AI Projects Manager

Actlabs; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global laboratory services leader is seeking an experienced AI Projects Manager to lead transformative AI initiatives. This pivotal role requires expertise in translating business objectives into AI solutions that enhance lab operations and client decision-making. Candidates should possess a strong background in project management and AI delivery, ensuring projects are completed on time and meet organizational goals. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to innovation and client success in Hamilton, Ontario.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health Spending Account

Generous leave options

Career Development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of product management experience with AI or data-driven initiatives.
• Experience delivering complex AI/ML projects in regulated environments.
• Project management certification preferred (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile).

Responsibilities

• Oversee the AI project lifecycle from ideation to production deployment.
• Define project scope and requirements for AI features.
• Guide cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Identify and manage project risks and dependencies.

Skills

Project management

AI delivery experience

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Understanding of machine learning

Business process understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering or relevant AI disciplines

Job description

About Actlabs

Actlabs is a global leader in laboratory analytical services with over 35 years of experience serving a wide range of industries, including mining, environment, agriculture, cannabis, health, life sciences, petroleum, and more. With a strong presence in Canada and internationally, we invest in cutting‑edge technologies and innovative methods to continually advance the sectors we serve. At Actlabs, we value the professional and personal development of our team. Join a fast‑growing company at the forefront of applied science, where your contributions truly make a difference.

About the Role

Actlabs is seeking an experienced AI Projects Manager to lead the development and deployment of AI‑driven initiatives that enhance laboratory operations, data quality, and client decision‑making. This role requires someone who understands how to translate business objectives into delivered AI solutions that create real business value—a pragmatic leader who can bridge business objectives with technical execution, and drive adoption across our global laboratory network.

The ideal candidate brings strong project management discipline, practical AI delivery experience, and sharp business awareness to drive measurable results. You will work at the intersection of laboratory science, data science, engineering, and business to deliver AI solutions that improve operational efficiency, ensure data integrity, and create differentiated value for clients across mining, geochemistry, environmental testing, and related domains.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Project Management

• Oversee the AI project lifecycle from ideation to production deployment, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and aligned to business objectives
• Define project scope, requirements, and acceptance criteria for AI features in collaboration with project stakeholders
• Develop project plans, manage timelines, allocate resources, and track progress across multiple concurrent initiatives
• Guide data engineers and AI/ML engineers to:
• Define model objectives, inputs, outputs, constraints, and performance thresholds
• Balance accuracy, explainability, robustness, and operational constraints
• Knows what questions to ask data scientists / engineers over the project lifecycle
• Prioritize backlog and roadmap items based on business impact, risk, and feasibility.
• Coordinate cross‑functional stakeholders including data scientists, engineers, laboratory staff, and commercial stakeholders
• Report project status, milestones, impacts, KPIs and outcomes to senior leadership
• Identify and manage project risks, dependencies, and issues proactively
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate build‑vs‑buy decisions for AI capabilities

Project Strategy & Value Creation

• Identify and shape high‑impact AI use cases across the organization.
• Build compelling business cases that articulate ROI, risk, feasibility and resource requirements
• Align AI initiatives with Actlabs’ commercial goals and objectives, accreditation requirements, and client expectations.
• Ensure AI products reinforce Actlabs’ reputation for high quality, integrity and innovation.
• Define and monitor success metrics and KPIs that demonstrate tangible business impact (turnaround time, error or rework reduction, client satisfaction/retention, cost reduction, etc), ensuring AI investments deliver measurable returns without compromising quality or trust

Laboratory & Scientific Integration

• Work closely with laboratory managers, scientists, and technical directors to understand workflows, instrumentation, and data generation processes.
• Translate laboratory and client needs into AI product requirements grounded in scientific reality.
• Ensure AI outputs are interpretable, explainable, and usable by scientists and clients.
• Support AI‑assisted decision tools without replacing or compromising expert scientific judgment.

Data Integrity & Model Lifecycle

• Define data governance, quality standards, lineage, and auditability requirements for AI systems.
• Ensure models are trained, validated, deployed, and monitored according to best practices.
• Monitor model performance, drift, bias, and failure modes in production.
• Establish clear retraining, versioning, and rollback processes.

Responsible AI & Compliance

• Ensure AI products comply with: Laboratory accreditation standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025 where applicable); data protection and confidentiality obligations; internal quality assurance and audit requirements
• Identify and mitigate risks related to data integrity, model performance, operational disruption, incorrect results, misuse, or misinterpretation of AI outputs.
• Support documentation and explainability needed for audits, client inquiries, and regulatory reviews.

Client / Stakeholder Engagement & Adoption

• Collaborate with commercial, client services, and technical sales teams to align AI products with client needs.
• Support client‑facing AI features (e.g., dashboards, insights, alerts) that enhance trust and transparency.
• Work closely with laboratory managers, scientists, and technical directors to understand workflows and secure buy‑in
• Communicate AI capabilities and limitations clearly to stakeholders, including non‑technical.
• Gather feedback from internal users and clients to guide continuous improvement.
• Drive user adoption through effective change management, training, and communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering or other relevant AI disciplines
• Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile equivalent) is valued
• 5+ years of product management experience, with at least 3 years of direct ownership of AI, machine learning or data‑driven initiatives.
• Experience working with scientific, laboratory, or industrial data / collaborating with data scientists, engineers, and domain experts.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex AI/ML projects in regulated or quality‑critical environments into production, on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Experience driving adoption and change management for technology initiatives
• Track record of managing budgets, timelines, and executive reporting

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to translate scientific and technical complexity into clear product value, as well as ability to translate technical constraints into business trade‑offs
• Experience defining success metrics, making data‑driven decisions and tracking success metrics.
• Excellent project management skills—able to influence without authority across diverse teams and communicate effectively to a broad range of stakeholders (technical; scientific; executives)
• Deep understanding of business processes
• Solid understanding of:
• Machine learning fundamentals and model evaluation, sufficient to guide requirements, evaluate vendor/team proposals, know the feasibility of projects with AI and manage technical teams effectively
• Data pipelines, structured and unstructured data, data quality requirements, and integration considerations
• Model lifecycle management (scoping, data requirements, model development, validation, deployment, and monitoring)
• Ability to understand laboratory data flows and instrumentation outputs (training provided where needed).
• Strong appreciation for data integrity, traceability, and quality control. Familiarity with AI risks including bias, drift, explainability, and over‑reliance.
• Strong awareness of AI risks in high‑stakes environments (incorrect results, bias, over‑reliance).
• Commitment to responsible AI, transparency, and scientific integrity.
• Experience working with QA, compliance, or accreditation teams is a plus.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: We value your expertise and offer a competitive salary package.
• Health Spending Account: Access to a health spending account for your medical needs.
• Leave for Life's Reasons: Generous leave options including vacation, flex time, sick leave, and parental leave.
• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.

Ready to Join Our Team?

Apply now and become part of a company where your skills are valued, your ideas are heard, and your ambitions are supported. Apply now and take the next step in your career with us!

Diversity & Inclusion at Actlabs

Actlabs is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful environment for all. Every application will be reviewed fairly and equitably. We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

AI may be used to screen or source possible candidates.