Program Manager

• Play an integral role - this is an opportunity that allows for you to grow your skills, while directly contributing to the business unit you are a part of.
• The opportunity - collaborate with cross-functional teams and work on a variety of projects that will keep you engaged and continuously learning.
• Deliver excellence - provide a personal, accurate, professional, and courteous service and resolution to our customers.

• Drive the prioritization of all projects and work streams within the program and identify and manage key dependencies that could impact successful delivery
• Negotiate and manage allocated resources across competing initiatives
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop business cases for identified opportunities
• Facilitate the definition of appropriate program design and governance to support desired business objectives, in collaboration with program sponsors and stakeholders
• Ensure the delivery of new products or services from the projects is to the appropriate levels of quality, on time and within budget, in accordance with the program plan
• Use customized influence strategies to persuade, convince or gain the commitment of key stakeholders
• Provide direction, coaching, motivation and support to program and project teams
• Define and champion the realignment of structures, systems and people to support the strategy and achieve business results
• Create and manage program budget; track and report expenses on a regular basis
• Schedule and track program timelines and milestones using appropriate tools
• Develop program plans and other communications documents
• Be responsible for the quality assurance and overall integrity of the program
• Manage third party contributions to the program as appropriate
• Liaise and communicate with program stakeholders on a regular basis
• Monitor and report on the progress of the program to all stakeholders on a regular basis
• Identify program issues and deal with those that can be resolved within the program teams; for larger, more complex issues, escalate to program sponsors in a timely fashion
• Identify and manage inter-project dependencies
• Proactively identify and manage program risks and mitigation strategies to minimize risk exposure
• Appropriately apply change management concepts and approaches
• Effectively manage any changes to program scope, budget or timelines following change control guidelines
• Build, develop and grow any business partnerships vital to the success of the program
• Define program success criteria and continually manage expectations with program sponsors stakeholders and team members
• Conduct post-implementation program reviews to identify successful and unsuccessful program elements, and create a summary report of findings and recommendations to share with key stakeholders

What we’re looking for you to have

• 10+ years direct work experience managing large, complex business transformation projects and/or programs
• Substantial experience building, developing and growing relationships, at all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated experience leading discussions and working effectively with senior leaders
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in project management methodologies and tools
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in change management concepts and approaches
• Technically competent with Office Suites and Atlassian Products
• Experience in the Insurance or Financial Services industry is an asset
• Presentation skills
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, applied at all levels of the organization
• A University degree or college diploma in Business, Technology or another related field or equivalent experience
• Project Management Professional (PMP) designation is an asset
• If you are applying for a position which is open to applicants across Canada, unless otherwise indicated in the position, language proficiency in English is required for communicating with customers, advisors, or employees across Canada.

Beyond the salary

• Competitive salaries with annual pay increases
• Annual bonus program, which recognizes both strong company performance and individual contributions, for non sales positions
• Competitive uncapped commission, for sales positions
• A comprehensive employer-funded benefits package starting from day one of employment, that includes life insurance, disability, health and dental and a generous health account
• Flexible work arrangements and an annual allotment of personal health days.
• Four weeks annual vacation from hire date
• A defined contribution pension plan with generous employer matching
• Top up programs for parental leave and compassionate leave
• Employer-sponsored wellness and recognition programs

• A cash employee referral program

To learn more about working at Empire Life, visit https://www.empire.ca/workatempire.

Get to know us

Empire life is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity, are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and welcome everyone to participate in our application process. We encourage those of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don't believe you meet each unique qualification outlined. Applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.