Project Operations Lead, Mechanical Equipment Delivery

Job Description Overview Our Nuclear Canada business is experiencing significant growth driven in part by planned New Build projects underway internationally and domestically. Candu Energy Inc., an AtkinsRéalis company has entered into an agreement with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to deliver the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP). The project is spearheading the deployment of the GEH BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) before the end of the decade. It will be the first grid-scale SMR deployed in Canada and it aims to generate approximately 12,000 megawatts of electricity for Ontario.

The Project Operations Lead, Equipment Delivery, reports to the Project Manager, Procurement Integration and is responsible for leading, planning, coordinating, and overseeing defined equipment delivery packages. This role ensures strong alignment and integration across different functional groups within the DNNP partnering organizations, including engineering, procurement, construction, project controls, quality assurance, commercial, and other key functions. The Project Lead provides project leadership, operates within established project management and organizational governance frameworks, and ensures adherence to regulatory and quality program requirements. By applying sound project management practices, the Project Lead supports the safe, effective, and contractually compliant delivery of project objectives.

Your role

Project Planning and Scope Definition: Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. Define the project scope and deliverables in compliance with contract documents and client requirements.

Day-to-Day Execution: Monitor daily workflows, assign tasks, set and manage priorities to ensure compliance with project requirements. Identify bottlenecks and implement immediate solutions to keep project progressing as planned.

Leadership and Stakeholder Communication: Lead a multidisciplinary project team including engineers, quality representatives, buyers, contractors, and other stakeholders. Serve as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. Ensure effective communication, coordination, and collaboration to keep all parties informed and aligned with project goals. Establish and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, suppliers and other project stakeholders.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Apply key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor cost, schedule, and overall project health. Track progress against established goals, prepare status reports for management, and support informed decision making.

Contract and Risk Management: Support contract development, including scope and change control, subcontractor and supplier management, and risk management. Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and governance.

Procurement and Supply Chain Management: Responsible for all contract management including scope & change control, requirements management, subcontractor and supplier management and governance for any flow-down requirements from the parent contract to subs and vendors.

Compliance with Codes and Standards: Ensure all project activities comply with corporate procedures, code of ethical conduct, cyber-security, import-export regulations, intellectual property protections, and security clearance protocols. Ensure all project activities comply with applicable industry codes and standards.

These responsibilities ensure that the project lead effectively leads the project from conception to completion, maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and efficiency throughout the process.

About you

BSc in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university. Other Engineering disciplines may be considered.

PMP certification is an asset.

Eligible to be registered as Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario.

5+ years of experience supporting projects in construction, manufacturing, or engineering services. Experience in the nuclear industry is considered an asset.

Stakeholder management experience in joint-venture/integrated projects.

Working knowledge of industrial safety and nuclear safety culture.

Understanding of nuclear supply chain and materials management principles.

Understanding ofQuality Assurance Programs and their significance to the nuclear industry.

Understanding of project delivery methodology, including earned value, critical path scheduling, prime contract and subcontract management, procurement and supply chain methodology, and inspection and test plans.

Ability to build and inspire a team to work towards common goals.

Ability to read and understand engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications is considered an asset.

Excellent organizational, communication, and customer relationship skills