Program Director

Havas CX Canada; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Director of People, Talent Operations to lead client programs and enhance delivery practices. This pivotal role involves overseeing multiple projects, ensuring financial health, and fostering a client-focused culture. The ideal candidate will possess extensive project management experience, particularly in agency settings, and a strong grasp of agile methodologies. This is an exciting opportunity to shape project outcomes and mentor a high-performing team in a collaborative environment, making a significant impact on client success and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years managing large, complex projects, preferably in an agency setting.
• Strong understanding of agile methodologies; certification is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the project team in determining approach, deliverables, and schedules.
• Coordinate activities of the project management team, ensuring quality output.
• Build relationships with key client members and own communications.

Skills

Project Management

Agile Methodologies

Budget Management

Risk Management

Communication Skills

Leadership

Problem-Solving

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Project Management Certification

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Havas CX Canada

Director of People, Talent Operations at Havas

Program Director

Program Directors at Havas CX have two primary objectives: 1 - Define the vision and structure of client programs and oversee their execution by our team of project managers, and 2 – Continuously improve and refine the delivery practice. As a Program Director, you may oversee multiple projects across various brands or clients to ensure overall project health (financials, resources, risks, relationships), or manage one large portfolio-sized account.

The Program Director serves as the "Lead" on large client accounts and is accountable for the organization, operational efficiencies, and health of the delivery management team within their assigned accounts. They may supervise one or more project managers and/or senior project managers. The role involves interfacing heavily with senior creative, technical, and executive management within the client to ensure the solution addresses the business requirements. They will also ensure the team understands the challenges and requirements and participate in developing solutions.

The Program Director is responsible for accurate financial management of the accounts/brands and for improving account margins. Additionally, they participate in business development and manage risks proactively to ensure project success.

Responsibilities

Planning

• Deep understanding of the client’s business needs, expectations, and requirements.
• Lead the project team in determining approach, deliverables, schedule, and tools for multiple project streams within constraints.
• Collaborate with client and project team to estimate costs and timings for various tasks, utilizing established processes and tools.
• Ensure project delivery feasibility given scope, time, and budget constraints.

Execution

• Coordinate activities of the project management team, ensuring quality output.
• Review and approve invoices and timesheets timely.
• Lead creation and delivery of SOWs and CRs.
• Ensure projects meet and exceed internal delivery standards.
• Manage core project functions like scheduling, meetings, communication, and reporting.
• Update processes and standards for documentation and ensure team compliance.
• Contribute to client deliverables to ensure relevance, quality, and timeliness.

Monitoring – Scheduling, Financials, and Risk Management

• Adhere to scope management and change control processes.
• Oversee project completion within schedule and budget.
• Maintain financial health through estimates, forecasts, invoicing, and receivables.
• Drive solutions to project risks at account and project levels.
• Develop and follow financial management processes.
• Handle team and client escalations.

Client Communication

• Build relationships with key client members and own communications.
• Promote a client-focused culture to deepen relationships and leverage broader company resources.

Team Management

• Ensure team members understand expectations, provide feedback, and develop their skills.
• Foster a high-performance, inclusive environment.
• Mentor junior staff and promote best practices.
• Collaborate with leads to develop discipline-specific best practices.

Qualifications

• 10+ years managing large, complex projects, preferably in an agency setting.
• Strong understanding of agile methodologies; certification is a bonus.
• Proven project delivery expertise including budget, scope, and time management.
• Knowledge of software development, web/mobile tech, and digital strategies.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Experience working with Creative and UX teams; IT background is preferred.
• Deep understanding of project management methodologies, issue resolution, risk management, and resource planning.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously.
• Proven leadership, motivation, and problem-solving skills.
• Capable of focusing on both big picture and details.
• 3-5 years of people management experience.