail) to ensure they are meeting with the service specifications as defined in the Technical Provisions;
• Review service partners service delivery budgets to ensure the budget process outlined in the relevant Management Services Agreements is strictly complied with;
• Ensure Plenary complies with its obligations in the Operations Agreements with service partners;
• Implement communication and relationship management plans relating to all stakeholders;
• Develop and implement Project Quality, Safety and Environmental management systems in coordination with the Operations Contractors;
• Prepare and present regular monthly and quarterly operations and asset performance reports for distribution to the Plenary Boards for the relevant project and ensure compliance with related Management Services Agreements;
• Oversight on the Operations contractors’ administration of QFM (Computerized Maintenance Management System/CMMS); and
• Support Senior Management in all other areas as required as required.

In addition, your general day-to-day responsibilities across all project components include but are not limited to:

Project Management

Provide effective and professional project management to successfully complete and ensure that all project commitments, contracted milestones and deliverables are met. The role runs through the complete design-build delivery lifecycle, to operational handover, and through operations.

Change Management:

Assist in directing, controlling and managing consultants and contractors to coordinate their input into change proposals in a timely manner and ensure that there is innovative and cost-effective quality content and a full and complete submission. This involves extensive communication with all internal stakeholders (including lenders), contractors, consultants and advisors, and regular review of the progress of their work to ensure that the optimal solution is developed, and that the solution is accurately reflected in the pricing. Then, support the project team in negotiation to reach client acceptance, and manage within these parameters during the management and the delivery phase of the change.

Client and Stakeholder Management

Manage client relationships and ensure project success within the defined scope. Monitor, review and (where needed) implement strategies to improve client and stakeholder satisfaction. This role requires balancing evolving client expectations with contractual obligations, maintaining alignment between stakeholders, and delivering high-quality outcomes. The ideal candidate will navigate challenges with diplomacy, providing thoughtful solutions to meet client needs while upholding project integrity and operational efficiency. Strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills are essential to foster collaboration and maintain client satisfaction in a dynamic environment. This includes chairing change management, commercial and escalation meetings to resolve complex project challenges.

Project Delivery:

Project manage all deliverables and milestones including management and tracking of risks throughout the project lifecycle from the initial opportunity identification through to construction and operations. Ensure accurate project reporting to Plenary management.

Quality and Standards:

Ensure that the quality and standards of Plenary and the project are maintained in contract and project documentation.

Operational Handover:

Support all aspects of the acceptance reviews of contractor’s works and preparation for operational handover including ensuring that all necessary client documentation is complete and accurate.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education, preferably in engineering, business/commerce or construction management
• 8+ years of working experience in construction and/or facility management project management
• A professional attitude to successfully deliver major capital works
• A solid knowledge of the property, construction and engineering industries
• An understanding of contract law and demonstrated contract management experience
• Skills in cost planning and cost control of major capital projects
• Sound project management and documentation control skills
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and excellent writing and editing skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable engaging with senior executives and technical teams.
• Aptitude for challenging discussions in a passionate environment to negotiate on commercial matters where positions between parties do not align.
• Effectively manage multiple subprojects of varying size and complexity under tight deadlines
• Strong work ethic and high level of personal and professional integrity
• Positive and effective leadership within a cohesive team to achieve the common goal of project completion
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities under tight constraints
• Experience in change management including commercial evaluation and negotiation
• Strong initiative, enthusiasm, drive and commitment with acceptance of the requirement for extended work hours
• PPP project and/or railroad experience is an asset
• Experience using Sharepoint, Procore, QFM, Smartsheet and/or a scheduling or project management software would be an asset

What we offer

• Competitive salary with annual bonus potential.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision, and 401k/RRSP plan with employer contribution.
• Four weeks' vacation.
• Long-term development opportunities and ability to be part of an exciting and growing industry.

Note: Only those applicants under consideration will be contacted. Please accept our utmost appreciation for your interest. We are committed to continuous improvement, and a diverse and inclusive workplace for all. Plenary Americas is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and employment decisions are based on merit and business needs only. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.