Director of Programs (PMO)
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ABOUT 49NORTH
49North is a Canadian defence company delivering secure, multi-domain C4ISR capabilities that provide decision advantage in complex and contested environments. A wholly-owned subsidiary of MDA Space, building on more than five decades of trusted Canadian defence delivery, 49North operates as a sovereign Canadian provider of mission-critical C4ISR systems, bringing disciplined prime-contractor execution to defence and security programs.
Visit 49North | An MDA Space Company.
49North is rooted in the execution of large, complex, and mission-critical programs developed within 49NORTH. This legacy reflects a record of delivery where engineering rigour, operational reliability, and national trust are non-negotiable.
49North Defence strengthens Canada’s sovereign defence capability by delivering integrated mission systems and multi-domain C4ISR integration, enabling trusted Canadian and coalition operations, assured interoperability, and sustained readiness.
Role: Director Of Programs
The Director, Programs will own the end‑to‑end lifecycle of 49NORTH’s PMO. Reporting to the Director of Operations of 49NORTH, you will lead cross‑functional stakeholders to ensure programs are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards.
This role demands a blend of strategic foresight, technical acumen, and people leadership to manage complex, multi‑year initiatives, and can be located in Richmond B.C., Halifax N.S., or Ottawa ON. (Richmond and Halifax or preferred)
Job description
Program Strategy & Planning
- Define long‑term program roadmaps aligned with corporate vision and market opportunities
- Conduct market, technology, and risk assessments to shape program scopes and investment cases
- Develop & maintain detailed program baselines (schedule, cost, performance)
Execution & Delivery
- Lead multidisciplinary program teams (engineering, manufacturing, ground ops, legal etc.)
- Implement rigorous project controls (Earned Value Management, risk registers, milestone reviews)
- Drive integration of subsystems, software, sensors, and network to meet performance criteria
Financial & Contract Management
- Own program budgets (>$100 M per annum) and forecast cash‑flow, ensuring financial health
- Negotiate and manage contracts with customers, suppliers, and regulators
- Provide regular financial reporting to senior leadership and Board
Stakeholder & Partner Relations
- Serve as the primary point of contact for customers (government agencies, commercial operators) and strategic partners
- Facilitate regular program reviews, status reports, and executive briefings
- Build and nurture relationships with regulatory bodies
Risk, Safety & Quality
- Champion a safety‑first culture; enforce compliance with ISO‑9001, AS9100, and relevant aerospace standards
- Lead risk identification, mitigation planning, and contingency execution throughout the program lifecycle
Team Leadership & Development
- Recruit, mentor, and retain top talent across engineering, operations, and business functions
- Directly supervise the efforts of a team of project and program managers, project planners, and other specialists
- Foster an inclusive, high‑performance culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement
- Conduct performance evaluations and support professional development pathways
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Identify and incorporate emerging technologies (AI‑enabled C5ISR architectures, UxV technologies, advanced sensors) that add value to the program portfolio
- Champion process improvements (lean, agile, digital twins) to increase efficiency and reduce cycle time
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Business, or related field (Master’s or PhD preferred)
- Program Management Experience
- Experience with large, complex subcontracts
- Minimum 10 years of progressive program leadership in the aerospace, or defense sectors; at least 5 years at a senior (Director/VP) level
- Proven track record of managing multi‑year, multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar budgets; comfortable with Earned Value Management and cost‑risk modeling
- Strong people‑manager; ability to inspire and align large, geographically dispersed teams; experience fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Successful negotiation and partnership experience with government agencies
- Familiarity with licensing, export control (ITAR/EAR), and aerospace standards (ISO‑9001, AS9100, G‑EHS)
- Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to translate complex technical concepts for executive and non‑technical audiences
- PMP, PgMP, or equivalent project management certification; Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) preferred
Core Competencies:
- Strategic Vision & Execution
- Systems Thinking & Integration
- Financial Stewardship & Forecasting
- High‑Impact Decision Making under Uncertainty
- Influential Negotiation & Relationship Building
- Safety‑First & Quality‑Driven Mindset
- Change Leadership & Organizational Agility
We’re a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join 49NORTH to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us forward.
Comments/Special Considerations:
Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the secret level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP).
Benefits statement:
49North provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of 49NORTH, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; extended healthcare and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans; and an employee and family assistance program.
Equal opportunity statement:
49NORTH is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.
Accommodations
49NORTH is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.
