Manager, Frigate Program

Overview and Purpose

As Program Manager, Halifax Class Work Period Contracts (HCWPC), you will be responsible for the strategic oversight, governance, and performance of the HCWPC portfolio at Davie. This includes establishing and leading Program Management Centre of Excellence (PM CoE) to enable consistent project delivery, organizational capability development, and continuous improvement across all Halifax-class frigate repair and maintenance projects.
 

Operating within a strong matrix organization, the Program Manager, HCWPC, exercises significant authority over program execution while collaborating closely with functional leaders. Reporting to the Vice-President, Ship Repair, the Program Manager, HCWPC, ensures alignment with corporate strategy, stakeholder expectations, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the PMO (Program Management Office)/PM CoE vision, scope, and governance model.
• Align program frameworks with Davie’s strategic objectives and leadership goals.
• Establish portfolio management processes, performance reporting structures, and governance gates.
• Represent the PM CoE to executive leadership and participate in the PM CoE Steering Committee.
• Standardize project management methodologies, templates, and tools across the HCWPC program.
• Implement project lifecycle, risk, change, and quality management processes.
• Conduct independent audits, health checks, and compliance reviews.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) and maturity models to measure and improve program performance.
• Recruit, train, and mentor PMO and project staff to build a high-performing team.
• Develop competency frameworks and professional development programs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain a program management skills inventory and leadership talent pipeline.
• Select and implement project portfolio management (PPM) systems and tools.
• Define reporting standards and dashboard structures to provide real-time program visibility.
• Ensure data integrity, integration, and effective tool adoption across the organization.
• Lead communication and change management initiatives for PMO and PM CoE rollout.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal stakeholders, client representatives, and project teams.
• Promote consistent governance, transparency, and alignment across all HCWPC projects.
• Monitor program and PMO effectiveness through KPIs, audits, and stakeholder feedback.
• Identify and resolve systemic delivery issues across the HCWPC portfolio.
• Benchmark practices, pilot innovative tools, and refine processes to advance organizational maturity.
• Monitor benefits realization and ensure business outcomes are achieved.
• Lead and inspire the HCWPC program team to achieve excellence in delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Conduct performance reviews and support career development for PMO and project staff.
• Ensure all team members receive appropriate training and development aligned with their roles.
• Collaborate with the Human Resources and Health, Safety, and Environment Departments to address performance and compliance matters.

Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Aligns program execution with long-term organizational goals and adapts to evolving priorities.
• Stakeholder Influence: Builds trust, manages expectations, and drives consensus across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Team Empowerment: Fosters a high-performance culture by mentoring, motivating, and empowering teams to achieve excellence.
• Decision-Making: Exercises sound judgment under pressure, balancing risks, resources, and business outcomes.
• Resilience: Maintains composure and effectiveness in complex, fast-paced environments with competing demands.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in program and project management, including leadership of complex, multi-project portfolios in marine or industrial sectors.
• Demonstrated experience managing Government Marine Level 3 maintenance programs with a cumulative minimum of 1 000 000 labour hours.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field; an advanced degree or PMP certification is an asset.
• Proven experience in establishing and leading PMOs or PM CoEs.
• Deep understanding of project and program delivery phases, portfolio management, and performance measurement.
• Proficiency in Earned Value Management (EVM – ANSI/EIA-748B), risk management, and change control.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Successfully complete the investigation and security clearance process required by the federal government’s Contract Security Program.