Program Manager

Empire; Toronto; On-site; CAD 125,440 - 174,720; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive employer-funded benefits package

Flexible work arrangements

Four weeks annual vacation

Job summary

Empire Life Investments Inc. is seeking a Program Manager in Toronto, Ontario, to lead complex business transformation projects. You will provide vital leadership and direction while ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives.

This role requires extensive project management knowledge and a commitment to delivering high-quality results on time. Join us for an opportunity to grow your skills and impact our success.

Qualifications

• 10+ years direct work experience managing large, complex business transformation projects.
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in project management methodologies and tools.
• Language proficiency in English required.

Responsibilities

• Drive the prioritization of all projects within the program.
• Negotiate and manage allocated resources across competing initiatives.
• Ensure the delivery of new products or services within quality and budget.

Skills

Project management

Change management

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Education

University degree or college diploma in Business or Technology

Tools

Office Suites

Atlassian Products

Job description

Empire Life is looking to hire a Program Manager to join our Corporate Business Solutions Delivery team! We are actively seeking candidates to fill a current, open position.

You will provide vital leadership, proactively directing the planning, coordination, and successful implementation of large, complex business transformation projects and programs, ensuring alignment with our strategic business objectives.

The total target compensation (TTC) range, including salary and target bonus, is $125,440 - $174,720. This TTC range is applicable to permanent roles only; fixed‑term contract and casual roles are not eligible for annual bonus and would receive only the base salary component. The actual base salary offered within this range will be determined by the successful candidate’s skills and experience, as well as internal equity.

Why pursue this opportunity

Play an integral role - this is an opportunity that allows you to grow your skills, while directly contributing to the business unit you are a part of.

The opportunity - collaborate with cross‑functional teams and work on a variety of projects that will keep you engaged and continuously learning.

Deliver excellence - provide a personal, accurate, professional, and courteous service and resolution to our customers.

What you’ll be working on

• Drive the prioritization of all projects and work streams within the program and identify and manage key dependencies that could impact successful delivery
• Negotiate and manage allocated resources across competing initiatives
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop business cases for identified opportunities
• Facilitate the definition of appropriate program design and governance to support desired business objectives, in collaboration with program sponsors and stakeholders
• Ensure the delivery of new products or services from the projects is to the appropriate levels of quality, on time and within budget, in accordance with the program plan
• Use customized influence strategies to persuade, convince or gain the commitment of key stakeholders
• Provide direction, coaching, motivation and support to program and project teams
• Define and champion the realignment of structures, systems and people to support the strategy and achieve business results
• Create and manage program budget; track and report expenses on a regular basis
• Schedule and track program timelines and milestones using appropriate tools
• Develop program plans and other communications documents
• Be responsible for the quality assurance and overall integrity of the program
• Manage third party contributions to the program as appropriate
• Liaise and communicate with program stakeholders on a regular basis
• Monitor and report on the progress of the program to all stakeholders on a regular basis
• Identify program issues and deal with those that can be resolved within the program teams; for larger, more complex issues, escalate to program sponsors in a timely fashion
• Identify and manage inter-project dependencies
• Proactively identify and manage program risks and mitigation strategies to minimize risk exposure
• Appropriately apply change management concepts and approaches
• Effectively manage any changes to program scope, budget or timelines following change control guidelines
• Build, develop and grow any business partnerships vital to the success of the program
• Define program success criteria and continually manage expectations with program sponsors stakeholders and team members
• Conduct post-implementation program reviews to identify successful and unsuccessful program elements, and create a summary report of findings and recommendations to share with key stakeholders

What we’re looking for you to have

• 10+ years direct work experience managing large, complex business transformation projects and/or programs
• Substantial experience building, developing and growing relationships, at all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated experience leading discussions and working effectively with senior leaders
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in project management methodologies and tools
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in change management concepts and approaches
• Technically competent with Office Suites and Atlassian Products
• Experience in the Insurance or Financial Services industry is an asset
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, applied at all levels of the organization
• A University degree or college diploma in Business, Technology or another related field or equivalent experience
• Project Management Professional (PMP) designation is an asset
• Language proficiency in English is required for communicating with customers, advisors, or employees across Canada, unless otherwise indicated in the position.

Beyond the salary

• Competitive salaries with annual pay increases
• Annual bonus program, which recognizes both strong company performance and individual contributions, for non‑sales positions
• A comprehensive employer‑funded benefits package starting from day one of employment, that includes life insurance, disability, health and dental and a generous health account
• Flexible work arrangements and an annual allotment of personal health days.
• Four weeks annual vacation from hire date
• A defined contribution pension plan with generous employer matching
• Top up programs for parental leave and compassionate leave
• Employer-sponsored wellness and recognition programs

Empire life is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity, are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and welcome everyone to participate in our application process. We encourage those of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don't believe you meet each unique qualification outlined. Applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.

Empire Life welcomes applications from people with disabilities and disabled people. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the screening and selection process. If you need this job posting in an alternative format or have any accessibility questions, please contact [e-mail].