Program Manager - Funded Programs, Contract position

Compensation Band: 5

Normal Hiring range: $40.35 to $50.40 CAD per hour 

Your expertise shapes our business

At the CWB Group, we find fulfillment and inspiration knowing that we are performing meaningful and purposeful work. Every day is a new adventure with opportunities to learn from industry leaders and, most importantly, from each other. When you join the CWB Group, you become part of a diverse and inclusive, tight-knit team passionate about making a global impact. Learn more about the CWB Group.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

The CWB Group believes that diversity and inclusion among our employees is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented employees from a diverse candidate pool.

Work with us and achieve your career goals

For almost 75 years, our employees have been the backbone of our business, driving our success and extraordinary reputation. We challenge our employees to take charge of their careers and provide growth opportunities, tools and resources to reach their goals.

What to expect:

The Program Manager- Funded Programs, Contract position is responsible for full lifecycle management and successful delivery of funded training delivery programs and cross-functional projects. Programs must be delivered on time, on budget, within scope, and in compliance with funding agreement requirements and organizational objectives. The PM leads program planning and implementation, assembles and leads project teams, and coordinates internal teams, external partners, and vendors to support successful program delivery. The role establishes and monitors Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), tracks financial expenditures, and prepares required reports for internal leadership and funding agencies. The PM provides regular updates to internal and external stakeholders, including funding organizations, and escalates risks, issues, and variances as needed. The role requires strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills and serves as a key liaison to ensure programs are delivered effectively and aligned with organizational priorities.

This position will end on March 31, 2027 and includes:

Program Planning and Management 

• Work closely with ELD management to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of funded programs and projects, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and funding agreement requirements.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive program and project plans, including timelines, milestones, deliverables, resource requirements, and implementation strategies.
• Define and operationalize program scope, deliverables, timelines, and implementation plans in alignment with approved funding agreements and under the strategic direction of the Director, ELD
• Ensure programs and projects are delivered on time, within approved scope, and within allocated budgets and operational plans.
• Coordinate internal teams, external partners, contractors, and vendors to ensure efficient and effective delivery of program activities.
• Plan and oversee resource allocation to ensure optimal utilization of personnel, facilities, equipment, and external partners across program locations and activities.
• Monitor program progress against established timelines and milestones, and implement corrective actions to address delays or deviations.
• Manage changes to program scope, schedule, and deliverables using appropriate change management processes and documentation.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate program documentation, including project plans, change logs, operational records, and implementation materials.
• Support the development and implementation of operational processes, tools, and workflows to enable efficient program delivery and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including Education, Development, Facilities, Marketing, and Business Development as needed, to support program implementation, participant recruitment, and delivery readiness.
• Conduct research and gather stakeholder input to inform program planning, improve delivery models, and enhance program effectiveness.
• Provide regular program updates and recommendations to leadership to support strategic decision-making and program success.
• Some programs may require dedicated program support staff that may fall under the supervision of the Program Manager, on a contract basis. Some direct staff management may be required from time to time.

Relationship Management

• Manage relationships with the client and all key project stakeholders (internal and external).
• Build and establish a broad communications plan with all key stakeholders to ensure ongoing support, feedback, knowledge, and outcomes are shared throughout the life cycle of the project.
• Attend internal / external meetings and conferences and liaise with regulatory authorities when required.
• Arrange and lead monthly and quarterly meetings with all internal/ external stakeholders, as needed.
• Engage external and internal stakeholders throughout the design and execution process, including program structure, continuous improvement, and progress review.
• Respond to inquiries about the program with key funding stakeholders.
• Communicate program statistics and accomplishments with internal/ external stakeholders to facilitate key messaging for press releases and communication plans.
• Conduct regular performance feedback and evaluation sessions to improve delivery model.
• Monitor individual and team progress towards goals, objectives and business plans; continuously communicate ongoing progress, identify any variances, and implement corrective actions, as needed.
• Recognize milestone achievements, celebrate, and share achievements with team and stakeholders.

Project Performance, Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting 

• Manage the financial budget to ensure all costs are monitored throughout the project and recording any deviations and promptly establishing plans to rectify them. 
• Monitor program progress against established goals, timelines, deliverables, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Track participant targets, program outcomes, and deliverables to ensure alignment with funding agreement requirements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date program documentation, records, and tracking systems.
• Prepare and submit regular program reports, including progress updates, performance reports, and status reports for internal leadership and funding agencies.
• Monitor program expenditures and support budget tracking to ensure alignment with approved funding allocations.
• Coordinate with the Finance team to track expenses, reconcile budgets, and support financial forecasting.
• Ensure all program expenditures comply with funding agreement guidelines and organizational policies.
• Lead the preparation and submission of required funding reports including progress reports, financial reports, and supporting documentation. 
• Identify performance gaps and recommend corrective actions to ensure successful program delivery.
• Manage program evaluation activities, including data collection, analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure program data, financial tracking, and reporting documentation are accurate, complete, and audit-ready at all times.

Risk and Issue Management 

• Identify potential risks, issues, and barriers to successful program delivery.
• Develop mitigation strategies and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Escalate critical risks and issues to leadership in a timely and proactive manner.
• Monitor ongoing program risks and adjust plans to ensure successful outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and funding agreement requirements.

Other duties as assigned

In this position, you will report to the Director, Education and Learning Development, and will be working remotely from your home office in Canada. CWB has adopting a remote-first working model, where employees will work from their home office, servicing the client within their specified areas either remotely or in person. We are embracing radical flexibility, where employees are encouraged to work a schedule that works best for them, their team, and their clients.

What you bring to the table:

• Project management certification (PMP) or equivalent   
• 5 years progressive project/program management experience.
• Post-Secondary Education 
• Strong knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in project or program management, including planning, coordinating teams, and delivering initiatives on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Experience managing multiple projects or operational programs simultaneously.
• Strong financial and budgeting knowledge, including experience tracking expenditures and managing project budgets.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership and government representatives.
• Strong issue management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address inquiries and concerns in a professional and timely manner.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• This is a remote, work from home position.
• Travel within and outside of Canada may be occasionally necessary.  The employee is required to arrange for standard travel documents such as visas and passports as part of their employment requirement.  Reimbursement for expenses obtained for more complex travel documentation will be provided by CWB upon prior approval from the manager.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The organization reserves the right to change, amend or disuse this job description at any time. This document is intended to provide an overview of the required responsibilities and qualifications. 

The following qualifications are considered assets:

• University graduate strongly preferred
• Experience working with not-for-profit organizations or workforce development programs.
• Background in welding, construction, engineering, or related industries.
• Experience developing strategic plans and launching new programs, operational processes, tools, or frameworks.

 What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary structure
• Flexible work schedule

Accommodation:

The CWB Group is committed to providing accommodation to job applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us when applying and we will work with you to meet your needs. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals; however, only those under consideration will be contacted. Apply today! 

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