Program Manager Job Kitchener area,Waterloo Ontario Canada,Management

Location: Waterloo

Unspecified

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Program Manager to lead and oversee a portfolio of complex projects and programs, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and strategic goals. In this role, you will be responsible for driving program success by managing schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables while coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve outstanding outcomes. If you are a proactive leader with a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget, we invite you to join our team and make a significant impact on our mission.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all program phases, from initial concept through successful completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer expectations.

Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, interpreting project specifications and fostering strong relationships to ensure seamless collaboration and satisfaction.

Develop and implement programmatic strategies that align with corporate objectives, driving operational excellence and measurable outcomes.

Act as the primary contractor/customer interface for all program-related business initiatives, providing clear communication and ensuring mutual understanding of deliverables.

Manage the full contract lifecycle, including cost, schedule, and performance metrics, for company programs or subsystems of larger, complex programs.

Lead and coordinate negotiations, proposals, business plans, budgets, and contracts, ensuring accuracy and alignment with financial and operational targets.

Collaborate with business development teams to identify opportunities, contribute to proposals, and secure new business ventures.

Define and monitor cost-focused performance targets, directing work efforts to achieve or exceed financial and operational objectives.

Establish and maintain Earned Value Management System (EVMS) processes, along with cost, schedule, and technical performance controls for all assigned programs and projects.

Develop and implement comprehensive risk and opportunity management plans, ensuring proactive mitigation strategies are in place to meet customer commitments.

Oversee all program phases, from development through sustainment, ensuring adherence to technical, cost, and schedule requirements.

Monitor project progress, identifying and initiating corrective actions as necessary to maintain program alignment with goals.

Provide regular updates to senior Collins Aerospace leadership and customers on program performance, progress, and key milestones.

Mentor and guide new Program Managers, fostering professional growth and knowledge transfer to strengthen team capabilities.

Ensure compliance with Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards, equipping team members with the necessary training, tools, and supervision to perform their work safely and effectively.

Facilitate cross-functional collaboration, liaising with internal departments, external customers, and global sites to ensure smooth program execution, including technical investigations, integration development, and program reviews.

Represent the organization globally, traveling domestically and internationally to support ongoing projects and spearhead new business development efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Engineering, Management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. A Master’s degree (e.g., MBA or related field) is preferred.

PMP (Project Management Professional) certification; additional certifications in Agile/Scrum or Six Sigma are a plus.

Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in program/project management, with a proven track record of successfully managing complex, cross-functional programs. Experience in aerospace, defense, or a related industry is preferred.

Demonstrated proficiency in managing cost, schedule, technical performance, and reporting on multiple concurrent projects.

Strong leadership, team-building, and mentoring skills, with the ability to motivate and guide cross-functional teams to achieve program goals.

Proficiency in project management tools and software,…