Cenovus Energy

Director, Downstream Site Project Execution

Cenovus Energy$150K — $180K *
Energy & Utilities
15+ years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
  • Minimum 20 years of experience in refining or petrochemical industries.
  • Proven project engineering and management expertise.
  • Strong background in compliance with safety and operational standards.
  • Demonstrated ability in team collaboration and resource management.

Responsibilities

  • Lead development of team members across US and Canadian refining sites.
  • Drive project execution in line with safety, quality, and cost performance.
  • Oversee project controls for all execution and front-end development stages.
  • Own and refine Capital Project Process for detailed execution phases.
  • Implement efficient engineering and construction strategies for lifecycle value.
  • Collaborate with leadership for alignment on project objectives and performance.
  • Ensure project compliance with HSE and internal standards, supporting integrated team efforts.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
  • Relocation assistance for new hires.
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching.
  • Paid time off and holiday benefits.
Full Job Description
Worker Type: Employee

Job Post End Date: 09/21/2026

About this opportunity:

Cenovus is seeking a Director, Site Projects Execution, to join our team. This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, predictable, and competitive execution of the project portfolio assigned to the Site Projects Execution team within the Downstream Technical and Projects organization. The portfolio spans Downstream assets, with responsibility for Stages 3 (Define), 4 (Execute), and 5 (Operate), while supporting Front-End Development (FED) activities in Stages 1 (Identify) and 2 (Select). With an annual budget of $300-$400 million, the goal is to work closely with stakeholders, particularly Front-End Development, to optimize capital costs to a target of less than $25 USD/EDC over a five-year cycle. The role leads design engineering, contracting strategy, construction, project controls, and commissioning for assigned projects. The Director provides leadership, vision, stakeholder engagement, and assurance to drive project performance, capital efficiency, risk management, and business improvement through the Cenovus stage-gated process. Local project managers and experts in engineering, project controls, scheduling, planning, and quality control report directly to this role.

The successful candidate must be located in, or willing to relocate to, one of our Ohio locations: Dublin, Toledo, or Lima, and be willing to travel up to 33% across our sites.

What you'll do:

Responsibilities for this position may include but are not limited to:
  • Leads and develops team members across the US and Canadian refining sites to deliver a portfolio of projects as a substantial part of the Cenovus Downstream investment program.
  • Drives teams to develop, engineer, procure, construct, and commission projects in accordance with the Cenovus stage-gated project process, approved investment budgets, and business expectations for safety, quality, reliability, schedule, and cost performance.
  • Oversees the project controls organization supporting all project stages in execution and front-end development.
  • Owns the Capital Project Process, developing, defining, and improving work processes for detailed design, construction, equipment turnover, project close out, and all aspects of project execution.
  • Drives life-cycle quality and value through efficient, competitive engineering and construction strategies and management.
  • Works with Engineering resources on quality programs and turnover of engineered equipment and design documents. Sets standards for design, construction, procurement, and turnover of running assets, and develops project close-out deliverables for installed assets.
  • Collaborates with leadership and extended business teams across each site, corporate teams, and project team members to ensure alignment of objectives, deliverables, and performance. Actively participates with site and Technical & Projects leadership teams.
  • Ensures strong integration of project activities with Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE), Technical including Front-End Development, Turnaround, Supply Chain Management, Commercial, and Production-Centric organizations, while ensuring compliance with COIMS requirements.
  • Ensures proper reporting of project plans and performance and is accountable for project forecasting and LRP inputs for portfolio development of inflight projects.
  • Provides coaching and assurance around safety leadership with a critical focus on safety performance and culture.
  • Provides guidance to the organization to support capital projects executed by outside departments in Downstream facilities. Ensures project controls and engineering support are provided for capital work executed by other organizations.


Who you are:
  • Legally authorized to work in the US.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering.
  • Minimum of 20 years of relevant experience in refinery or similar oil/petrochemical industry, including project engineering/management and/or other relevant technical, operational, and business roles.
  • Experience successfully supporting or executing a diverse range of assignments, activities, and/or projects.
  • Experience managing engineering and construction activities with a focus on ensuring compliance with internal and external standards/requirements and driving improvement programs.
  • Experience supervising, influencing, and collaborating with a diverse group of internal and external resources to deliver results and improve performance.


We acknowledge the value of transferrable skills and may consider equivalent combinations of experience and education should you not meet a specific requirement.

Note: The application deadline for this position is 11:59 PM MT on September 20, 2026. The position may come down early if candidate(s) are identified.

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If you require accessibility assistance to complete the on-line application or otherwise apply for an open position with Cenovus, its subsidiaries and affiliates, please email [redacted].

Interested in this opportunity? Click the Apply link.

If you are a CURRENT EMPLOYEE, please apply by going to our Internal Career Site.

About Cenovus Energy

Cenovus is a Canadian oil company with oil sands operations in northern Alberta that use specialized methods like SAGD to drill and pump the oil to the surface

Cenovus Energy Careers

Join the dynamic team at Cenovus Energy, a leader in innovative energy solutions, and propel your career into the future. At Cenovus, we are committed to sustainable energy development and are looking for talented professionals eager to make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Cenovus Energy, you’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, working together to solve today’s energy challenges with bold, innovative solutions. Our commitment to leadership in sustainability means we are constantly looking for ways to safely and responsibly increase energy efficiency, while expanding our renewable operations.

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Step into a role at Cenovus Energy and join a culture of innovation and growth. Here, every position offers the opportunity to explore new pathways in the energy sector, supported by cutting-edge technology and practices. With a focus on diversity and leadership development, our team is equipped to lead and inspire.

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Cenovus Energy is not just a company; it’s a community. We pride ourselves on a workplace culture that supports professional growth and personal achievement. Employees at Cenovus enjoy competitive benefits, comprehensive diversity training, and a network of driven, capable colleagues committed to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

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Cenovus Energy offers a plethora of job opportunities, from field operations to corporate functions. Each role is supported by robust training programs and development plans to help you reach your professional goals. Our leadership is committed to nurturing talent through mentorship and providing opportunities for career advancement.

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Learn more about Cenovus Energy
Size
5,938 employees
Market Cap
$36.1 billion
Industry
Founded
2009
5 Year Trend
+33.3%
NASDAQ

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