Program Manager

Permanent Full Time

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We are looking for a Program Manager within the Technology Project Management Office.

The Program Manager will be reporting into the Director, Technology Delivery and is responsible for leading large multi-million dollar initiatives in the Data AI Automation Platform division. The Program Manager works closely and effectively with various I.T. and business leaders, along with project managers and their respective project team members and external parties, to ensure the programs and projects are correctly defined, planned and delivered. The Program Manager is accountable to the Executive and Project Sponsor in the oversight and management of project delivery governance including scope, budget, schedule, and quality in order to deliver the expected business outcomes that meets leadership and client expectations.

What you will do:

• Champions and conducts strategic program planning based on business goals
• Leads and orchestrates the program, ensuring it is aligned with the business goals and that the underlying projects are being managed and executed according to established plans, project standards and controls
• Leads and supports the development of a Program and project level business cases to ensure work is well understood and defined
• Works cooperatively with IS Financial Management and BU Financial Reporting to determine the appropriate financial treatment of capital investments (i.e. expense or capitalize) and ensure accuracy in financial reporting
• Provides overall program leadership to the project/program team members
• Manages the execution of the Program work in partnership with senior business and technology management, assigned resources, to deliver a program that satisfies stakeholder expectations and the overall goals
• Defines the governance structure and ensures work is completed with an appropriate level of detail and quality, optimizing resource usage
• Oversees and manages the relationship with senior stakeholders, partnering with management in the development of strategic and operational plans
• Develops and manages an effective delivery network across project managers and other leaders
• Aligns program efforts with the business unit/organizational strategies
• Ensures program plans consider impacts on people, processes, systems and other dependent work
• Monitors benefits realization of program components to ensure they remain strategically aligned to the business unit goals
• Communicates with and reports to stakeholders to provide an integrated perspective on all program activities
• Proactively resolves scope, cost, schedule, resource, quality and risk issues within a shared governance structure across program and projects
• Provides technical thought leadership, knowledge transition and oversight of training, analysis strategies and implementation
• Ability to identify, manage and resolve conflicts across the program, including multiple, complex, competing tasks, while meeting deadlines and stakeholder satisfaction
• Demonstrated understanding of and adherence to control standards, audit practices, compliance etc.
• Oversees the management of resourcing over a large body of work crossing multiple projects or initiatives.
• Oversee project planning within the program, providing expert knowledge towards ambiguous situations, identifying and resolving problems across
• Defines and leads implementation of project management practices, processes, tools and methodologies
• Provides leadership to team towards the achievement of strategic objectives, including providing feedback to people leaders on performance, development, resource assignment, etc.
• Oversees the coaching and mentorship, lifecycle and development of resources, providing guidance on complex issues.
• Provides training and guidance to various cross-discipline resources on strategies, methods, processes, tools, approaches & methodologies.
• Is a trusted advisor and leader to senior management both within and outside of the business unit, focused on initiatives facing senior stakeholders with a major impact
• Champions practice and tooling improvements across teams
• Actively promotes and influences the need for continuous improvement
• Champions organizational change and ensures change management strategies align with business priorities
• Acts in a leadership capacity to represent teams in project/program/portfolio planning and roadmap development promoting collaboration
• Collaborates to verify overall quality of systems, and plan for quality improvements
• Collaborates to oversee change management strategies
• Rapidly acquires new knowledge, learns new skills, and applies original thinking to produce new ideas and innovative products while understanding the organization’s vision and values
• Influences others and fosters a culture of adaptability
• Thrives working in ambiguous situations
• Designs and champions practices to manage and simplify work, and use resources efficiently

What you will bring:

• Minimum 10+ years as a Project Manager in an I.T. environment (Data, Digital & AI experience is an asset) and 3+ years managing complex programs
• PMP and/or Program Management designation is considered an asset
• Extensive experience in:
  • Business case development
  • Scoping, estimating, and work management across multiple competing initiatives
  • Complex program management through ambiguous situations
  • Developing effective working relationships and conflict management across executive and senior management stakeholders on complex and large projects.
  • Conflict resolution across senior stakeholders
  • Coaching teams and individuals in project management strategies and methods
• Thought leadership and passion about not only program/project management but the business, technology and user experience
• Track record of strong team building and relationship management
• Strong understanding of the principles and frameworks of successful program and project management including demonstrated experience applying flexible delivery methodologies such as Agile Scrum, Kanban, Waterfall and Hybrid delivery approaches.
• Excellent financial management skills including capital acquisitions.
• Experience with Microsoft Project, Microsoft Power Platform (Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate), Jira, Confluence, and SharePoint.
• Ability to work in a virtual team environment, facilitating and contributing to work across geographies and across other functional teams
• Business, technical and financial acumen with the ability to apply it to the project and business landscape
• Experience in business and technical executive stakeholder relationship management across diverse areas with converging interests including the ability to informally lead and influence those stakeholders in a complex environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with significant experience developing and executing on communication plans
• Strong demonstrated understanding of risk assessment and management techniques.
• Proven track record on leading and delivering increasingly complex related projects and programs managing expectations in different contexts

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The base salary for this position is between $105,000 - $135,000 annually. This represents base salary only and does not represent other variable compensation components of our total compensation ( i.e. annual bonus, commission etc). If you are selected to move forward in our recruitment process, your recruiter will be able to discuss additional details of our total rewards program with you.

Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting, closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Grow with Canada Life 

We’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians. Our company is trusted by 1 in 3 Canadians and contributes to the strength of communities across the country.  

We’re looking for people who live our values everyday: we step up, we do the right thing, and we deliver – for our customers, communities and each other. Are you someone who always strives to do the right thing, who steps up for themselves and others, and who delivers with impact? Then we want to hear from you! 

What we offer:

We’re committed to supporting our employees through every stage of their career. Here’s what you can expect as a full-time or part-time permanent team member:

• Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement. 

• Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being. 

• Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.  

• Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options. 

• Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!  
• Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.  

Learn more about Canada Life.  

We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact  talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com. All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies.  

Canada Life would like to thank all applicants, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.