Director, Project Controls

WHO WE ARE  

“Energizing the Future.” 

TransAlta owns, operates, and develops a diverse fleet of electrical generation assets in Canada, the United States, and Australia, providing municipalities, industries, and businesses with safe, low-cost, and reliable clean electricity. For over 111 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and proud community member where its employees work and live. We are committed to fostering a dynamic, productive, and safe work environment. Our employees contribute to a diverse, open, and transparent culture with clear accountabilities, strong leadership, and challenging opportunities for personal career growth. 

For more information about TransAlta, visit our website at, www.transalta.com. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

We have an exciting new leadership opportunity to join our Project Delivery & Construction team as a Director of Project Controls located in our Calgary Head Office. This is a pivotal position within our organization where you'll provide active leadership, support and guidance to our Project and Construction teams and ensure projects are delivered using best industry practices.  The Director, Project Controls reports directly to the Executive Vice President, Projects, Delivery & Construction, you will lead a dedicated team of Project Controls professionals in providing comprehensive Project Controls support across a portfolio of large-scale renewable energy construction projects ($100M+).

Your team is involved across the project life cycle and works collaboratively with Lead Developers, Project Managers, and Supply Chain partners to implement practical project controls solutions that deliver predictable project outcomes.    

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Oversight at an executive and individual project level to ensure appropriate Project Control staffing and implementation of leading practices, procedures and tools.

• Oversight and analysis at a portfolio level to provide overall performance insights and ensure project histories are secured (i.e. cost records, lessons learned, KPIs)

• Continuous improvement of internal Project Controls and Project Management standards, processes and procedures to optimize project delivery.   

• Leadership and fostering development of a high-skill, high-performance Project Controls team.   

• The position will appeal to an experienced, well-rounded Project Controls Leader who thrives in dynamic and collaborative team environment and has interest in being part of an ambitious build-out of renewable energy assets.   

WHAT YOU WILL DO  

Leadership Expectations

• Act as a trusted advisor to the key stakeholders by building and maintaining relationships with business leaders to develop a clear understanding of business needs.
• Set clear direction and accountability for the Project Controls and Construction teams collaboratively
• Commitment to a strong psychologically safe culture
• Promote cross-collaboration within other business units and break down silos
• Set priorities and enforce agreed deadlines
• Drive for results with a strong execution ability
• Apply consistent performance management, coaching, feedback, and corrective action
• Actively demonstrate TransAlta values and implement a culture of learning, purpose, and results

Project Support and Oversight

• Ensure all projects have practical project control plans supported by leading industry practices, processes and procedures.
• Ensure individual projects have appropriate cost, schedule, risk, reporting, and governance management strategies.
• Support development of construction and equipment supply contracts to ensure appropriate Project Controls requirements are embedded.
• Review key project deliverables for quality and completeness (i.e. cost estimates, integrated schedules, basis documents)
• Confirm team members are utilizing the latest policies, procedures, tools, and systems.
• Monitor and analyze project and portfolio level performance indicators highlighting risks and trends for Senior Leadership.
• Participate in project gate and readiness reviews.
• Participate in monthly project reviews.
• Membership in Project Steering Committees
• Contribute to monthly and quarterly portfolio reporting.
• Assist with internal / external project audits and implementation of recommendations.
• Support annual project budget submissions and financial approvals
• Maintain the portfolio level Lessons Learned Database and oversee implementation of improvement recommendations.
• Maintain the portfolio level cost history database and associated KPIs

Resourcing and Staff Development

• Maintain a data-driven staffing and resource plan to ensure appropriate Project Controls coverage is in place across the project portfolio.
• Coordinate with the Growth and Construction Leadership Teams to ensure individual projects have adequate Project Controls support. 
• Set and implement tactical and strategic goals for the Project Controls Team in alignment with corporate and department objectives.
• Supervise and mentor Project Controls staff providing coaching, guidance, and feedback as needed.
• Perform regular performance assessments for all Project Controls staff and provide constructive feedback.
• Ensure all Project Controls Team members are current with leading industry practice and have professional development goals aligned with that objective.
• Provide cultural leadership for the Project Control Team  

Governance and Process

• Coordinate with the Senior Advisor, Project Delivery to pursue and implement continuous improvements to policies, processes, procedures, tools, and templates.
• Provide insight into Project Controls leading practices and innovations.    
• Review existing Project Controls processes, procedures, templates, and tools with a view to efficient project delivery. 
• Lead creation of new, or revision of existing, Project Controls policies, processes, procedures, and template as required.
• Provide guidance and support to Lead Developers, Project Managers, Engineers, and other team members on Project Controls leading practices and methodologies.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of Project Management software systems.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU  

• CPA and/or MBA, Project Accounting and/ or Capital Finance experience is an asset.
• Bachelor’s Degree or Technical Designation(s) in Engineering, Construction Management, and/or Project Management.
• Minimum 12 years of experience in construction related Project Controls or Construction Management.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to handle complex and uncertain situations.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present and explain project information to a variety of audiences.
• Strong knowledge of Project Controls and Portfolio Management principles, methods, and tools.
• Adaptability to work with rapidly changing priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient with project management software. Experience with Primavera Unifier and/or SAP are considered an asset.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) and/or AACE Professional / Technical designations are considered an asset.

We offer our employees comprehensive and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, annual incentives, and a rewards program. To learn more about we can energize your future, check out our new Employee Experience Booklet. 

Become part of our TransAlta team today We look forward to reviewing your application. All applications will be reviewed in a timely manner to the best of our abilities. We appreciate your patience and understanding during the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

It is our collective mission to ensure that every single employee feels a sense of inclusion and belonging and can show up to work as their true authentic self. TransAlta is committed to hiring a diverse workforce including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and members of the LGBTQ2+ community. TransAlta believes that diversity enhances the quality of its performance, is an essential element to effective corporate governance, and cultivates a strong workplace culture.