Project Manager (6 Month Contract)

Certified Group; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Certified Group is seeking a Project Manager (PMO) reporting to the Director, PMO, to drive end-to-end project lifecycle management for nicotine, cannabis, and NHP work. You will build and maintain strong client relationships while providing technical guidance on testing portfolios and reporting requirements.

You will collaborate across Business Development, R&D, Client Services, and Operations to forecast, plan, and execute projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of operations experience in a CRO or testing environment.
• Experience with cannabis, NHP, and/or tobacco/nicotine testing methods.
• 3+ years of leading projects or project teams.
• Strong PM capabilities with knowledge of methodologies and best practices.
• Proven track record of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of GLP, GMP, and ISO 17025.

Responsibilities

• Oversee lifecycle management of nicotine, cannabis, and NHP projects at Kitchener and Edmonton facilities.
• Manage client-facing project workflows, protocols, reports, and summaries.
• Maintain high-level short- and mid-term toxicology forecasts.
• Monitor progress, flag risks, and communicate with clients for timely resolution.
• Report PMO performance metrics to management.
• Support internal and client audits as required.
• Identify opportunities for new services and revenue generation.
• Support Client Services in quotes and requests.

Skills

Project management

Continuous improvement

Regulatory & quality systems

Leadership

Client relationship mgmt

GxP knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Toxicology

Job description

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise – So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

Our Brands

Certified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries:

• Certified Laboratories – Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.
• Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.
• Labstat – A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
• EAS Consulting Group – A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.
• FSNS Certification & Audit – Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director, PMO, the Project Manager (PMO) serves as the primary point of contact for active clients, overseeing end-to-end project lifecycle management. This role is responsible for building and maintaining strong client relationships while acting as a centralized resource for technical expertise related to the testing portfolio and reporting requirements.

The PMO Project Manager plays a key cross-functional role, collaborating with Business Development, R&D, Client Services, and Operations to support and grow the nicotine, cannabis, and natural health products (NHP) business. The role also includes responsibility for high-level short- and mid-term toxicology project forecasting and execution of PMO processes.

• Participate as a member of the PMO team responsible for lifecycle management of all nicotine, cannabis, and NHP commercial projects across the Kitchener and Edmonton facilities.
• Manage all client-facing project workflows, including preparation and oversight of protocols, reports, and summaries.
• Maintain and update high-level short- and mid-term toxicology project forecasts.
• Monitor project progress, proactively identify potential delays or issues, and communicate effectively with clients to ensure transparency and timely resolution.
• Report PMO performance metrics to management.
• Participate in internal and client audits as required.
• Identify and support opportunities for new services and revenue generation.
• Support Client Services in preparing quotes and responding to new or existing client requests.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring a clear understanding of client needs and expectations.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and empowered decision-making.
• Support resolution of customer complaints in a timely and professional manner.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Toxicology, or a related scientific discipline.

Experience:

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in operations within a Contract Research Organization (CRO) or testing environment.
• Experience with cannabis, natural health products (NHP), and/or tobacco/nicotine testing methods is required.
• 3+ years of experience leading projects or project teams.
• Strong project management capabilities with knowledge of methodologies and best practices.
• Proven track record of leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of applicable regulatory frameworks, including GLP, GMP, and ISO 17025.

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make employment decisions without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.