Program manager Jobs in Barrie, ON

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking a Senior Project Manager for a high-impact role in advanced automation and custom machinery delivery.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of complex, high-value projects that move through engineering, procurement, assembly, development, installation, and commissioning. The successful candidate will be the central point of coordination between customers, internal project teams, technical specialists, skilled trades, operations, sales, and senior leadership.

For a project leader who enjoys being close to the technical details while still carrying commercial, customer, and schedule responsibility, this role offers a strong blend of visibility, accountability, and influence. You will help ensure that major automation projects are delivered with control, clarity, and confidence from initial planning through final handoff.

Position Description

The Senior Project Manager will manage the full project lifecycle for large-scale automation and machinery projects, ensuring that scope, timing, budget, customer expectations, and internal deliverables remain on track.

• Manage project activity from kickoff through engineering, procurement, build, installation, commissioning, and closeout
• Monitor project schedules, milestones, budgets, risks, and deliverables
• Prepare and present regular financial updates on project performance
• Serve as the main customer contact throughout assigned projects
• Lead customer update meetings, project reviews, planning discussions, and internal coordination meetings
• Build project schedules and timelines that clearly define deliverables, ownership, and deadlines
• Coordinate with engineering, automation, operations, procurement, skilled trades, shop floor teams, sales, and senior management
• Support planning for machine builds, installations, site activity, and commissioning work
• Identify concerns early and escalate issues when timing, cost, scope, or quality may be affected
• Organize and maintain project documentation, including quotes, correspondence, requisitions, schedules, records, and supporting project files
• Prepare project-related quotes using internal systems and costing resources
• Maintain safe work practices and strong housekeeping standards
• Travel on a limited basis to monitor site activity and support project execution
• Complete other related duties as assigned

Experience

The ideal candidate will bring senior-level project management experience in automation, custom machinery, engineered equipment, manufacturing, industrial systems, or a closely related technical environment.

• 8 to 10+ years of practical project management experience
• Experience managing large, technically complex projects through multiple phases of delivery
• A strong understanding of engineered systems, machine builds, automation projects, or industrial equipment projects
• Experience coordinating internal departments, technical contributors, shop floor teams, trades, and external customers
• Strong working knowledge of project schedules, budgets, project controls, reporting, documentation, and issue escalation
• Experience acting as the primary customer contact for active projects
• Ability to lead project meetings, clarify expectations, assign ownership, and keep multiple contributors moving toward common deadlines
• Comfort working in fast-paced project environments where timelines, priorities, and customer needs can change

Qualifications

The successful candidate will bring a strong mix of technical understanding, commercial awareness, organization, and people leadership.

• University degree in a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• P.Eng. and/or PMP designation preferred
• Strong technical background
• Excellent Excel skills
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proven leadership skills with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong customer service and customer relationship skills
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and conflict resolution abilities
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, project demands, and stakeholder expectations
• High attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Comfort engaging with employees, customers, and contributors at different levels and from different backgrounds
• Ability to guide cross-functional teams toward timelines, deliverables, and shared project goals
• Strong drive to keep learning and improving on the job

Education

• University degree in a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• P.Eng. and/or PMP designation preferred