Program Director, MTAS

VenorTalent; Dartmouth; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading marine technology firm in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, is seeking a Program Director for the Marine Technology for Arctic Surveillance (MTAS) program. This role involves managing complex marine technology projects, leading a dynamic team, and ensuring successful project execution. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of leadership experience in relevant fields and a strong understanding of systems integration. This position requires travel to remote locations and offers the opportunity to significantly influence Canada's ocean economy.

Benefits

Networking opportunities

Impactful role in marine technology development

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in complex project or program management.
• Experience in marine technology, defence, innovation, or R&D sectors.
• Eligibility for a Government of Canada security clearance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of the MTAS program.
• Oversee a portfolio of complex marine technology projects.
• Plan logistics for system tests and technical trials.
• Build productive partnerships with stakeholders.
• Provide updates and performance metrics to leadership.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Systems integration

Operational logistics

Presentation skills

Microsoft Office Suite proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, environmental studies, or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Who is COVE?

COVE is a tech hub and commercialization partner home to more than 400 organizations that use its facilities, services, and programs. COVE brings together industry, academia, and government to accelerate marine technology development and commercialization – from seabed to space – ensuring resilient supply chains built with Canadian solutions. Through its vast international network, COVE has been at the forefront of providing invaluable networking opportunities, fostering connections, and leading discussions within the global marine technology community.

COVE spearheads programs aimed at nurturing talent, expediting the release of technology products, and bolstering the success of emerging ventures by startups, scaleups, and SMEs. These initiatives, coupled with COVE’s ability to harness diverse skills and expertise nationally within the innovation ecosystem, serve as an enabler for overcoming industry challenges, driving economic growth, and delivering value to investors.

As COVE experiences rapid expansion, we are actively seeking to expand our team to further bolster our transformational influence on the marine sector. We recognize that our journey toward this goal hinges on the strength of our team – a group of individuals who collaborate, innovate, and continually strive for excellence. Join us as we embark on this exciting journey of discovery and advancement.

Reporting to the VP of Major Projects & Innovation, the Program Director, MTAS is responsible for leading the successful planning and execution of COVE’s Marine Technology for Arctic Surveillance (MTAS) program. This high-impact role manages a portfolio of complex, multi-year projects both onshore and offshore, involving a dynamic mix of government, industry, and academic stakeholders. The Director will lead an agile, matrix-structured team of high-performing professionals, ensuring the delivery of testing and validation activities aligned with project scope, timelines, and budgets. The role includes the planning and execution of innovation challenges, technical trials, and system tests, as well as coordinating logistics for deployments, including missions to Canada’s North. Serving as the primary point of contact for project sponsors, the Director will provide strategic guidance on project delivery, implementation, resource planning, risk mitigation, and future-phase development to support long-term program success.

What You’ll Do

• Lead end-to-end delivery of the MTAS program, from planning through deployment, testing, and validation.
• Oversee a portfolio of complex marine technology projects (onshore and offshore), ensuring alignment with scope, budget, and schedule.
• Plan and manage all logistics for system tests, technical trials, and field deployments—including missions to Canada’s North.
• Build and maintain strong, productive partnerships with government, industry, and academic stakeholders to advance program goals.
• Provide clear, timely updates, performance metrics, and strategic recommendations to internal leadership and external partners.
• Identify, establish, and manage relationships with third-party providers, researchers, and vendors.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and operational standards.
• Support field operations and partner engagement through regular travel, including to remote and Arctic regions.
• Contribute to COVE’s broader strategic initiatives as needed.

Who You Are

• Highly motivated, analytical, logical thinking with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and/or unexpected deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong understanding of systems integration, innovation processes, and operational logistics in remote or offshore marine environments.
• Demonstrated experience working with or alongside government agencies, particularly defence R&D or similar organizations.
• Willingness and ability to travel, including to remote/Northern locations.
• Ability to work autonomously or in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Strong technical skills with the ability to learn new processes and systems quickly.
• Eligibility for a Government of Canada security clearance is preferred.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, environmental studies, or a related discipline. Equivalent experience will be considered.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in complex project or program management, preferably within marine technology, defence, innovation, or R&D sectors.

Assets:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience with Agile or other project management frameworks.
• Background in R&D or innovation-focused projects/programs.
• Experience working in a defence context.

Why Join COVE?

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of Canada’s ocean economy from the heart of Atlantic Canada. You’ll work alongside innovators, industry leaders, and mission-driven professionals. Interested candidates can reach out to Shardeigh McGillivray at [e-mail] & Anna Bryant at [e-mail].

Venor is an Atlantic Canadian recruiting firm specializing in recruitment solutions, executive search, career transition & outplacement services.

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