Deputy Program Manager

Location: Ottawa, Canada

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

Ottawa, ON., Victoria, B.C., Halifax N.S., (CAN.), Hybrid Position Summary

Thales has a vacancy for a Deputy Program Manager (DPM) – Ship Readiness & Sustainment (Costal/Core) who will be responsible and accountable for ensuring the delivery of services to meet vessel mission readiness and availability required by the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). Key strategic requirements of this role include maintaining the business rhythm and all associated oversight of the work to ensure successful delivery of Ship Readiness and Sustainment objectives. This role demands highly developed communication skills to lead collaboratively in a cross-functional working environment. Thales delivers on schedule, cost, scope, and quality requirements to the satisfaction of the Client. As such, the ability to lead, direct, motivate, and engage integrated project teams will be key to the success in this role.

Accountable for translating AJISS Program strategic objectives into an integrated execution roadmap that drives operational excellence, contract performance, mission readiness, and long-term business growth. Serves as a key member of the Program Leadership Team, influencing executive decisions related to program modernization, capability development, and digital transformation initiatives across the enterprise.

The current work scope anticipated for the DPM – Ship Readiness & Sustainment (Costal/Core) is to support the delivery and maintenance of vessels within the Thales’ AJISS Program. This covers the high-level planning and management of Short Work Periods, Docking Work Periods, and Deployed Support of vessels under the AJISS umbrella. This role requires strong project management skills, an excellent management of relationships, and the use of highly developed networking and influencing skills. Core elements required for success in this role include the ability to provide clear direction, create alignment across multiple project teams, and develop a critical sense of urgency to focus efforts in delivering and exceeding customer expectations.

The AJISS DPM – Ship Readiness & Sustainment (Costal/Core) reports directly to the Program Manager, AJISS and works with an extended team collaboratively to deliver readiness, sustainment, and value to Thales’ Customers. They also will support the delivery of solutions and project status at customer meetings as required by the Program Manager, AJISS.

Regulatory Compliance Requirement

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List and/or the US the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for such access.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Ensuring the successful execution of all AJISS In-Service Support activities related to Ship Readiness & Sustainment scope of work including the delivery of all contract obligations in full and on time, on quality, and on cost.
• Acts as the delegated authority of the Program Manager for Ship Readiness & Sustainment activities, providing executive-level recommendations on program performance, operational effectiveness, strategy implementation, and business transformation initiatives.
• Working collaboratively with the Client and various Thales departments to support the operational requirements necessary to meet vessel capability, readiness, and availability objectives.
• Understand and lead marine operations management from Docking Work Periods, Short Work Periods, Deployed Support, Sustainment, and Supply Chain management practices.
• Responsible for developing and implementing direct accountability programs to subordinates in line with business objectives.
• Maintaining a positive and effective relationship with members of the Client community.
• Management of the overall Ship Readiness & Sustainment risk profile for the contract, in conjunction with the Program Managers, DND, and other Canada agencies.
• Builds and maintains strategic relationships with senior Government representatives, Royal Canadian Navy leadership, Thales executives, and key industry partners to support successful program outcomes and future business growth opportunities.
• Identify key risks and issues with the Client and resolve, or escalate to higher authority as necessary.
• Lead and motivate a highly performing cross-disciplinary integrated team by providing the appropriate direction, coaching, support and delegation to team members.
• Promote Execution Excellence by identifying and implementing areas of improvement within area of accountability and supporting other Thales initiatives as required.
• Makes complex business and operational decisions within delegated authority that directly impact program performance, contractual outcomes, customer satisfaction, and organizational reputation.
• Ensuring that inputs to the annual operating plans are developed and provided for Ship Readiness & Sustainment activities.
• Reviewing and preparing financial forecasts throughout the year to ensure that budgets remain on track.
• Accountable for developing, managing, and optimizing multi-year investment plans, operational budgets, and subcontractor expenditures to ensure maximum return on investment and achievement of contractual and business objectives.
• Works with various teams to establish governance frameworks, performance metrics, decision-making processes, and program controls to ensure consistent execution, transparency, and alignment with AJISS strategic priorities;
  
