PMO Manager Lead

Location:

Ottawa, Canada In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

For decades, Ottawa has been a global technology leader. Today, Canada’s capital holds one of the brightest and most diverse technological ecosystems in North America. Voted as Canada’s best place to live 2017 by Maclean's, Ottawa offers a low cost of living with a high quality of life. The Thales Ottawa office has been a major supplier and long-term trusted partner to DND, enabling the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard to achieve mission success.

Ottawa, ON., Victoria, B.C., Halifax, N.S., (CAN.), Hybrid

Position Summary

Thales has a vacancy for a PMO Manager Lead to work closely with Program Managers to ensure that Thales’ in-service support programs are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with Thales’ strategic objectives. This role oversees governance, relational contracting, communications, planning, risk, training, performance and reporting, to maintain consistency and excellence across all initiatives.

Working closely with the Customer, executive leadership and cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment, the PMO Manager Lead drives program visibility, resource optimization, and continuous improvement. They ensure the programs meet the highest standards of quality, accuracy and compliance, while strengthening delivery capability.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Leadership & Governance Lead the PMO to ensure consistent application of governance, methodologies and standards across Thales’ in-service support programs.

Maintain frameworks, tools and processes supporting project delivery and reporting.

Establish and control the program business rhythm.

Program Oversight Monitor project performance, risks and deliverables to support proactive decision-making.

Manage resource planning and prioritization for optimal execution.

Resource Management Provide management support to the PMO team, including skills and capability development, task allocation, objective setting and training.

Planning, Performance & Risk Management Support integrated project planning, scheduling and performance tracking.

Oversee identification and mitigation of risks, maintaining accurate risk registers and action plans.

Implement lessons learned and improvement actions across programs.

Management of Travel & Living requirements.

Relational Contracting & Communications Facilitate effective communications between leadership, engineering, operations, and the Customer.

Promote transparency and clarity in program communications.

Author and maintain a Relationship Management Plan and Relationship Charter.

Plan, develop, implement and measure a Relational Contracting culture within the team and the Enterprise.

Management and facilitation of Lessons Learned sessions - ensuring a Lessons Learned culture is embedded within the Program.

Training & Capability Development Design and deliver training to strengthen project management capability across the programs.

Mentor project managers and coordinators in governance, planning, and risk management best practices.

Build a culture of knowledge sharing and professional growth within the PMO.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation Drive automation, standardization, and digital transformation within PMO operations.

Enhance program analytics and reporting using tools such as Power BI.Champion process optimization and operational excellence initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

Degree or diploma in Business Management is preferred, or relevant proven experience.

Certified Practicing Project Manager or equivalent (IPMA and/or PMP certification).

Minimum 10-15 years of experience supporting or managing complex projects.

Extensive experience working in a PMO within complex programs, particularly in the Defence and Aerospace sectors.

Evidence of the ability to provide coaching and development for less-experienced team members. Comprehensive understanding…