Program specialist Jobs in Thorold, ON

Description

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Why Meridian?

At Meridian our aspiration is to integrate our purpose into everything we do for people, the planet, and communities. We believe that our greatest opportunity is to create opportunity and meet people where they are.

Find our story here:

As a Program Manager:

You will join our dynamic Enterprise Program Management Office (EPMO) and lead large-scale, complex programs that drive business transformation and agile execution, incorporating AI-enabled and digital-first capabilities. Your role will be pivotal in ensuring delivery outcomes are data-informed, strategically aligned, and executed with speed and impact.

The Program Manager plays a critical role in embedding agile methodologies, fostering innovation, and driving continuous improvement. You will also mentor Project and Senior Project Managers, helping build future-ready capabilities and a culture of accountability and excellence.

Success in this role requires deep experience in program management across technical and business domains, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders and navigate ambiguity. You will operate within a flexible, hybrid work environment and contribute to Meridian’s purpose-driven transformation journey.

What you will do:

Strategic Program Delivery:

• Lead large-scale, cross-functional programs: You will oversee programs that span technical delivery, business transformation, and agile execution, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Define program scope, goals, and deliverables: Collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders to set clear objectives and ensure they align with the organization's Horizon 2 and Horizon 3 strategic priorities.
• Develop and manage integrated program plans: Create comprehensive plans, timelines, and governance frameworks to ensure successful execution and measurable outcomes.
• Coordinate interdependent projects and resources: Ensure that all projects within the program are aligned and resources are effectively utilized to deliver enterprise value and Member-centric impact.
• Manage vendor relationships and communications: Maintain strong relationships with vendors and ensure effective communication across all program stakeholders.

Governance, Risk & Benefits Realization:

• Lead program governance and risk management: Implement governance frameworks and manage risks to ensure program success.
• Define and track benefits realization: Ensure that the program delivers measurable outcomes and aligns with strategic objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement & Change Leadership:

• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders: Act as a strategic advisor and ensure alignment on scope, business case development, and delivery.
• Set and manage program expectations: Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to manage expectations and drive program success.
• Support enterprise change initiatives: Equip program teams to drive adoption and sustainment of new capabilities.

Financial Stewardship:

• Manage program-level financials: Oversee capital and operating budgets, forecasts, and investment ROI.
• Draft and submit budget proposals: Monitor spending and recommend adjustments to optimize value delivery.
• Participate in business planning cycles: Ensure alignment with strategic funding envelopes.

Future-Ready Delivery & Continuous Improvement:

• Champion agile methodologies and AI-enabled tools: Promote the adoption of modern tools and methodologies to accelerate delivery and enhance Member experience.
• Support enterprise change initiatives: Ensuring delivery teams are change-ready and equipped to support adoption, and partner with Change Management and Communications to ensure successful rollout of new capabilities.
• Build and evolve program management frameworks: Integrate Project Management Lifecycle (PMLC) and Agile delivery models to enable scalable and adaptive execution.
• Leverage digital tools: Use low-code/no-code platforms, predictive analytics, and digital workflows to streamline processes.
• