Project Management leads and directs construction and renovation projects carried out on McGill property or in McGill facilities, ensuring that projects conform to building codes and zoning regulations; that the appropriate processes are followed for consultant and contractor tendering, selection, and contract award; that McGill’s design and construction standards are respected; and that a quality product is delivered on time, on budget and as per the client/unit's requirements.
Note: As per McGill University's Policy on the Approval of Contracts and Designation of Signing Authority, all contracts related to construction and renovation are under the sole authority of the Vice-Principal (Administration and Finance).
More info on what we do
Scope definition and design phases
- Assist the client (unit) in defining a scope of work and list of requirements.
- Select and appoint the team of professional consultants – architects and engineers – required for the project.
- When required, assure that feasibility studies are performed and communicated to the relevant stakeholders.
- Establish a communication management plan, including the identification of stakeholders with roles & responsibilities.
- Establish and lead a ‘Project Group,’ as required, to discuss, establish and approve the strategic issues to be addressed throughout the project.
- Establish and lead the “Project Team,” including the client (unit), other key McGill stakeholders, and the project consultants, in order to design the project to meet the client (unit)’s identified needs.
- Prepare & update, as required, the Project Charters, which include the scope, timeline & project budget for review and approval of the client (unit) and the University administration.
- Assure that proper funding is in place and approved.
- Prepare the project schedule and reconcile all scheduling issues that will have an impact on the McGill community.
- Assure that the project respects McGill guidelines with respect to building standards, the University Master Plan, the University's Environmental Policy and other institutional standards and requirements.
- Mandate professional consultants (engineers, architects) in order to prepare technical investigations and diagnostic studies that may be required with respect to the condition of a building or for major building systems and components (for example: building structure, windows, curtain walls, vibration and noise problems, system malfunctions).
- Coordinate with other McGill units, including, but not limited to, Content and Collaboration Solutions, Teaching and Learning Services, the Office of the Vice-Principal (Research and Innovation), the Campus Planning and Development Office, Campus Public Safety, Building Operations, Buildings and Grounds, Special Events, Legal Services, Risk Management and Insurance, and Financial Services.
Tender phase
- Initiate and manage the competitive tendering process to engage contractors to perform the work.
- Manage the permit approval process required by authorities having jurisdiction and negotiate with those authorities on behalf of the University when required.
- Act as McGill’s official representative with respect to contracts between McGill and professional consultants and between McGill and construction contractors. This role includes, but is not limited to, the enforcement of contract conditions, the authorization of changes to contracts and mandates and the control and approval of all financial transactions.
Construction phase
- Provide on-site logistical co-ordination between the contractor, the client (unit) and all members of the University community who are affected by the activities of the contractor(s).
- Establish regular construction site meetings as required, involving the client (unit) or user representative, the professional consultants, and the contractor(s), to deal with timely issues affecting the course of the construction work on site.
- Assure when needed that the design, selection, purchase and installation of furniture related to the project is coordinated with the client (unit).
- Assist the client (unit) in planning and coordinating moving and storage and other setup activities as may be required by the project.