Associate (Manager) Infrastructure Advisory

Successful project delivery requires making intelligent decisions, powered by accurate information. As an Infrastructure Advisory Associate (Manager), you’ll help make that happen. You will be an important part of our diversely talented, highly experienced team and work at the forefront of high-profile infrastructure projects. When you join our industry-leading team, you’ll be at the heart of solving client challenges, working with leading business tools and methodologies to provide sophisticated advice to clients across Canada.

Infrastructure Advisory is a specialty practice within EY’s Strategy and Transactions service line. The team advises through the full lifecycle of infrastructure projects across Canada and globally and is recognized in the market as a leading advisor, most recently earning Infrastructure Sector Advisory Firm of the Year for 2023 in Canada. We trusted advisors to public sector departments, ministries, and agencies, as well as to the private sector.

We advise across sectors including transportation (e.g., transit, highways, airports), social infrastructure (e.g., healthcare, schools, municipal facilities), energy and utilities, and mining. We work across the spectrum of procurement methods including P3’s as well as progressive and collaborative procurement approaches for large scale complex projects. Recent innovative, progressive projects include the Calgary Cancer Centre, the Deerfoot Trail expansion project, the Alberta Irrigation modernization and rehabilitation projects, City of Edmonton’s Valley Line West LRT Extension Project, New Edmonton Hospital, Norquest College’s Training, Research, and Continuing Care facility, Kicking Horse Highway (BC), and St. Paul’s Redevelopment (BC), to name a few, in addition to high profile national projects including VIA High Frequency Rail, Champlain Bridge and Muskrat Falls.

We are a growing practice that has the resources to serve clients with projects anywhere in the world. With so many offerings, you will have the opportunity to develop your career in a friendly, collaborative environment through a broad scope of engagements, mentoring and formal learning. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our commitments to our stakeholders, and in so doing, play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

The opportunity

We are looking for experienced individuals to join as an Associate (Manager) in the Infrastructure Advisory team, focusing on the commercial aspect of project delivery. This position is anticipated to be based in Edmonton however, consideration may be given to candidates based in Calgary or Vancouver. It will fill an integral role that involves working closely with other members of the rapidly growing national Infrastructure Advisory team to lead and deliver a variety of engagements related to the planning, development, delivery, and operations of major infrastructure projects.

Primary responsibilities

As an Associate (Manager), you will be an integral member of our Infrastructure Advisory team. You will work closely with other team members on multi-disciplinary teams that bring a comprehensive and complimentary set of skills to our clients. While our work is driven by client needs, your focus on the commercial aspect of project delivery will most commonly require you to:

• Evaluate documents and complete contractual analyses to prepare deliverables such as commercial terms and payment mechanisms for P3 agreements, briefing memos, claims, disputes and other supporting documentation that may be used in contract development, mediation, arbitration or litigation
• Perform process review, analysis, research, and benchmarking in support of business process improvements and develop recommendations based on assessed gaps using industry leading practices
• Plan, organize and facilitate workshops to support our clients with decision-making
• Identify commercial risks and/or opportunities to evaluate and assess options to address commercial issues arising on projects
• Work collaboratively to perform independent/third-party reviews, risk management reviews, project readiness assessments, and support project turnaround/recovery efforts
• Support clients with developing and maintaining program management plans, monitoring, and controlling progress and performance, and other aspects of program management, and support clients in managing multiple internal and external stakeholders and business partners
• Lead engagement teams and have responsibility to develop internal project controls processes such as schedule, budget, change management, status reporting and invoicing
• Be dedicated to teamwork and leadership by fostering an efficient, innovative, and collaborative work environment
• Participate in business development and pursuit activities of the Infrastructure Advisory team
• Stay informed of new economic/geopolitical developments and their impact on your clients and the industry

Background and qualifications

Your background and qualifications are specific to you and the experiences that you have had – this is what makes us unique and creates a diverse EY Infrastructure Advisory team. We’re looking for the right person for the job as well as for the team - there is not one ‘right’ answer! Don’t fit the list below but are passionate about infrastructure and client delivery? We want to hear from you. The list below provides a view on the types of backgrounds and qualifications that we think will thrive in this role; however, this list is not exhaustive, nor do we expect you to check all the items listed.