• Ensuring that monthly Performance Management reports are prepared and submitted on time.
• Identifies and develops opportunities for operational innovation, digital modernization of the operation, and future capability expansion that contribute to program competitiveness and long-term growth.
• Ensuring project schedules are maintained and utilize critical path analysis to support on time delivery.
• Promote Thales’s Health, Safety and Environmental programs by demonstrating HS&E Leadership in a professional and supportive manner.
• Work with Human Resources staff to recruit, interview, select and hire employees.
• Coach, mentor, and develop staff, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and opportunities.
• Ensure a “Lessons Learned” culture is embedded and utilized to improve performance over time.

Minimum Qualifications

Skills and abilities:

• Minimum of ten years’ experience in Operations Management role in a maritime or industrial environment or related field with a project value greater than $5,000,000 CAD per year
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience managing large-scale, multi-disciplinary programs, operational transformation initiatives, or complex portfolios within a matrixed environment
• Strong organizational skills and ability to balance multiple priorities
• Experience interfacing and influencing various internal/external stakeholders
• Certified Project Manager or equivalent (IPMA and/or PMP certification)
• Experience within operations management, procurement, or warehouse environments
• Soft skills: high accountability;
  team builder and team leader;
  problem solver;
  presents with impact;
  decision and results oriented;
  and collaborator

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Engineering, Business Administration, Project Management or relevant proven experience

Preferred Qualifications

Skills and abilities:

• Experience with Naval In-Service Support activities and working within or leading In-Service Support Programs
• Experience working within a defense environment
• Experience managing in a performance-based contract environment
• Relational Contracting experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in Engineering or Business/Project Management related field

Special Position Requirements

Type of Role: Hybrid (Home/Office) – Required to be in office for an average of 3 days a week, but requirements may be increased based on business needs and Manager discretion.

Schedule: 40 hours per week

Physical Environment: Office environment

Travel: As required primarily within Canada

Pay Transparency

The anticipated Total Target Compensation (TTC), inclusive of annual salary and bonus eligibility, for this role is $180,000 to 220,000 CAD Annual . The Company reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, provincial, and federal laws.

AI

We use artificial intelligence–enabled tools as part of our recruitment process to support activities such as candidate discovery, résumé matching, and interview scheduling. These tools may help screen and assess applications and recommend potential matches based on the requirements within the job description. All hiring decisions, including candidate evaluation, selection, and disposition, are made by human recruiters. Artificial intelligence does not make hiring decisions on our behalf.

What We Offer

• Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 24 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:
• Company paid Extended Health, Dental, HSA, Life, AD&D, Short-term Disability, Cancer Care Program, travel insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and Well-Being program.
• Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP, DCPP, TFSA) with a company contribution and a match to a DCPP, with no vesting period.
• Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave.
• Voluntary Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Long-Term Disability.
• Employee Discounts on home, auto, and gym membership.

Why Join Us

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 24 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

• Company paid Extended Health, Dental, HSA, Life, AD&D, Short-term Disability, Cancer Care Program, travel insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and Well-Being program.
• Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP, DCPP, TFSA) with a company contribution and a match to a DCPP, with no vesting period.
• Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave.
• Voluntary Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Long-Term Disability.
• Employee Discounts on home, auto, and gym membership.

Thales is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Thales is committed to providing accommodations in all parts of the interview process. Applicants selected for an interview who require accommodation are asked to advise accordingly upon the invitation for an interview. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential and used only for the purpose of providing an accessible candidate experience.

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, the Canadian Controlled Goods Program, the Canadian Industrial Security Program, the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for such access including eligibility to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program and able to obtain a Canadian NATO Secret clearance.

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