Project Director

Benefits Offering

• Company events
• Health & Dental Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer RRSP match
• Competitive Time Off Policy

Compensation

$165,000 - $185,000

Position Summary

The OCS Project Director provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and full lifecycle oversight for Overhead Catenary System (OCS) construction, installation, and maintenance projects. This role leads Project Managers, Superintendents, and project teams in planning, execution, financial performance, and delivery of complex rail infrastructure projects.

The position is accountable for business development, contract execution, customer relationships, project performance, workforce planning, safety compliance, and operational excellence. The OCS Project Director ensures projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with quality and regulatory standards while protecting company interests and maximizing contractual value.

This role serves as the primary company representative to clients, owners, and regulatory authorities.

Primary/Essential Responsibilities and Duties

Project Leadership & Strategy
• Support the company’s leadership in business development efforts to bring in new opportunities, as well as supporting new projects through the estimating/bid process.

• Provide executive oversight of all OCS project phases including planning, execution, installation, commissioning, and closeout.
• Lead multiple concurrent projects or large-scale rail electrification programs.
• Develop execution strategies, project delivery plans, and workforce planning models.
• Ensure alignment of project goals with company strategy and business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

OCS Technical & Field Oversight
• Provide subject matter leadership in OCS construction, installation, and maintenance practices.
• Ensure compliance with rail electrification standards, engineering designs, and specifications.
• Oversee field operations, construction sequencing, and installation methodologies.
• Monitor quality assurance programs and ensure adherence to technical standards.
• Provide technical guidance on construction methods, materials, and equipment.
• Review drawings, designs, and contract documents to ensure compliance.

Financial & Commercial Management
• Maintain full P&L accountability for assigned projects.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Implement contract and claims management strategies to protect company interests.
• Identify risks, change orders, and commercial opportunities.
• Support estimating and bid strategy development.
• Monitor contractual performance of subcontractors and vendors.

Client & Stakeholder Management
• Serve as primary interface with clients, owners, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
• Build and maintain executive-level customer relationships.
• Manage escalations and resolve complex project issues.
• Ensure customer satisfaction and successful project delivery.
• Coordinate with inspectors, engineers, and external stakeholders.

Safety, Quality & Compliance
• Champion safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company standards.
• Monitor jobsite safety performance and enforce safety programs.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, permits, and inspections.
• Implement quality assurance and quality control processes.

Team Leadership & Workforce Development
• Lead and mentor Project Managers, Superintendents, and PMO staff.
• Establish staffing plans and manage workforce competencies.
• Develop leadership capability within project teams.
• Manage performance, training, and succession planning.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration across engineering, procurement, and operations.

Project Controls & Performance Management
• Monitor schedules, productivity, and progress reporting.
• Ensure projects meet cost, schedule, and performance targets.
• Implement project controls including change management and risk management.
• Prepare executive-level project status reports.
• Ensure proper project start-up and closeout documentation.

Operational Excellence
• Standardize project delivery processes and best practices.
• Improve forecasting, resource planning, and production metrics.
• Implement lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support strategic planning for future rail electrification projects.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 10–15+ years of heavy civil, rail, transit, or OCS construction leadership experience.
  • Strong experience in OCS installation, rail electrification, or transit infrastructure projects.
  • Demonstrated experience managing large construction programs and multiple project teams.
  • Strong knowledge of project controls (cost, schedule, change management).
  • Experience with contract administration and commercial risk management.
  • Ability to interpret construction drawings and technical specifications.
  • Proven track record delivering projects on schedule and within budget.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction/project management software. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Some travel across Canada required
• Frequently works outdoors at construction sites and occasionally works indoors
• Frequently stands, walks, climbs, balances, stoops, and crouches while negotiating work areas under construction
• Sits, reads, writes, and uses a keyboard
• May be exposed to harsh weather conditions including very hot and very cold weather
• May be exposed to loud noise

Footer - EEO

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position.  There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned.  

RailWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with Railworks without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. 

RailWorks is North America’s leading track and transit system experts for over 100 years and with 45 offices across the U.S. and Canada.  We take on challenging projects every day and our success rely on a collaborative and open-minded work environment that encourages teamwork, positivity, and ingenuity.  We are committed to creating a culture of trust, respect, and acceptance.  RailWorks also offers opportunities to grow your career, develop your skills and pursue success.