Senior Project Manager - Strategic Operations

The role

We are looking for a Senior Project Manager - Strategic Operations, to support the Aerospace Research Centre while playing a key role in advancing Canada’s capabilities in drone and flight autonomy technologies. You would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Creativity. 

The Senior Project Manager will be instrumental in driving the operational success and strategic coordination of the Drone and Flight Autonomy Laboratory (DFAL). This role blends advanced project management expertise with operational leadership to ensure the effective delivery of complex, multi‑site initiatives. 

Working closely with the R&D Director, you will lead integrated planning, performance monitoring, and capability development across NRC sites. You will also serve as a central coordination point with the AERO team and corporate service branches — including Finance, Human Resources, Real Property Management, Office of Facility Renewal, Procurement, Security, and IT — to align resources, manage risks, and maintain compliance with organizational standards. 

This position requires exceptional organizational and stakeholder engagement skills, as well as experience managing large‑scale, cross‑functional initiatives. The Senior Project Manager will help shape operational strategies, optimize processes, and drive sustainable growth for the DFAL by translating strategic objectives into effective execution.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science or Business Administration or Finance. 

Formal designation as a Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) could be considered an asset.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Significant experience leading complex projects involving multi-disciplinary teams and multi-partner collaborations in a research and development (R&D) or technology-driven environment;
• Significant experience applying advanced project management principles, methodologies, and tools to plan, track, and deliver large-scale initiatives;
• Experience conducting financial and business analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance monitoring to support strategic decision-making;
• Experience implementing risk management and mitigation strategies for projects with multiple dependencies and stakeholders;
• Experience in operations management, including integrated planning, resource allocation, and process optimization across diverse functional areas;
• Experience contributing to strategic planning and capability development to align project outcomes with organizational objectives and long-term growth, and;
• Experience engaging and coordinating with stakeholders across functions, including corporate service teams and external partners, to achieve project and organizational goals.

Condition of employment

 Secret Clearance

A thorough security clearance process will be applied. 

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process. 

Language requirements

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Advanced knowledge of project management theory, procedures, and practices, including the use of project management software tools to plan, track, and report on complex initiatives;
• Solid knowledge of the business environment relevant to the Research Centre and its programs;
• Ability to create and maintain detailed project plans, coordinate multi-disciplinary team activities, lead meetings, monitor progress, and communicate effectively with stakeholders;
• Advanced knowledge of risk management principles, including identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies for large-scale, multi-partner projects;
• Solid knowledge of the business environment relevant to the Research Centre and its programs, including awareness of R&D processes, funding mechanisms, and organizational governance;
• Knowledge and ability to develop integrated business and financial analysis to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement, and;
• Knowledge of operational planning and resource management processes, including workload forecasting, capability development, and performance monitoring.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Services

View all competency profiles

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Council Officer (RCO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $64,739 to $183,010 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level.  As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

In addition, the incumbent will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• ​A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Overtime may be required.
• Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.