STRATEGIZE. BUILD. DELIVER.
Global Execution. Entrepreneurial Oversight
20+ years of supervision, leading complex industrial shutdowns and high-stakes commercial projects across Iceland 🇮🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦
Entrepreneur
Project Manager
Hi
I am
Karl Grah
from 🇮🇸
About Karl Grah
The Global Execution Strategist
The Karl Grah promise is simple
We STRATEGIZE with clarity and vision.
We BUILD with unwavering experience.
We DELIVER every project with integrity.
Hi
I am
Karl Grah
A Foundation Built on Experience.
A Career Driven by Strategy.
I’m Karl Grah, a highly experienced Supervisor & Entrepreneur dedicated to ensuring large-scale construction projects move from blueprint to successful completion—on time and on budget. For over 20 years , I’ve been immersed in the world of industrial, residential, and commercial construction across the globe, including key markets in Iceland and Canada.
My career isn’t defined by just managing tasks; it’s defined by strategic oversight, entrepreneurial resourcefulness, and proven results. I bring a founder’s perspective to every project, meaning I don’t just solve immediate problems—I implement systems to prevent them.
Global Adaptability, Local Compliance
My experience spans diverse international environments, making me uniquely equipped to handle complex regulatory challenges:
- I am fluent in multiple languages (Native French, Full Professional English, Professional Working Icelandic, and Full Professional Spanish).
- I possess expert knowledge in applying Icelandic building regulations and adhering to stringent protocols for high-risk Canadian industrial sites. This Culturally Adaptive approach allows me to forge meaningful connections and drive mutual growth.
Experience
Current & Recent Supervision
Construction & Shutdown Supervisor
Various Firms (Canada) | Kitimat & Fort McMurray
Supervised scaffolding operations at the Kitimat LNG project. Oversaw cooker shutdown processes at CNRL. Directed pre-commissioning and commissioning phase scaffolding activities, including QA inspections and punch list resolution. Coordinated scaffold design with mechanical, piping, and electrical teams. Maintained safety logs, toolbox talks, and field-level hazard assessments.
Journeyman Carpenter
T-Verg Construction | Selfoss, Iceland
Performed structural framing, wall installations, and interior carpentry on the Selfoss School project. Ensured compliance with Icelandic building regulations. Executed punch list corrections and coordinated final walk-throughs with inspectors.
Project Management & Site Leadership
Project Manager
Bleu Water | Halifax, Canada
Managed full-cycle operations of a 60-storey residential tower, overseeing 50+ subcontractors. Created progress schedules, supervised material logistics, and liaised with city inspectors. Directed safety and quality inspections prior to floor turnover.
Site Project Manager
Opron Construction | Muskrat Falls Hydro Project, Canada
Oversaw site execution at one of Canada’s largest hydro developments. Implemented resource schedules, equipment logistics, and manpower forecasts. Facilitated daily HSE briefings, site walk-throughs, and permit controls
Journeyman Carpenter
Various Projects | Reykjavík & South Iceland
Completed framing, formwork, and interior carpentry across multiple high-profile commercial and public infrastructure projects. Performed scaffold builds, rebar placement, and structural assembly.
Safety & Industrial Shutdown Experience
Lead Safety Advisor
Rio Tinto & Mosaic | Various Locations, Canada
Managed site-wide safety systems during facility expansions, ensuring compliance for over 300 workers. Performed hazard assessments, oversaw confined space entry, and conducted emergency drills. Delivered training on lockout/tagout and incident response.
Team Supervisor | Safety Manager | Lead Hand
Jacobs, Aecon, Kiewit, etc. | Various Projects, Canada
Supervised teams for concrete formwork, steel reinforcement, and scaffold installation across infrastructure projects (hospitals, airports). Oversaw safety and labor operations on shutdowns at Dow Chemical and Shell.
Assistant Execution Manager | Supervisor
KBR Corporation | Suncor Base Plant, Fort McMurray
Managed night shift operations for plant shutdown execution, coordinating logistics and material handoffs. Ensured safety briefings and toolbox talks were completed.
Frontline Supervisor | Safety Advisor
Lockerbie & Hole | Firebag 1, 2, & 3 - Suncor, Fort McMurray
Supported crew supervision and worksite safety during high-risk refinery and expansion work. Monitored environmental hazards and ensured compliance with fire watch protocols
Entrepreneurial Experience | Co-Founder & Director
Founder & Director of Business Development
Staff Express | St. John's, Canada
Launched and operated a workforce staffing agency supporting multiple industries. Managed client acquisition, business strategy, and daily operations.
