Program Leader

Defence Construction Canada; Winnipeg; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in Winnipeg seeks a Program Leader to manage a team delivering infrastructure projects across Canada. Candidates should have a university degree in a relevant field and strong leadership skills, along with experience in construction or engineering. The role offers excellent growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including hybrid work options.

Benefits

Public service pension

100% employer-paid health and dental premiums

Wellness Allowance

Support for mental health services

Paid leave and vacation plans

Qualifications

• Minimum six years of relevant experience or equivalent.
• Specialized knowledge, training, or professional certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee operations of multiple service lines.
• Lead the development and delivery of services at the site.
• Coordinate service line integration and collaboration.

Skills

Leadership and organizational abilities

Knowledge in construction or contract administration

Experience in civil or electrical engineering

Education

University degree in construction, engineering, architecture, or environmental services

Job description

Are you ready to lead a dynamic team making a real impact across Canada?

We're looking for an inspiring leader to guide a group of skilled professionals in delivering critical airfield and aerodrome infrastructure projects from coast to coast. If you bring strong leadership and organizational abilities—along with experience in construction or contract administration, particularly in civil or electrical engineering—you’ll thrive in this role.

Join us and help shape the future of defence infrastructure in Canada.

The Program Leader manages a group of employees at a site, usually including team leaders who provide services to the Client-Partners as part of large, complex, and high-risk projects and programs. The incumbent provides support within one or more service lines, monitors project activities—including those of contractors, consultants, and stakeholders—and reports on these activities to the Client-Partners and DCC regional management. The incumbent leads a team of professionals, manages human resources responsibilities, and maintains the Client-Partner relationship. The role involves developing creative solutions, fostering collaboration, and ensuring quality and timeliness of deliverables.

KEY AND PERIODIC ACTIVITIES

The duties and responsibilities listed below are representative but not all-inclusive:

Primary

• Help the Site Manager develop and manage the financial aspects of the business unit (e.g., prepare and track budgets, financial reporting, monitor key performance indicators, allocate hours for service level arrangements)
• Lead the development and delivery of services at the site, including cross-service line integration
• Manage operations of large and complex projects or programs for multiple service lines (e.g., develop and manage service level arrangements, manage contracts, conduct quality assurance, update and track financials, budgets, schedules, and oversee staff and consultants)
• Assist in developing service level arrangements for specialized programs to meet Client-Partner requirements
• Provide technical advice and direction to team members
• Perform quality control by reviewing deliverables from consultants and contractors, and conducting site visits
• Manage and coordinate service line integration and collaboration within the business unit and among stakeholders
• Support regional and national objectives as outlined in the Corporate Plan
• Promote and manage business development opportunities
• Develop and maintain effective relationships within DCC, with industry, Client-Partners, and stakeholders
• Ensure quality standards are met in line with corporate and Client-Partner expectations
• Manage risk
• Perform human resources functions such as coaching, supervising, mentoring, planning, and performance management

Other

• Conduct public consultations and presentations to promote program awareness
• Respond to audit findings
• Perform other duties as assigned

SKILLS

General and Specific Knowledge

• Best practices, methods, trends, and legislation in construction, engineering, architecture, or environmental services
• Best practices and trends in strategic planning, financial management, and human resources management
• Project, contract, and risk management principles
• Health and safety management

Formal Education and/or Certification(s) and Experience

• Minimum: university degree in construction, engineering, architecture, or environmental services, or related field with six years’ relevant experience, or equivalent
• Preferred: specialized knowledge, training, or professional certification in one or more DCC service lines

Abilities

• Use applicable computer software and operating systems
• Apply project, contract, and risk management techniques
• Demonstrate leadership and human resources management skills

DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP

• Lead and manage direct and indirect reports
• Provide functional direction and advice to employees and Client-Partners

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Typical office environment with occasional travel
• Some work may be on construction sites; basic safety equipment may be required

Check out the benefits

Working with DCC offers excellent growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, valued at 25% to 30% of your salary, including:

• Public service pension
• 100% employer-paid sick leave, health and dental premiums, life, accidental death, and disability insurance
• Wellness Allowance
• Support for mental health services
• Health Care Spending Account
• Virtual Health Care
• Maternity and parental leave top-up
• Hybrid work options with allowances
• Employee assistance programs
• Travel benefits
• Paid leave and vacation plans