Role	Program Manager
Assignment	Safety & Licensing
Line of Business	Research & Development
Direct Supervisor	Director, Research & Development	Next Level Manager	Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

Scope (Purpose)

The Program Manager, Research & Development is responsible for the successful planning, execution, administration, and oversight of collaborative research and development (R&D) programs and projects on behalf of Conexus Nuclear Inc. (Conexus) members. Reporting to the Director, Research & Development, the Program Manager facilitates technical programs, manages project portfolios, coordinates stakeholder engagement, administers contracts, and ensures projects are delivered in accordance with approved scope, schedule, budget, quality, and governance requirements.

The role serves as a key liaison between Conexus members, technical committees, suppliers, and internal interested parties to advance industry priorities and support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of CANDU nuclear technology.

Key Accountabilities

Program and Project Management: Lead the planning, execution, monitoring, and delivery of assigned research and development (R&D) programs and projects, ensuring objectives are achieved within approved scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements.
Stakeholder and Committee Engagement: Facilitate collaboration among Conexus members, technical committees, working groups, and suppliers to identify industry needs, establish priorities, and support successful program outcomes.
Contract and Supplier Management: Oversee procurement, contracting, and supplier performance activities, including the development of requests for proposals, contract administration, deliverable reviews, and payment approvals.
Governance, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement: Ensure compliance with Conexus policies, procedures, and governance requirements while providing program reporting, supporting strategic planning activities, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

General Responsibilities

The Program Manager is responsible for managing assigned R&D and Industry Standard Toolset (IST) programs and projects in accordance with Conexus policies, standards, procedures, and committee expectations.

Program Planning and Delivery

Plan, prioritize, coordinate, and execute program activities using established project management processes and tools.
Assist technical committees in identifying common R&D and IST needs requiring collaborative program management.
Support the development of ideas and technical requirements into project proposals and business cases.
Develop, maintain, and update program schedules, budgets, work plans, and performance metrics.
Resolve project issues and risks and facilitate implementation of approved corrective actions.
Ensure projects are delivered in accordance with approved scope, schedule, budget, deliverables, funding arrangements, and quality expectations.
Monitor and report on project and program performance, both individually and collectively.
Prepare and provide timely progress reports, final reports, and presentations to committees and interested parties.

Interested parties and Committee Support

Facilitate Technical Committee, Steering Committee, Working Group, Task Group, and User Group meetings.
Coordinate workshops, technical presentations, and stakeholder engagement activities.
Act as the primary liaison between Conexus members, committees, contractors, and other interested parties.
Ensure committee members understand their project management roles and responsibilities.
Inform committees of significant project concerns, risks, and issues requiring attention.
Facilitate communication and coordination among various technical and governance committees.

Procurement and Contract Administration

Develop and maintain Statements of Requirements (SORs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Work Packages, and related project documentation.
Ensure committee requirements and technical specifications are accurately translated into procurement and project documents.
Coordinate the preparation, review, approval, and issuance of RFPs and proposals.
Assist with the preparation and issuance of purchase orders in accordance with Conexus policies and procedures.
Administer contracts and work packages throughout the project lifecycle.
Facilitate and monitor work performed by suppliers and contractors.
Monitor contractor performance and compliance with contractual obligations.
Review and manage proposed changes to project scope, budget, and schedule, ensuring appropriate approvals are obtained.
Coordinate technical reviews and acceptance of contractor deliverables.
Review and endorse project invoices and payment requests for processing.

Governance and Strategic Support

Ensure all program activities comply with Conexus policies, standards, procedures, and governance requirements.
Support program oversight activities, including assessments, audits, reviews, and the resolution of findings.
Support the development and implementation of operational and strategic plans.
Assist in obtaining program funding through preparation of business case summaries and supporting documentation.
Maintain program records, stakeholder lists, committee memberships, and related documentation.
Manage the publication and communication of completed reports and project outcomes.
Prepare, review, and recommend updates to R&D and IST policies, procedures, and guidance documents.
Provide direction, coaching, and oversight to assigned staff and project resources.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Applied Science, or a related technical discipline.
Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation is considered an asset.
Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, project management, engineering, research and development, or related technical environments.
Experience managing complex technical projects, contracts, and stakeholder relationships.
Experience within the nuclear industry, utility sector, engineering consulting, or similar regulated environment.
Experience supporting procurement and contract administration activities.
Knowledge of CANDU technology, nuclear power plant systems, operations, and industry practices.
Understanding of research and development program management principles.
Familiarity with project management methodologies, budgeting, risk management, and governance frameworks.
Knowledge of procurement and contract management practices.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, project management tools, and data management systems.

Competencies

Program & Project Management: Lead the planning, execution, monitoring, and delivery of assigned research and development (R&D) programs and projects, ensuring objectives are achieved within approved scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements.

Interested parties & Committee Management: Build and maintain effective relationships with Conexus members, technical committees, working groups, suppliers, regulator and internal interested parties to facilitate collaboration, achieve consensus, and support successful program outcomes.
Communication & Influence: Communicate complex technical and business information clearly and professionally through reports, presentations, meetings, and workshops, while influencing decisions and fostering stakeholder engagement without direct authority.
Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen: Apply a broad understanding of organizational priorities, industry trends, and member needs to support strategic planning, identify opportunities for improvement, and drive value-added program initiatives.
Contract & Financial Management: Manage procurement, contracts, budgets, and funding allocations in accordance with organizational policies and procedures, ensuring effective stewardship of resources and achievement of project objectives.
Leadership & Accountability: Demonstrate ownership of program results by providing direction, guidance, and support to assigned staff and project teams, while promoting accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and high-performance outcomes.

Success Indicators/KPI’s

Consistently delivers projects and program activities on time, within budget, and in accordance with approved scope, quality standards, and stakeholder expectations.
Establishes trusted relationships with members, committees, and interested parties, resulting in effective collaboration, timely decision-making, and high levels of engagement and satisfaction.
Provides clear, accurate, and timely communications, facilitating productive discussions and achieving stakeholder alignment on key program decisions and priorities.
Identifies opportunities, anticipates challenges, and aligns program activities with Conexus strategic objectives and member priorities to maximize value and impact.
Effectively manages contracts, procurement activities, and program budgets, ensuring compliance with policies, responsible use of resources, and achievement of financial objectives.
Demonstrates ownership of program outcomes, provides effective guidance to staff and project teams, and fosters a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.

Work Environment

This role is based at the Conexus office in Toronto with the opportunity to work remotely 1-3 days per week.

Conexus employees are expected to consistently demonstrate our core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Sustainability and Agility, specifically:

Acting with respect, transparency and commitment in all relationships and decisions
Fostering connection, trust and shared success by bringing the industry together across borders, disciplines, and perspectives
Driving forward-thinking solutions and accelerating advancements that shape the future of nuclear energy
Delivering exceptional results and value to advance a clean energy future that supports people, the planet, and progress.
Adapting and evolving to meet challenges and realize opportunities in an ever-changing global landscape

Conexus prides itself on a strong workplace culture and values its team members. We offer a competitive pay and benefits program including a pension plan, annual health spending account, and fitness subsidies in addition to life, health, dental, disability, and offer flexible work programs.

Conexus is recognized as a diversity champion in our sector, particularly for women in the engineering field, and as an equal-opportunity employer serving a global community. Conexus welcomes and encourages applications from all individuals. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process.