Founder
Bakou | St. John's, Canada
Delivered signage installation services for real estate firms. Handled logistics, customer service, and scheduling.
Co-Founder | Project Manager
Allera Renovations | Calgary, Canada
Oversaw residential renovation projects, including fencing, decking, and framing. Managed client requirements, site coordination, and material sourcing.
Founder | Director
Blitz Business | Montreal, Canada
Led a street marketing company focused on event promotions and print distribution.
Founder | Producer
Hip Hop 4ever Festival | Montreal, Canada
Organized and managed a large-scale cultural festival across multiple international cities.
Education
Diploma in Security and Police Techniques Institut de Carrière Universel, Montréal
Certificate in International Trade Practice Québec Ministry of Industry & Commerce
Bsc in IT @ACME Institute, UK
Licenses and Certifications
Driver's License Valid Icelandic (Category B)
Certified in Industrial Safety Protocols
Multiple Site Credentials
Agile Project Management
Contracts & Project Documentation Workshop
Diploma in Security and Police Techniques
Mention Honorable
International Trade Practice
Certifications
Letter of Appreciation
Impact in Numbers
Experience
Years of
Experience
Project Scale
Large-Scale Builds
Oversight
Subcontractors
Geographic Focus
Languages
Safety Leadership
Workers
Founding Roles
Companies Founded
Skills
Core Competencies
Construction Site Supervision
Crew Coordination & Field Leadership
Infrastructure & Shutdown Operations
Site Inspections and Reporting
Roadwork & Utility Piping Supervision
Stakeholder Communication
Project Timeline & Risk Tracking
Documentation and Field Logs
Technical Skills
Project Management
Agile Project Management
Primavera P6
Scheduling
Coordination
RFI Tracking
Contracts & Project Documentation
Project Management
Construction Site Supervision
Crew Coordination & Field Leadership
Infrastructure & Shutdown Operations
Site Inspections and Reporting
Roadwork & Utility Piping Supervision
Stakeholder Communication
Project Timeline & Risk Tracking
Documentation and Field Logs
Construction Operations
Concrete Formwork
Scaffold Design and Oversight
Rebar Layout
Shutdown Execution
Technical Drawing Interpretation
Journeyman Carpentry
Oil & Gas Operations
Civil Infrastructure
Health & Safety
Safety Standards & Compliance
HSE Auditing
Confined Space Entry
Toolbox Talks
Incident Reporting
Fire Safety
Certified in Industrial Safety Protocols
Tools & Systems
Microsoft Office
SharePoint
AutoCAD (Basic)
Safety Dashboards
Language Skills
French
Native
English
Full Professional
Icelandic
Professional Working
Spanish
Full Professional
Italian
Elementary
Press & News
Completed
Certifications | Appreciations | Achievments
Services
Industrial & Shutdown Management
Global Project Strategy
HSE & Compliance Leadership
Resource & Procurement Strategy
Testimonials
Mark Robinson
Executive, CNRL Industrial Operations
Karl’s expertise during our plant shutdown was indispensable. His deep knowledge of confined space protocols and his proactive HSE auditing meant we hit project-critical deadlines while maintaining zero time-lost incidents. He delivered compliance and efficiency under extreme pressure.
Andrea De Santis
Director of Development, Bleu Water
“We engaged Karl to oversee a complex 60-storey residential tower project. He provided the strategic clarity needed to coordinate 50+ subcontractors, resolving design conflicts and ensuring material logistics were flawless. He doesn’t just manage the site; he manages the overall success of the business model.”
Thomas Luze
Project Engineer, T-Verg Construction
“Working on the Selfoss School project in Iceland presented unique regulatory challenges. Karl, leveraging his Journeyman skills and native understanding of global standards, ensured our entire team operated efficiently. His ability to seamlessly bridge international best practices with local code compliance was a game-changer.”
Articles
Initiate Your Project Strategy
We believe every successful build begins with a strong strategic plan. Use the form below to outline your project’s scope, timeline, or specific challenges. Karl Grah will personally review your inquiry to ensure the right blend of Global Execution and Entrepreneurial Oversight is applied from day one.