Manager, Commercial Operations

Come Build Your Career at Aecon!

As a North American leader in infrastructure development, Aecon is safely and sustainably building what matters for future generations to thrive! We lead some of the most impactful infrastructure projects of our generation, at the forefront of transformational change in transportation and energy, and partnering every day to build, connect, power, and strengthen our communities.

At Aecon, you can count on:

• Safety Always. Our number one core value. If we can’t do it safely, we don’t do it at all.
• Integrity. We lead by example, with humility and courage.
• Accountability. We’re passionate about delivering on our commitments.
• Inclusion. We provide equitable opportunities for everyone.

We lead the infrastructure industry with purpose, and our people are at the heart of everything we do. So, we invest in our people, just like they invest in us!

At Aecon we:

• Ensure you and your family receive the services needed to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Believe in helping you build your career through our Aecon University and Leadership Programs.
• Are committed to supporting and investing in inclusive work environments, through initiatives like Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility training, our Aecon Women in Trades and Aecon Diversity in Trades programs , and our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to ensure we are building inclusion into every aspect of our culture at Aecon.
• Are a leader in sustainable construction . With a strong commitment to operating responsibly by minimizing our impact on the environment and surrounding communities.

Our business success relies on strong execution and continuous improvement – driven by the diversity, expertise and teamwork of our people. We’re always searching the globe for innovative, collaborative minds to join our best-in-class Aecon community!

What is the Opportunity?

Aecon is a North American construction and infrastructure development company with global experience – transforming vision into reality. We offer a full spectrum of nuclear services for refurbishment, maintenance, new build, decommissioning, modularization, and fabrication to power a sustainable future.

Our nuclear sector plays an important role in extending the life of existing nuclear stations and executing the next generation of nuclear new builds leveraging a similar fleet execution strategy. From our work delivering the two largest refurbishment projects (Savannah River nuclear station and North Anna Power Station) in North America to deploying the first grid-scale SMR in the western world. We continue moving forward with a strategic focus on decarbonizing energy systems in support of a net zero future.

Reporting directly to the Senior Director, Commercial Operations, the Commercial Operations Manager is responsible for providing expert knowledge, guidance, and support to the business in commercial strategy and execution in the areas of contracts, finance, and business operations to ensure successful execution through the development of deep relationships built on trust and accountability. This role will work closely with the senior operations team and cross-functional stakeholders to develop and implement a commercial management system that drives excellence in performance, minimizes risk to the enterprise, and aligns with the overall strategic direction for the business. The role will also have accountability for the alignment of procurement, subcontract administration and payment, contractual claims and contractual management (strategy advice, advancement of claims and defense of claims), financial oversight, and commercial reporting.

Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen to apply for this position.

What You'll Do Here:

• Change management, including schedule Interpretation and claims administration/coordination – Develop and implement processes to administer, document and accept / challenge / defend incoming and outgoing change requests throughout project execution. Implement claim management processes to resolve unforeseen situations that arise during project development and execution and that are not covered by the change management process; including implementation of claims towards third parties and prevention / defending of incoming claims from third parties.
• Notices – Implement an effective system to ensure that all contractually-required notices are delivered to the client in accordance with the terms of the project agreement.
• Prime and subcontract management/ administration - administer the project contracts (project agreement, subcontracts, consultancy agreements, purchase agreements etc.) in such a way that the correct contractual procedures and sound administrative practices are implemented and followed at all times from project inception to completion, ensuring at all times that all contract deliverables and timelines are met.
• Contract negotiation – work closely with the contracts and legal teams to provide input in the drafting, review and negotiation of various contracts (with clients and subcontractors), including specific services contracts, master services agreements, commissioning contracts, engineering contracts, settlement agreements, non-disclosure agreements, construction contracts and procurement contracts, in a way that optimizes the business’ financial, legal, risk management and reputational positions.
• Supplier/subcontractor procurement- work closely with the procurement team to implement and monitor procurement scheduling and plans, facilitate competitive tendering process for materials, goods, services and equipment, including development of terms and conditions, scope and specification requirements, implementing and overseeing the bidding process with pre-qualified companies. Evaluate submitted bids including tender analysis and recommendation.
• Commercial reporting - Issue regular reporting and analytics on commercial issues to the Director - AIML and leadership team.
• Strategic Planning & Development – Develop and implement strategic plans to support business growth and diversification aligned with overall company mission, vision, and direction, working closely with Operations and Financial Leadership.
• Business Financial Management – support the overall P&L in conjunction with Operations Leadership to ensure targets are achieved and drive timely, effective, and informed financial decision making.
• Insurance – Engage with Aecon’s insurance advisors to develop appropriate Project insurance programs and coverages including, but not limited to, Certificates of Insurance and Evidence of Insurability.
• Legal – Exercise proper judgment to engage with Aecon’s legal advisors to seek advice at the appropriate times.
• Risk management –Develop a risk management and mitigation plan to identify potential events (internal and external) that may cause the Project/Business Unit to fail to meet its objectives. Monitor and control those measures to mitigate the exposure to the risks being realized. Also, proactively analyze the risks associated with projects in the bid phase.
• Commercial management of project close out/ post practical completion, including defect liability period and O&M.
• People leadership – Assist the Director to lead and align a team of commercial direct reports to the Project and Aecon’s priorities by focusing the teams’ activities and holding each individual accountable for results. Ensure commercial activities are effective and results focused while supporting and promoting the Individual Development Planning process.
• Conferences & Events – Support BD efforts through attendance (when requested) at various industry conferences & events, leveraging commercial expertise for panel discussions, etc.
• Cross functional collaboration with BD, Contracts, Finance, Insurance, Project Management, Procurement is the desired state.
• Trusted advisor to various functions and leaders.

What You Bring To The Team:

• Undergraduate degree in Legal, Business Administration, Commercial Management, Construction or Finance required.
• Advanced degree of Master of Business Administration or J.D. is preferred.
• 10 years' experience working for a Contractor on large projects in a lump sum or unit rate environment.
• Minimum of 5 years commercial management experience on major projects and a and a proven track record on delivering commercial success, working in the heavy industrial, manufacturing, power generation, or automotive sectors
• Demonstrated experience successfully capturing, executing and completing a variety of contract types and models (Design Build, Lump sum, T&M, unit price).
• Sound understanding of construction methodology and process in a large, complex operating environment.
• Thorough knowledge of change management principles including identifying significant variations, claims identification, narration, quantification and evaluation.
• A sound understanding of contract law in various US jurisdictions, combined with a detailed appreciation of contractual obligations and liabilities, commercial and financial functions (i.e. project/business cash flow).
• Direct experience with the tendering process, contract administration, budgetary cost value and reduction capability, procurement and subcontract administration, earned value management and Primavera P6 scheduling software (preferred).
• Proven track record with claims management and dispute resolution on major projects.
• Experience with risk identification and management.
• Experience in liaising with client, subcontractor and consultant representatives.
• Basic understanding of insurance program requirements for various project types and advise on suitability of corporate programs vs project specific requirements.
• Experience with integrated ERP systems.
• Excellent organizational, communication and writing skills.
• Excellent abilities to build relationships based on trust across diverse personalities and different contexts along with strong people and leadership skills.
• Ability to liaise/coordinate internal and external cross functional subject matter experts.

Aecon fosters diversity, inclusion and belonging within and across our organization.  We consider all applicants for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law.

We are committed to adhering to the objectives and requirements outlined in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner, through the implementation of the requirements of the EEOC and its applicable regulations. Appropriate accommodation under the EEOC will be provided upon request throughout the interview and hiring process.