Project Manager (Project Management Office)

Status: Full time, indefinite

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, or Toronto, Ontario (hybrid)

Closing date: Open until filled

Salary range: $70,890 to $86,650 per year

Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) is a pan-Canadian health organization. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization with offices in Ottawa and Toronto. Created and funded by Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments, we drive better coordination, alignment, and public value within Canada’s drug, health technology, and health systems landscape. We provide health system leaders in Canada with independent evidence and advice, empowering them to make informed decisions about drugs, health technologies, and broader health system strategies and investments, and we collaborate with national and international partners to enhance our collective impact.

CDA-AMC was named 1 of the National Capital Region’s top employers for the third year in a row. This recognition celebrates our dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that nurtures growth and innovation. It reaffirms our ongoing efforts to create an outstanding workplace where our employees thrive and feel valued.

Hybrid Work Arrangement

At CDA-AMC, employees participate in a hybrid workspace arrangement that allows for flexibility and enhanced work-life balance. We believe in the positive impact of in-person collaboration and the importance of team building. This position follows a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of 2 days onsite, though this requirement may vary based on business and operational needs.

Primary Focus

We are seeking to fill a current opening on our Project Management Office (PMO) team. The Project Manager ensures projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget, while driving continuous improvement, excellence in reporting, and organizational alignment. This includes developing, implementing, and delivering training on project management best practices, as well as partnering across the organization to provide structured project leadership and advance PMO standards.

The role also involves identifying, documenting, and optimizing product-related processes to improve efficiency, standardization, and alignment with customer needs. 

What do the daily responsibilities look like?

On any given day, the Project Manager will:

• promote project management best practices and knowledge sharing using a Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)–based methodology, including building an internal community of practice
• assess end-to-end product life cycle processes (from initiation to close) to identify gaps, inconsistencies, duplication, and risks, and develop recommendations to improve efficiency and mitigate risk
• develop and maintain PMO tools and templates (e.g., charters, schedules, budgets, change management)
• document and maintain core CDA-AMC product processes, including detailed process maps and business requirements
• lead the development and implementation of change management plans for updates to project management policies, processes, and procedures
• manage all nonresearch components of assigned projects, including scheduling, status reporting, onboarding contributors, budgeting, risk and issue management, and task coordination; projects may be complex, long term, and involve diverse cross-functional teams
• track and report on project and portfolio-level key performance indicators (KPIs), including supporting PMO dashboards and portfolio reporting
• strengthen resource and capacity planning through data-driven approaches, leveraging enterprise tools and emerging capabilities, such as artificial intelligence-based tools and advanced analytics
• administer Birdview’s Enterprise Project Management software
• support performance measurement and reporting, including KPIs, to enable timely decision-making and provide visibility into project performance and organizational capacity
• lead continuous improvement initiatives and support adoption of process changes through training and engagement
• analyze product performance by monitoring and interpreting key metrics and trends
• manage and escalate project budgets to ensure delivery within scope, timeline, and cost parameters
• partner closely with project owners while maintaining accountability for the successful execution of complex projects
• provide ad hoc project support across CDA-AMC as needed.

Is this the right role for you?

The Project Manager will likely have:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• a postsecondary education in business or a related field, such as technology or health research
• formal training in project management is also required, along with at least 3 years of experience in leading complex projects; additional relevant experience may be considered a suitable equivalent for the required education
• advanced computer skills using the Microsoft tools suite, including SharePoint, Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
• at least 5 years’ experience with a project enterprise management tool including administration, such as Project Online, Asana, Smartsheet, Wrike, or Planner Enterprise
• advanced knowledge and experience with quality frameworks (i.e., Lean, Six Sigma, PMBOK)
• knowledge of change management principles (i.e., Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement [ADKAR], Prosci)
• advanced skills in process mapping, documenting, and business process re-engineering
• demonstrated ability to analyze business processes and workflows from a systems thinking approach
• strong facilitation and training skills with the ability to engage management and employees
• advanced writing and communications skills
• experience in the application of project management principles and the implementation of best practices, including coaching others in the application of principles and practice
• expertise in developing and maintaining project schedules
• excellent organizational skills with a well-developed ability to plan and manage priorities
• strong interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
• ability to proactively identify risks to the successful completion of projects, problem solve, and recommend the best course of action appropriate to customer needs and the culture at CDA-AMC
• flexibility and adaptability within a dynamic working environment to anticipate needs and successfully manage multiple tasks, conflicting priorities, and regular process changes while supporting several different product types concurrently
• ability to work under pressure and handle confidential matters with discretion.

What will set you apart?

The following qualifications may help you stand out:

• experience working within a PMO or structured project environment
• experience with portfolio reporting tools (e.g., PowerBI, Birdview PSA)
• exposure to process re-engineering and organizational transformation initiatives
• project management experience in a research environment
• fluency in French.

What’s in it for you?

At CDA-AMC, you will find:

• a team-focused, supportive, and inclusive work environment
• a competitive compensation package, including participation in a defined benefit pension plan with the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• a comprehensive benefits package for employees and dependents, including health, dental, life, and travel insurance; spending accounts to meet your health care and individual wellness needs; and an employee assistance program
• generous paid time off (including a minimum of 4 weeks of vacation, paid sick leave and life leave, a December holiday closure, your birthday as a paid day off, and other leave options)
• flexible hours and a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance
• opportunities to work with and learn from highly specialized professionals
• personal growth through professional development opportunities, corporate training, and support for continuing education
• a friendly culture in which community engagement is supported and people’s efforts and important milestones are recognized
• the opportunity to make a difference for people living in Canada and effect positive change.

To apply for this position, visit the Careers section of our website. Your application must clearly identify how your skills and experience relate to the requirements of this role. You can also share a portfolio or work samples to showcase your skills and experience to give us a clearer understanding of what you can do. Applications for this opportunity may be used for future staffing vacancies. We thank you for your interest; however, only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to help us get to know you, and for you to get to know us. It includes introductory calls, a panel interview, and opportunities to showcase your skills. You will also have time to ask questions and explore how you can contribute to the team and organization.

Our applicant tracking system includes artificial intelligence features; however, these are not used in our selection or assessment processes. All hiring decisions, including application screening, are made by our hiring team members, who carefully review each application.

At CDA-AMC, our employees share a passion for building the future of the health systems in Canada. We recognize that our employees bring diverse strengths, experiences, and backgrounds. One of our collective strengths is our commitment to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

CDA-AMC is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We highly encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including Indigenous people, people of all places of origin and religions, people with disabilities, people who are neurodivergent, people who are racialized, women, and people from 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

We provide accommodations during all phases of the recruitment process. If you require any accommodations, please let the Talent Acquisition team know when they contact you. We will work with you to meet your needs.

Please note that, as a condition of employment, successful candidates will be required to complete a confidential pre-employment background check, including criminal, employment, and education verifications.

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada.

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