• A bachelor’s degree with course content in engineering, construction management, contract or construction law, business, or similar educational background. Master’s degree an asset
• A minimum of 2 years working in a managerial capacity managing teams of 1-3 people
• A minimum of 4 years providing commercial management (in an advisory, contractor or owner role) for infrastructure projects over their lifecycle in the public or private sector
• Relevant professional designation (e.g., PMP, P.Eng., PgMP, CAPM, Prince2, JD, LLM, PQS) an asset
• Exposure to at least two sectors including healthcare, transportation and public transit, ports, airports, power and utilities including hydroelectric dams, mining and metals, water and wastewater, post-secondary education
• Knowledge and experience with at least two key components of project delivery including procurement, contract/commercial management, claims, project controls (cost and schedule), cost risk analysis, schedule risk analysis, risk management, earned-value management, or project audits
• Exposure to alternative project delivery models (i.e., collaborative models such as progressive design-build, integrated project delivery and alternative financing). Experience with joint project delivery teams including public-private partnerships, joint-ventures and/or, consortiums for the owner or the contractor an asset
• Knowledge and understanding of the project management lifecycle for major infrastructure projects (i.e., strategy development, project planning, procurement, delivery, and operations)
• Knowledge and understanding of the commercial aspect of project delivery (i.e., strategy development, project and contract model assessment/selection, contract development and administration including changes, procurement, claims, disputes, project performance monitoring and reporting, process analysis and development or commercial management)
• Experience managing or drafting prime contracts (i.e, developing or administering payment mechanisms)
• Understanding of the commercial aspects of contract agreements such as liquidated damages, limits of liability, payment adjustments and escalation mechanisms
• Experienced in Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio)
• Proficiency in project management tools such as Microsoft Project, PowerBI, Primavera P6, BIM, etc., would be considered an asset
• Strong analytical, presentation, communication and writing skills
• Familiar with proposal writing, networking, and development of marketing materials

What we look for

We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, analytical, logical thinkers with a robust understanding of the commercial aspects of the infrastructure and construction sector that result in a passion for being a strategic commercial advisor in the infrastructure space. This position will also require a high attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills, superior analytical skills, and proven project and people management skills. Bringing a “roll up the sleeves” attitude with high levels of fun, creativity, and enthusiasm for teamwork is critical in this role.

What we offer

At EY, our Total Rewards package supports our commitment to creating a leading people culture - built on high-performance teaming - where everyone can achieve their potential and contribute to building a better working world for our people, our clients and our communities. It’s one of the many reasons we repeatedly win awards for being a great place to work.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. In addition, our Total Rewards package allows you to decide which benefits are right for you and which ones help you create a solid foundation for your future. Our Total Rewards package includes a comprehensive medical, prescription drug and dental coverage, a defined contribution pension plan, a great vacation policy plus firm paid days that allow you to enjoy longer long weekends throughout the year, statutory holidays and paid personal days (based on province of residence), and a range of exciting programs and benefits designed to support your physical, financial and social well-being. Plus, we offer:

Support and coaching from some of the most engaging colleagues in the industry
Learning opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
The freedom and flexibility to handle your role in a way that’s right for you

About EY

As a global leader in assurance, tax, strategy, transaction and consulting services, we’re using the finance products, expertise and systems we’ve developed to build a better working world. That starts with a culture that believes in giving you the training, opportunities and creative freedom to make things better. Whenever you join, however long you stay, the exceptional EY experience lasts a lifetime.

Diversity and Inclusion at EY

Diversity and inclusiveness are at the heart of who we are and how we work. We’re committed to fostering an environment where differences are valued, policies and practices are equitable, and our people feel a sense of belonging. From our actions to combat systemic racism and our advocacy for the LGBT+ community to our innovative Neurodiversity Centre of Excellence and Accessibility initiatives, we welcome and embrace the diverse experiences, abilities, backgrounds and perspectives that make our people unique and help guide us. Because when people feel free to be their authentic selves at work, they bring their best and are empowered to build a better working world.