The Director, Program Management oversees the successful execution of multiple individual projects to achieve overall organizational Program objective(s) in alignment with the strategic business transformation strategy. Reporting to the Vice President, Corporate Operations and Programs, this role coordinates efforts between key executives, individual project teams and associated stakeholders, acting as a key point of project leadership. The Director, Programs has responsibility for individual project teams and how they inter-relate and contribute to the overall internal Program objective(s).
The Director, Programs focuses on gathering the necessary data to support effective decision making, execution of strategy, identification of risks, and robust internal project execution. They apply a mix of communication and operational skills in the right proportions to fit complex, critical, organization-wide internal projects with the appropriate level of planning vs. execution resulting in an optimal mix of agility and predictability.
The ideal candidate has a history of demonstrated results leading large, cross-functional teams to accomplish complex projects related to business transformation across a matrix organization. They must thrive in fast- paced environments, be able to manage through ambiguity and complexity, create and simplify processes, and simultaneously support multiple projects impacting a growing organization. This role requires excellent communication and organizational skills and the ability to identify and eliminate bottlenecks, provide escalation management, anticipate, and make trade-offs and balance business needs versus technical constraints. The successful candidate will also need to recognize when delving into detailed project management is required to ensure desired outcomes. Maturity, curiosity, creative problem solving, and team leadership are all essential for success in this role.
Location:This position is located in Calgary, AB.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Leadership and Strategy:
- Develop and execute strategic plans for De Havilland programs, aligning them with organizational goals and industry trends.
- Execute Programs/Projects on time, on budget and within a defined scope.
- Lead, Monitor and evaluate program progress, identifying potential risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Builds a ‘one team’ culture, removes artificial hierarchy and silos within the team to ensure highest level of engagement and efficiency.
- Hires, supervises, directs and develops staff, monitoring performance in accordance with goals and objectives. Leads, coaches and mentors staff recognizing the importance of leadership, supervisory and technical training. Develops and sustains a flexible, engaged workforce encouraging staff to pursue opportunities that complement their skills and experience.
- Works collaboratively with staff to resolve technical or interpersonal issues encountered while doing their work; monitors work assignments ensuring they have the appropriate resourcing and tools.
- Facilitates information sharing to transfer knowledge and experience and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the team.
- Collaborating with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to coordinate program activities.
- Encourages employee engagement and contribution through recognition of contributions, solicitation of input to operational issues/bottlenecks, transparency in progression/promotion opportunities and other engagement opportunities.
Program Management:
- Working with project teams and stakeholders to develop individual project and overall Program budget(s) as well as implementing tracking and reporting metrics for adherence of actuals to estimates.
- Defining and executing communication strategies for various stakeholders, including facilitating stakeholder meetings with defined agendas, tracking of key deliverables and ongoing communication of progress/outcomes.
- Developing and maintaining cross-team processes and systems to gather and track key information needed for reporting and measurement of progress.
- Driving resolution on issues, risks, status and progress of the Program and its key elements.
- Producing and delivering regular updates/presentations and coordinating information sharing across the organization, as required.
- Acting as the key point of contact between various internal teams on issues, deliverables, and status updates.
- Designing and leading strategic workshops with the project teams and leaders to drive required results and outcomes.
- Making recommendations to key executives and stakeholders to improve Program-level delivery and outcomes.
Budget and Resource Management:
- Manage program budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficient resource allocation.
- Collaborate with Finance to track program expenses, invoice approvals and make necessary adjustments.
- Manage financial performance including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
- Achieve profitability targets and operational efficiencies.
- Optimize resource utilization to meet production targets while minimizing waste.
- Drives efficiencies in all areas of program operations and focuses team on continuous improvement of same.
- Monitor the progress of the program throughout the execution process to ensure that all customer requirements are met. This would require a high degree of communication and project management skills.
Customer Relations:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers.
- Understand customer needs and expectations to deliver exceptional service and solutions.
- Maintain regular communication with key customer contacts, contractors, key stakeholders and decision-makers to execute on program.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in engineering, aerospace management, or a related field with relevant certifications (e.g., PMP).
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in project and program management within the aircraft manufacturing industry or a closely related field.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, set strategic direction, and drive results.
- A strong understanding of aircraft manufacturing processes, quality control, and regulatory requirements.
- Ability to manage in a matrix environment with multiple projects across diverse businesses.
- Advanced presentation skills with experience presenting to senior executive.
- Strong entrepreneurial leadership capabilities with the ability to inspire and motivate teams toward achieving ambitious goals.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Strong communicator, both verbal and written.
- Excellent financial acumen with proficiency in managing budgets, P&L statements, and financial forecasts.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Ability to build relationships and negotiate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- A commitment to maintaining high safety standards in all program activities.
- Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
Other
- Able to travel to other sites / customer sites as required therefore successful applicants will be required to establish, and maintain, legal ability to travel both domestically and internationally.
- This position is located in Calgary, AB. Candidates must be willing to relocate to Calgary if applying from out of province.
