Program Manager

Carleton University; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Carleton University is seeking a Program Manager to lead Planning, Design and Construction programs on the Ottawa campus. You will oversee the full lifecycle from initiation through implementation to steady-state operations, ensuring outcomes, performance, and continuous improvements.

The role requires seven+ years in program management, strong leadership and budgeting skills, and the ability to work in a matrixed university environment. A bachelor's degree in a related field is essential.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing complex corporate projects, cross-functional initiatives and high-visibility programs.
• Knowledge of operational management concepts including planning, budgeting, performance measurement, and HR.
• Experience in developing cost estimates and budgets for projects.
• Ability to manage contracts with contractors, subcontractors and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and oversee Programs initiated through Planning Design and Construction (PDC).
• Ensure program outcomes are achieved, performance is maintained, and continuous improvements are realized.
• Act as primary accountability for program performance and outcomes.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Risk management

Contract management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or related field

Job description

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Job Number: J0726-0193

Job Title: Program Manager

Job Type: Continuing Full Time

Department: Planning Design and Construction

Job Category: Facilities Management and Planning

Number of Positions: 1

Date Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 07/08/2026

Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 21/08/2026

Salary (with Salary Rate): 100,264.00 - 130,343.00/Year

Employee Group: Non-Union

Salary Level: NU06

Hours Per Week: 35

Date Position Available: 27/07/2026

About Carleton University

Carleton University is situated on unceded Algonquin territory and bordered by the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Ottawa, Ontario. The university is just minutes from the heart of our nation's government and G-7 organizations and this capital advantage provides opportunities for staff and faculty and students to make a positive impact in our community and around the world.

Named a Top 100 Employer in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and a National Capital Region Top Employer for 10 consecutive years, Carleton University is one of Canada’s most resourceful and productive hubs of learning and research, fuelling a rich talent pipeline that is supporting social and economic renewal. The university’s smart, caring and connected community inspires and empowers individuals to become change leaders who drive impact in the world while challenging conventional modes of thinking and doing. At Carleton, we are committed to fostering an innovative, equitable and welcoming work environment. Carleton is also a nationally certified Healthy Workplace and is a recipient of the Canada Awards for Excellence, Healthy Workplace Order of Excellence and Platinum Level Certification for Mental Health at Work.

The university’s Strategic Integrated Plan 2020-2025 is an ambitious vision for the future, anchored in Carleton’s strengths and student-centric, community-engaged values.

Duties And Responsibilities

Responsible for the planning, delivery, operational oversight, and sustained performance of Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) Programs. This role manages the full lifecycle of Programs initiated through PDC — from initiation through implementation and into steady-state operations—ensuring that program outcomes are achieved, operational performance is maintained, and continuous improvements are realized. The Program Manager balances strategic delivery with hands-on operational management to ensure long-term program success and serves as the primary point of accountability for program performance and outcomes.

Qualifications

The incumbent must possess the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience managing complex corporate projects, cross-functional initiatives, and high-visibility programs, including delivery and operational accountability
• Knowledge of operational management and leadership concepts including program/service delivery models, policy development, planning, budgeting, performance measurement management and human resources
• Demonstrated experience managing high-visibility programs, operational performance or sustained programs with significant stakeholders and budgets.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to accurately estimate costs, considering labour and service requirements
• Experience in developing detailed cost estimates for project budgeting
• Knowledge in developing project schedules and program sequences
• Ability to identify potential risks and develop risk mitigation strategies
• Experience in promoting and enforcing a culture of safety
• Proficient in managing contracts with contractors, subcontractors, and vendors
• Experience with various and customized contract terms and conditions.
• Experience in identifying and implementing cost-saving measures during the design, development, implementation and sustainment phases.
• Understanding of University campus culture and stakeholders.
• Collaboration with specialists to ensure integration and efficiency of programs.

• Experience leading a team in a unionized work environment would be considered an asset

Education And Experience

The above is normally acquired through the completion of:

• Completion of bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of seven years of previous program management, preferably in a large organization in the planning, design and construction function. Includes minimum two years of managerial and leadership experience to manage a team. Work experience in higher education would be highly preferred
• Experience working in matrixed or cross-functional environments.

HR Note

Equivalencies will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to provide information which may demonstrate equivalent qualifications. Please note that applicants may be required to complete an employment test as part of the selection process for this position. Those applicants that are selected for an interview will be requested to contact the Human Resource Advisor assigned to this competition as soon as possible to discuss any accommodation requirements. Arrangements will be made to accommodate your request in a timely manner. Carleton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our University including, but not limited to: women; visible minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expressions.

Health and Safety Requirements

This position is regularly required to work on campus in person. In the event of a public health emergency or a health and safety issue, it is possible that you may be required to work temporarily remotely due to public health orders, directives and/or health and safety requirements. If this happens, you will work with your direct manager to set up a remote work environment including discussing appropriate technology and requirements. You are required to follow all University policies and directives, including to set up a safe and confidential workspace in a remote location and ensure all Carleton property (intellectual and other) is safeguarded. If required to work remotely, you will be notified by your manager when working full time physically onsite will resume.

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