Senior Program Manager

NGen is Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing, dedicated to building next-generation manufacturing capabilities. As an industry-led not-for-profit, we drive innovation to strengthen the Canadian economy, create high-value jobs, and position Canada as a leader in advanced manufacturing technologies.

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies - such as Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, advanced materials, and additive manufacturing - we help companies transform operations, enhance productivity, enable sustainable manufacturing, and accelerate commercialization.

The Senior Program Manager advances NGen's mission by representing the organization with stakeholders and partners during the project monitoring phase. They guide contracted projects, support the application assessment process, oversee monitoring, and ensure adherence to the Master Project Agreement (MPA). Responsibilities include coordinating project reviews, escalating issues, supervising and coaching external monitors, and occasionally serving as a Project Monitor. The Senior Program Manager may also represent the Program Director during absences or delegated tasks and is expected to drive continuous improvement through process optimization and the development of tools and guides.

Program Development

• Collaborate with Project Development Directors to shape new funding programs.
• Draft and contribute to program guides and toolkits.
• Translate program guides into practical application and assessment resources.
• Coach project teams through application development when required. 

Assessment 

• Build and maintain a pool of qualified Assessors by conducting outreach, reviewing backgrounds, and confirming fit.
• Partner with the Program Director to screen, finalize, and onboard Assessors through Salesforce.
• Provide Assessors with clear direction on NGen’s process and expectations.
• Compile and organize final assessments for review at the Final Technology Assessment Panel (FTAP). 

Monitoring 

• Serve as the primary NGen contact for assigned projects, ensuring monitoring aligns with NGen procedures and Salesforce requirements.
• Coordinate and attend all project review meetings (Kickoff, ongoing reviews, Closeout), reviewing documentation in advance, identifying risks, and preparing reports as required.
• Provide stakeholders with ongoing feedback on progress, documentation, and reporting; evaluate project performance against established metrics.
• Escalate issues promptly and ensure financial claims are submitted and reconciled in a timely manner.
• Maintain Project Activity Reports (PARs) for ISED reporting. 

Coordination and Supervision of External Monitors 

• Identify, evaluate, and assign qualified Project Monitors through Salesforce.
• Coach, supervise, and support Monitors to ensure projects meet milestones and deliverables.
• Review and approve monitoring reports and documentation for compliance with NGen procedures and external funding guidelines.
• Maintain accurate monitoring timelines in Salesforce and collaborate with the Program Director on corrective actions, change requests, and project observations. 

Continuous Improvement 

• Maintain and update training resources for external Project Monitors.
• Track and report Salesforce issues related to monitoring.
• Recommend and implement approved process improvements and new tools.
• Support portfolio analysis and reporting on project health and performance. 

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering required; an advanced degree is desirable.
• PMP designation a strong asset.
• 8–10 years of professional experience in manufacturing, technology commercialization, or senior operations/leadership (e.g., C-Suite, Plant Manager), with a track record of managing complex projects in priority Canadian sectors such as automotive and mobility (EVs, batteries, lightweighting), aerospace and defense, steel and advanced metals, and food and beverage processing. Experience in emerging areas such as medical technology, clean energy, or advanced materials is an asset.
• Deep expertise in advanced and transformative technologies that drive competitiveness across priority sectors, including AI and data-driven manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and IoT, additive manufacturing, advanced materials and lightweighting, robotics and automation, and cybersecurity for industrial systems.
• Proven ability to lead complex technology projects and product development cycles, including TRL/MRL challenges, innovation initiatives, and new product launches.
• Build and maintain strong industry networks; recognized as a collaborative, technology-agnostic supporter of advanced manufacturing.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently while thriving in a collaborative, agile team.
• Experience supporting SMEs through growth and scaling, with the ability to adapt to start-up environments and lead small professional teams.
• Bilingual (English/French) with strong written and spoken communication skills preferred. 

Passionate about driving innovation, scaling technology adoption, and shaping the future of advanced manufacturing in Canada? Join us!

NGen Canada is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in a career at NGen Canada; however, only those candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please send your cover letter and CV to: recruiting@ngen.ca