Senior Project Manager - Strategic Operations

Tenure

Term

Duration

until 31 March 2028

Language Requirements

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Work Arrangements

Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position may be eligible for a limited hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Note

This position is being re‑posted. If you had previously applied, there is no need to re‑apply.

The Role

We are looking for a Senior Project Manager - Strategic Operations, to support the Aerospace Research Centre while playing a key role in advancing Canada’s capabilities in drone and flight autonomy technologies. You would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Creativity.

The Senior Project Manager will be instrumental in driving the operational success and strategic coordination of the Drone and Flight Autonomy Laboratory (DFAL). This role blends advanced project management expertise with operational leadership to ensure the effective delivery of complex, multi‑site initiatives.

Working closely with the R&D Director, you will lead integrated planning, performance monitoring, and capability development across NRC sites. You will also serve as a central coordination point with the AERO team and corporate service branches — including Finance, Human Resources, Real Property Management, Office of Facility Renewal, Procurement, Security, and IT — to align resources, manage risks, and maintain compliance with organisational standards.

This position requires exceptional organisational and stakeholder engagement skills, as well as experience managing large‑scale, cross‑functional initiatives. The Senior Project Manager will help shape operational strategies, optimise processes, and drive sustainable growth for the DFAL by translating strategic objectives into effective execution.

Screening Criteria

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science or Business Administration or Finance.
• Formal designation as a Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) could be considered an asset.

Experience

• Significant experience leading complex projects involving multi‑disciplinary teams and multi‑partner collaborations in a research and development (R&D) or technology‑driven environment.
• Significant experience applying advanced project management principles, methodologies, and tools to plan, track, and deliver large‑scale initiatives.
• Experience conducting financial and business analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance monitoring to support strategic decision‑making.
• Experience implementing risk management and mitigation strategies for projects with multiple dependencies and stakeholders.
• Experience in operations management, including integrated planning, resource allocation, and process optimisation across diverse functional areas.
• Experience contributing to strategic planning and capability development to align project outcomes with organisational objectives and long‑term growth.
• Experience engaging and coordinating with stakeholders across functions, including corporate service teams and external partners, to achieve project and organisational goals.

Condition of Employment

Secret Clearance. A thorough security clearance process will be applied. For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

Assessment Criteria

Technical Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of project management theory, procedures, and practices, including the use of project management software tools to plan, track, and report on complex initiatives.
• Solid knowledge of the business environment relevant to the Research Centre and its programs.
• Ability to create and maintain detailed project plans, coordinate multi‑disciplinary team activities, lead meetings, monitor progress, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge of risk management principles, including identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies for large‑scale, multi‑partner projects.
• Knowledge and ability to develop integrated business and financial analysis to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of operational planning and resource management processes, including workload forecasting, capability development, and performance monitoring.

Behavioural Competencies

• Management services - Client focus (Level 3)
• Management services - Communication (Level 3)
• Management services - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 3)
• Management services - Results orientation (Level 3)
• Management services - Teamwork (Level 3)

Competency Profile

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Services

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO‑2 or 3 level, which is a mid‑career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $139,608 .

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (or below the intended level for this position).

Benefits

In addition to the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year, NRC employees enjoy a wide range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well‑being throughout your career and beyond.