Branch Expansion Project Coordinator

Summary

Description

The Calgary Food Bank is the first line of emergency food support for families and individuals facing crisis. As the city’s main charitable food hub and the most accessible food bank, we have the capacity to serve families, individuals, and organizations to fight hunger.  

We are currently recruiting a community-minded, team-oriented individual to join our Operations team as a Branch Expansion Project Coordinator, on a temporary full-time basis. This contract position provides strategic leadership in establishing a new retail food distribution location from concept to launch. This role oversees the planning, procurement, construction, operational setup, and opening phases while applying robust project management practices to ensure a smooth and successful implementation.

Working closely with the steering committee, management team, internal departments, and external stakeholders, the Branch Expansion Project Coordinator develops a detailed, efficient execution plan that aligns with the organization's mission and operational goals. This position also serves as a key resource for project management methodologies, driving continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the transformation of a 2000 square foot commercial space, managing all phases from design and build to retrofit and operational launch, to be suitable for food bank operations and service.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive project management plan, ensuring all components—including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation—are aligned with organizational priorities.
• Guide the development of a structured project management framework for the Calgary Food Bank (CFB), ensuring its application within this and future projects.
• Identify and mitigate risks and issues, providing proactive solutions to maintain progress
• Facilitate prioritization sessions and lead process improvement initiatives with cross-functional teams and management.
• Manage external contractors, architects and other vendors to ensure timely and appropriate deliverables to meet the goals of the project.
• Collaborate with CFB departments and community stakeholders and to align project deliverables with organizational goals.
• Ensure compliance with local building codes, safety regulations, and permit requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage project reporting, providing timely updates to the management team on progress, risks, and achievements.
• Comply, contribute, and champion the CFB Health and Safety programs, health and safety regulations, and food safety/handling standards.
• Report weekly to project steering committee on progress of the project, identifying risks and opportunities.

Tasks Performed:

• Act as the central point of contact for all aspects of the establishment project. 
• Lead and manage the development of tools for detailed scope requirements, budgeting, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting on project progress.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of organizational processes to integrate operational needs into the project design.
• Supervise and coordinate contractors, vendors, and volunteers involved in the project.
• Communicate effectively with subject matter experts, internal teams, and external stakeholders to ensure clarity and alignment. 
• Prepare and present weekly, monthly, and final project reports, including lessons learned for future applications. 
• Facilitate a smooth operational handover, ensuring the new location is equipped, functional, and ready for use. 

Decision Making & Leadership Capabilities:

• Lead strategic decisions related to design adjustments, construction challenges, and resource allocations to maintain project efficiency. 
• Serve as a mentor and leader for team members, fostering collaboration and professional growth. 
• Analyze project risks and issues, taking swift action to resolve challenges while minimizing impact. 
• Establish and manage project priorities, ensuring objectives are met within specified timelines. 
• Promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, ensuring the application of project management best practices. 

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of 5–7 years of project management experience, ideally including overseeing construction, retrofits, or similar projects.
• Strong understanding of project management principles, tools, and methodologies (e.g., PMBOK). PMP designation or PMI membership is an asset.
• Proven expertise in managing commercial space conversions, with knowledge of building codes, safety regulations, and permits.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining close attention to detail.
• Familiarity with the not-for-profit and charitable sectors is preferred. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools. 
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize and share knowledge effectively.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to organizational goals.
• Candidates are required to pass a criminal record check. 

Working conditions and physical requirements:
Working conditions are normal for an office environment and may require occasional visits to the warehouse. This is a temporary, full-time position, working 37.5 hours per week, ending August 31, 2025. The qualified candidate must be open to working outside of normal business hours and weekends.

Benefits of Working at the Calgary Food Bank include:  

• Extended Health Care and Dental Benefit Plan  
• Health Spending and Personal Spending Account  
• Insurance plan (AD&D, Life and Disability) 
• 8% RRSP Matching program  
• Employee and Family Assistance Program  
• Vacation and Sick days  
• On-site gym  
• Casual dress  
• On-site parking  

Interested applicants can e-mail their cover letter and resume before March 20^th, 2025. We thank all applicants for their interest; suitable applicants will be contacted for further discussion and/or interview.