Senior Project Manager

vectorinstitute; Toronto; On-site; CAD 101,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Floating days

GRRSP

Health Spending Account

Summer Hours

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Vector Institute in Toronto seeks a Senior Project Manager to act as the liaison between external industry partners and Vector research activities, coordinating the delivery of industry initiatives. You will oversee project management functions, monitor progress, and coordinate development discussions to support Vector's growing industry portfolio.

The role drives use-case development, pilot projects, and success storytelling while maintaining stakeholder alignment and ensuring strategic

Qualifications

• University degree in a business or technical field; PMP or PMI certification preferred.
• A minimum of five years leading medium- to large-sized projects with SMEs, startups/scaleups, or technology adoption initiatives.
• Adept at building and effectively managing multidisciplinary project teams, prioritizing competing needs, and following through to completion.
• Excellent analytical, reporting and communication skills with proficiency in program analytics and budget management.
• Positive attitude, integrity and motivation for continuous learning and impact in AI.

Responsibilities

• Lead industry partner engagements to ideate AI projects, recruit participants, and develop project plans.
• Manage project execution and participant engagement across SME and enterprise segments, monitoring progress and aligning with objectives.
• Supervise interns and team members on project management best practices and assist with operational challenges.
• Collaborate with participants to define milestones, success metrics, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Develop use cases and pilots with industry/SME partners, fostering algorithm and methodological innovation.
• Capture and curate project success stories for PR and marketing collateral.
• Design and manage integrated reporting frameworks and deliver strategic insights to participants, Vector leadership, government partners and the Board.
• Provide support and insights on industry sponsors to the Industry Innovation team.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Budget management

PM certification (PMP/PMI)

Education

University degree in business/technical field

PMP/PMI certification preferred

Tools

PM tools

Job description

Senior Project Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of the Industry Innovation team, the Senior Project Manager will act as the primary interface between external industry partners and internal Vector research activities, leading the coordination and delivery of Vector industry initiatives to meet the direct needs of industry partners ranging from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large enterprises.

This role is responsible for all project management functions of current industry initiatives, including monitoring and reporting on project traction and progress, coordinating development discussions, and approving corrective action and/or contingency plans, as well as the ideation and articulation of new initiatives to support Vector's growing industry portfolio.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead industry partner engagements to ideate advanced AI projects based on specific technical themes, recruit and coordinate project participants, and develop comprehensive project plans and documentation;
• Manage project execution and participant engagement, ensuring successful delivery across SME and enterprise segments while monitoring progress, providing ongoing support and ensuring alignment with project objectives;
• Manage and supervise interns and team members on project management best practices and assist with operational challenges;
• Work closely with project participants to define project milestones, success measures, risks, and mitigation measures;
• Develop use cases and pilot projects with industry and/or SME partners, facilitating new algorithms and methodologies, and moderating sessions for instructional excellence;
• Capture project success stories that can be used for public relations and marketing collateral;
• Design and manage integrated reporting frameworks, preparing comprehensive reports for program participants, Vector leadership, government partners, and Board of Directors, while capturing program performance and delivering strategic insights for decision-making;
• Provide support and insights on industry sponsors to the Industry Innovation team; and,
• Other responsibilities as assigned or amended from time to time.

KEY SUCCESS MEASURES

• Vector achieves its goals for its SME programs and industry sponsor relationships;
• Industry sponsorship growth and retention goals are met; and,
• Successful strategic project delivery across enterprise and SME segments while achieving established KPIs and stakeholder satisfaction targets, validated through positive feedback from industry partners via formal and informal mechanisms that confirm effective working relationships and appropriate service delivery.

PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Holds, at a minimum, a university degree in a business or technical field such as computer science, computer engineering, or a related field; PMP or PMI certification preferred;
• A minimum of five years experience leading medium- to large-sized projects for a period and working with small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startup/scaleup environments, or technology adoption initiatives preferred;
• Adept at building and effectively managing multidisciplinary project teams, prioritizing competing needs, managing limited resources, handling matters expeditiously, and following through on tasks to successful completion;
• Excellent analytical, reporting and communication skills with proficiency in program analytics, budget management, performance measurement tools, and presenting effectively to diverse business and technology stakeholders; and,
• Brings a positive attitude and energy, integrity, a sense of humour, and outlook to a corporate culture, and is motivated by continuous learning and the desire to make a difference and a real contribution to AI.

TOTAL REWARDS

The expected salary for this position will be $100,600 - $125,800 per year, plus benefits if applicable. The final salary offer will reflect the successful candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications, in alignment with the Vector Institute's Compensation Policy and may differ from above.

The Vector Institute’s Total Rewards approach extends beyond traditional compensation and benefits.

• vacation time
• floater days
• GRRSP
• a Health Spending Account
• a Summer Hours program
• flexible work arrangements

POSITION STATUS

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Vector may use both internal and external third party AI-based tools to assist in the screening of applications for this posting. Any data collected will be used solely for recruitment purposes and handled in accordance with Vector’s External Privacy Policy and Use of AI-Based Tools in Recruitment and Selection Policy.

INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Vector believes AI powers possibility by advancing cutting-edge research and translating it into real-world impact through collaboration with research, industry, and government.

Vector is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture that reflects its values.

The Vector Institute welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including those who are Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized persons/visible minorities, women, and people with disabilities.

If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please contact [e-mail]. The Vector Institute team will be happy to work with you to ensure your experience is as inclusive and accessible as possible.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Check out the Vector Institute’s Careers Page to explore open opportunities at Vector and Follow Vector on X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky to stay connected with the latest developments in Ontario's AI ecosystem and the Vector Institute.