Transformation Program Manager

MDA; Canada; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company in Canada seeks an experienced Program Manager to drive a complex business transformation program. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong project management skills with a focus on delivering business outcomes in a dynamic environment. Responsibilities include developing project standards, aligning team objectives, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and extensive experience in leading large-scale projects, along with a commitment to fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive health care

Flexible drug plans

Dental and vision benefits

Disability income protection

Life insurance

Retirement savings plans

Employee assistance program

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in leading large projects or program management (20+ project team members).
• Proven ability to manage large-scale, complex projects with multiple stakeholders across different time zones.
• PMP or similar certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work in partnership with program lead to define and execute project standards.
• Unify project team members around common objectives and roles.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans and budgets.
• Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Monitor and report on the achievement of intended business outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Change management

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related field

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,400 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there. For more information, www.mda.space.

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and skilled Program Manager to work in close partnership with a Business Transformation Project Lead, focusing on the detailed execution of a complex, business-wide transformation program. As a member of our Core Program Team, the Program Manager will lead the development of a comprehensive program plan, aligning multiple project plans with a strong emphasis on cost and schedule tracking, to ensure that all deliverables are met on time, within budget, and to the requirements.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in project or program management, with a proven track record of leading cross‑functional teams and delivering successful business outcomes. They will be a visionary leader with a growth mindset, able to think strategically and drive transformational change. They will have a deep understanding of program management principles and practices, and be able to apply strategic thinking to recommend optimal execution approaches for initiatives. This is a strategic execution role, focused on driving business outcomes through effective program management.

The successful candidate will be able to navigate a dynamic and fast‑paced environment, and build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels. As a change leader, they will be able to influence stakeholders and drive collective success, while maintaining a customer‑centric approach that prioritizes the needs of the organization and its stakeholders. They will be data‑driven, using metrics and analytics to inform their decision‑making and drive continuous improvement. They will also be resilient and adaptable, able to pivot when necessary and drive results in a rapidly changing environment.

As this is a new role to the organization, the successful candidate will need to be a systems thinker, able to create and implement effective processes and procedures to deliver excellence. They will have a strong focus on results with the ability to drive the program forward to achieve its goals and objectives.

Job Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with Program Lead to Deliver Excellence: Work in partnership with program lead to define and execute project standards and governance ensuring end‑to‑end delivery of program deliverables, focusing on alignment with strategic objectives and customer expectations. Delivering solutions that meet defined business requirements for people, process and tools.
• Project Team Alignment: Unify project team members around common objectives, priorities, and roles to drive effective collaboration and project success.
• Schedule & Budget Accountability: Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.
• Continuous Improvement: Encourage, challenge, collaborate, and participate in the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives to enhance future program performance.
• Benefits Realization Tracking: Monitor and report on the achievement of intended business outcomes and benefits, ensuring that project objectives translate into measurable value for the organization.
• Governance and Compliance: Ensure all project activities comply with relevant regulations, standards, and internal governance frameworks.
• Resource Allocation and Capacity Planning: Oversee resource assignments and workload for all active sub‑projects, ensuring the project is adequately staffed and equipped for success. Work with Core Project Team to anticipate future resource requirements and remove any roadblocks to the team’s success.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in leading large projects or program management (20+ project team members).
• Proven ability to manage large‑scale, complex projects with multiple stakeholders across different time zones, cultures and countries.
• PMP or similar certification is a plus.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools.
• Strong understanding of change management principles and experience leading organizational transformation initiatives.
• Experience with benefits realization tracking, including monitoring business outcomes and measuring value delivery.
• Knowledge of governance, compliance, and regulatory requirements relevant to the project domain.
• Expertise in resource allocation, capacity planning, and cross‑functional team collaboration.
• Advanced risk and issue management skills, with experience in escalation protocols and stakeholder engagement.
• Continuous improvement mindset, with a track record of identifying lessons learned and implementing process enhancements.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities to drive decision‑making and solve complex challenges.
• Adaptability and resilience in fast‑paced, evolving environments.

Key Traits:

• Results‑Oriented Work Ethic: Willing to go above and beyond to deliver results, with a strong work ethic and a “whatever it takes” attitude to get the job done.
• Driven Leadership: Drives program execution with energy and commitment.
• Adaptability: Thrives in fast‑paced environments, adapting quickly to changing priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Transparent Leadership: Leads with transparency and honesty, providing clear communication and proactive issue management.
• Innovative Problem‑Solving: Takes ownership and drives innovative solutions to achieve program goals and objectives.
• Strong Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: The ability to inspire and motivate team members, prioritize their needs, and drive project results in a people‑centric approach.

Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including extended healthcare and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans; and an employee and family assistance program.

The compensation range for this position is $110,000 - $140,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

MDA is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.