Introduction & Key Role Objective

WJ Groundwater is a global leader in construction dewatering and groundwater management, with established operations in the UK, Canada, the Middle East, Poland, and the Philippines. While traditionally known for our technical excellence in dewatering, WJ is evolving to become an end-to-end water management partner for the construction industry. The launch of our Bypass Pumping division in Canada is a key strategic initiative, complementing our core dewatering and water treatment services to provide fully integrated, turnkey solutions. Our competitive advantage lies in our deep engineering expertise, allowing us to offer clients guaranteed-price solutions as a genuine project partner.

Building on our significant success with bypass pumping in the Middle East, we are seeking an entrepreneurial and experienced leader to build this business division from the ground up in Canada. This is a foundational leadership role with the primary objective of establishing and scaling a profitable, market-leading Bypass Pumping division. The ideal candidate will be a builder at heartsomeone who will develop the strategy, build the team, win the work, and establish the operational standards that will define our success in this market.

This role reports to the Chief Strategy & Corporate Development Officer of the Canadian operations and offers a unique opportunity to build and lead a significant new venture within a globally respected organization.

We are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of our employees. We provide extensive internal and external training programs, continuous learning opportunities, and clear career advancement paths to help our team members achieve their full potential. By promoting a supportive and dynamic environment, we ensure our employees thrive and contribute to our company's ongoing success and innovation.

Key areas of responsibility

Strategic Leadership & Business Planning:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive business plan for the Canadian Bypass Pumping division.
• Conduct market analysis to identify key target sectors (e.g., municipal, industrial, heavy civil), clients, and geographic opportunities.
• Collaborate with the leadership of the Dewatering and Water Treatment divisions to promote and deliver integrated water management solutions.

Commercial & Business Development:

• Lead the business development and sales strategy, personally driving the acquisition of key clients and foundational projects.
• Act as the primary technical and commercial contact for major bypass projects, from initial client engagement through to tendering and contract negotiation.
• Lead the review of major contracts and subcontracts to ensure WJs commercial interests are protected.
• Cultivate a strong network of relationships with clients, consulting engineers, and key industry stakeholders.
• Promote WJ's unique value proposition, demonstrating how engineered bypass solutions can de-risk projects and unlock value for clients.

Operational Management & Execution:

• Build and lead a high-performing operational team, including Project Managers, Site Supervisors, and Technicians.
• Oversee all aspects of project execution, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest standard of quality.
• Review and critique proposal plans and technical designs to ensure they meet WJ's standards for technical excellence.
• Develop and manage the division's asset strategy, including the procurement, maintenance, and logistics of pumps, piping, and related equipment.
• Champion a culture of safety and operational excellence, establishing and auditing best-practice procedures for the business unit, including risk assessments.
• Liaise with WJs global experts to ensure technical excellence and knowledge transfer.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Recruit, mentor, and develop the core team for the Bypass Pumping division.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and client partnership that aligns with WJ's core values.
• Establish performance metrics and a framework for the growth and development of team members.
  

The above is not exhaustive, and you will be expected to undertake other duties which may reasonably fall within the level of responsibility and competence.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Geotechnical, Environmental, or a related engineering discipline) is highly preferred. Extensive industry experience will be considered in lieu on a case-by-case basis
• Minimum 7 years experience within the construction or similar industry managing projects and site staff in a similar environment.
• 7+ years of progressive experience within the pump rental, dewatering, or fluid handling industry. Direct and extensive experience in sewer bypass, creek bypass, or other complex temporary pumping applications is a significant asset.
• Proven experience in a leadership role and a demonstrated track record of building and growing a business or service line.
• Strong technical aptitude combined with exceptional commercial acumen; must be comfortable and credible in both technical and commercial discussions.
• Experience in creating compliance documents for environmental regulations.
• Strong team management skills with proven ability to plan, organize, and schedule workloads for both self and others.
• In-depth knowledge of commercial issues and construction industry contracts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365
• A motivated and hardworking individual with good verbal and written communication skills is essential.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex and sensitive ideas to multidisciplinary teams.
• Resourcefulness, initiative, and the ability to work independently.
• A valid drivers licence and willingness to travel across Canada.
  

Working Conditions

This role is primarily based at our head office in Toronto but requires site visits for client meetings, site inspections, inductions, and project briefings, with occasional full-day work on client worksites. It also requires a willingness to travel cross country, as we expand our Vancouver offices.

The role involves installing and/or inspecting bypass pumping systems in various environments, including both outdoor and indoor settings, such as tunnels, adits, and shafts, which are classified as low to medium risk confined spaces. Comfort with working in all weather conditions, on heavy industrial construction sites, and within confined spaces is essential.

Standard working hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Occasional flexibility in working hours may be required.