Halifax Senior Program Manager - IT PMO Contract
Systematix View all jobs
- Halifax, NS
- Permanent
- Full-time
This is an embedded, full-time engagement. The successful candidate will be initially on-site at the client from day one, providing both strategic governance and hands-on delivery oversight across a portfolio of IT and operational technology initiatives. Remote or FIFO engagement will be considered for the ideal candidate.
This is a competitive engagement in a high-visibility environment. The right candidate will need the executive presence and credibility to build trusted relationships with CIO and VP-level leadership quickly, while simultaneously standing up governance and stabilizing delivery.
Atlantic Canada, the Energy vertical, and preferably within the Energy Utility market is a meaningful advantage.
THE ROLE - Senior Program Manager / IT PMO Lead
As the Senior Program Manager / IT PMO Lead, you will support and enhance the day-to-day operation of the client's IT PMO and provide program-level leadership across their portfolio of technology and operational initiatives. You will be our most senior delivery resource embedded at the client - responsible for governance, standards, executive reporting, and hands-on program management of the highest-risk initiatives.
This is a player-coach role. You can build the governance framework and you carry the ball. You are equally comfortable presenting portfolio health to a steering committee as you are diving into a recovery plan for a troubled program.
The client is in the middle of a significant technology and operational transformation, including grid modernization, a major system operator transition, and a growing portfolio of IT programs supporting a legislated 2030 clean energy mandate. The PMO you lead will be the IT delivery engine behind that transformation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support and Enhance the IT PMO function - governance model, stage-gate process, portfolio reporting, and delivery standards
- Provide program-level oversight across a portfolio of 20-40+ concurrent IT and operational technology initiatives
- Directly lead the most complex or highest-risk programs in the portfolio - not just oversee them
- Build and maintain portfolio health dashboards and executive reporting; provide leadership with honest, real-time delivery visibility
- Chair portfolio review meetings and steering committees - drive decisions, not just facilitate conversations
- Partner with the CIO, VP Technology, and business unit sponsors to translate strategic priorities into governed delivery programs
- Diagnose underperforming or at-risk projects; build and execute recovery plans
- Define and implement standardized PM methodology appropriate to each program type - PMBOK, Agile/hybrid, or ITSM-aligned as needed
- Manage vendor and system integrator oversight across multiple concurrent delivery engagements
- Assess existing client PM team capability; mentor and develop staff or identify resourcing gaps
- Ensure delivery alignment with the client's regulatory environment - costs, schedules, and outcomes carry public accountability
- Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or related discipline
- 10+ years of progressive IT program and project management experience
- Demonstrated experience leading or establishing an IT PMO - not just working within one
- Experience managing large delivery portfolios with multiple concurrent programs and competing priorities
- Strong governance and framework design experience - intake, prioritization, stage-gate, risk management, and portfolio reporting
- Experience presenting to CIO and VP-level leadership and steering committees
- Proven track record stabilizing underperforming or at-risk programs
- Experience in managed services or outsourced delivery models
- Outstanding executive presence and communication - written, verbal, and in the room
- Atlantic Canada market experience preferred
- Regulated industry background - utilities, energy specifically preferred
- Utility sector IT experience - grid modernization, SCADA, AMI, ERP, or operational technology programs
- PMP certification - active and current (strongly preferred; PgMP a significant asset)
- Agile certification (CSM, PMI-ACP, SAFe) - asset
- ITIL Foundation or above - asset
- Prosci or equivalent change management certification - asset
- Experience with enterprise PMO tooling - ServiceNow PPM, MS Project Online, Planview, or similar
Senior Program Manager (10-15 years' experience): $120 - $145 per hour
PMO Lead / Principal (15+ years' experience): $145 - $165 per hour
Compensation is commensurate with experience, seniority, and market conditions. Travel and accommodation covered for FIFO candidates.
AI DISCLOSURE
Systematix may use artificial intelligence (AI) or other automated tools to support parts of the recruitment process. No automated tools make hiring decisions.
ABOUT SYSTEMATIX
Systematix is one of Canada's largest privately owned national IT consulting and resourcing firms, delivering high-calibre technology talent and consulting solutions to government and private-sector clients across Canada for over 50 years. With 800+ consultants nationwide and a bedrock commitment to the organizations we serve, Systematix helps clients reach their fullest potential.
Systematix. Results Focused. People Driven.BH 22005