Program Manager

DRS Pivotal Power, Inc. is located in Bedford, Nova Scotia. DRS Pivotal Power is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of high reliability power conversion equipment for mission critical applications supporting all branches of the military in Canada, the US and many countries abroad. All products are designed and manufactured in house by our growing team of over 100 employees. DRS Pivotal Power is part of the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics group and has currently over 30,000 fielded units boasting a field reliability of over 99%.

Job Summary

Reporting directly to the VP, Line of Business, the Program Manager will manage and direct the daily execution of multiple programs or large-scale programs within contract requirements to assure that cost, schedules and performance goals are met. This role will be based out of our Kanata, ON office and will be eligible to participate in our hybrid work environment.

As a Program Manager, the main responsibilities will include:

• Lead or support meetings and the Integrated Product Team from kick-off to project close.
• Interface, communicate and coordinate with internal and external customers on matters pertaining to new/existing contracts and bid and proposal activities ensuring that the requirements of the request for proposal are met in the preparation and documentation of bids and proposals.
• Prepare, develop and implement plans and integrated master schedules to execute contracts/subcontracts.
• Allocate and control budgets for labour, material, travel and purchased services;
• Formally identify, assess, monitor and mitigate risk throughout the program life cycle ensuring to obtain management approval prior to making decisions that will cause deterioration of established program, cost, and schedule objectives. Realize opportunities to improve program cost and schedule performance.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans when deviations from budgets and/or schedules are evident and seeking senior management assistance in resolving schedule and budget problems when they arise.
• Perform variance analyses of schedule and cost on a formal and informal basis and present them to senior management.
• Coordinate with other departments on resolution of contractual problems with the customer and interacting with contract administration on issues pertaining to contract requirements, changes and interpretations.
• Represent management at program reviews, meetings, seminars, etc.
• Ensure a timely close out of completed programs and that all obligations are satisfied and program documentation is properly recorded.
• Understand and develop earned value and other program indicators used in cost and schedule forecasts.
• Develop and understand principles of program planning (i.e. developing a Work Breakdown Structure, Equipment Summary, Bill of Materials and Basis of Estimate).

Salary range for this position is $115,000-$150,000 CAD

*Salary range information provided is a general guideline with criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience being considered when presenting an offer.

What you require to be successful in the role:

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in engineering or business from a recognized post‑secondary institution or equivalent years of experience.
• Certification in program management (i.e. PMP).
• A minimum of five (5) years experience in program/project management.
• Successful track record in managing defence engineering / product development programs as a prime or subcontractor to a domestic or foreign civil and/or military organization.
• Experience managing projects run using Agile methodology would be an asset.
• Management of a portfolio of programs in which financial objectives (profit, cash flow, revenue, bookings) were achieved.
• Experience with metrics for assessing and reporting program progress, productivity and variance analysis.
• Experience in finance, contracting, export regulations, engineering, logistics, manufacturing and supply chain management is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated success in managing manpower, planning project reviews, scheduling, and budget control.
• Hands on working knowledge of Microsoft Project and processes to drive program key indicators as well as MS Office 365.
• Solid leadership and management skills, particularly influence management and conflict resolution

Benefits of working with DRS Canada

• A motivating team-based environment where your achievements matter
• An opportunity to work on industry leading edge technology
• Flexible work hours and a compressed work week to promote a healthy work/life balance
• Hybrid work environment, based on operational requirements
• Industry leading wellness program including:
  • Health, dental, and vision coverage available on first day of hire at no cost to the employee with access to virtual healthcare
  • Access to Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Competitive compensation including:
  • Reimbursement for professional development initiatives and memberships plus access to free online learning resources
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Registered Retirement Savings Plan with matching company contributions and access to complimentary financial planning
  • Maternity and Parental leave top-up

About DRS Pivotal Power

DRS Pivotal Power Inc., a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is a leader in the development and manufacture of high reliability power conversion equipment for mission critical military applications. DRS Pivotal Power is part of the Naval Electronics Canada Group.

All applicants must fulfill requirements for Canadian security clearance.

Applicants requiring a disability related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process are to advise Human Resources. DRS Pivotal Power Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants may apply to this position online at

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