Project Director – Heavy Industrial Mechanical Construction (Oil & Gas / Shutdowns)

Location: Vancouver, BC
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Compensation: $160,000–$220,000 (DOE)

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Project Director to lead heavy industrial mechanical construction work focused on refinery maintenance projects and shutdowns in a high-risk, safety-critical environment. This role requires a strong field leader who can unite teams, strengthen safety culture, build trusted client relationships, and drive consistent project performance across schedule, cost, quality, and execution. The ideal candidate brings a hands-on leadership style, strong industrial project delivery experience, and the ability to influence everyone from frontline trades to senior leadership.

Must Haves

10+ years of progressive experience in construction/project management within heavy industrial environments, including leadership of large, complex projects
Proven transformational leader with the ability to improve safety culture, team performance, and communication across multidisciplinary teams
Deep commitment to safety as a core value, with demonstrated success driving proactive, behavior-based safety practices in high-risk environments
Strong relationship builder and communicator, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels from trades to executives and clients
Hands-on, field-oriented leader who validates issues firsthand, enforces accountability, and makes tough decisions when required
Experience delivering projects with full accountability for schedule, budget, quality, and risk in fast-paced or shutdown environments

Nice to Haves

Background in mechanical contracting, industrial construction, or maintenance services within oil & gas or similar safety-critical industries
Experience leading cultural change, mentoring leaders, and implementing operational or safety improvement initiatives
Familiarity with project controls, planning, and performance management within large-scale industrial programs
Experience working in unionized, trade-heavy environments and managing long-term client service agreements

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and direction for a portfolio of industrial maintenance and shutdown projects within a refinery environment
Act as the central leader (“admiral”) responsible for aligning all functions including operations, safety, project controls, and client stakeholders
Drive a proactive safety culture where stopping work, reassessing risk, and doing the job right is prioritized over schedule pressure
Lead post-mortems and continuous improvement initiatives to address performance gaps and elevate execution standards
Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring confidence in delivery, safety performance, and communication
Manage both upward and downward relationships, effectively communicating with executive leadership while supporting and guiding field teams
Identify breakdowns in communication, accountability, and execution, and implement practical solutions to improve performance
Champion cultural change across the project, particularly in environments where safety, communication, or accountability need strengthening
Ensure all projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget while maintaining high quality standards
Work closely with project managers, superintendents, and safety leaders to ensure alignment and consistency in execution
Provide leadership during high-pressure turnaround and shutdown periods, ensuring coordination and disciplined execution
Mentor and develop team members, building leadership capability across the organization
Step into challenging situations, including strained client relationships or underperforming teams, and restore alignment and performance
Establish clear expectations, enforce accountability, and create a culture where teams take ownership of outcomes
Continuously assess project performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, safety, and delivery

Project Director, Heavy Industrial | Me...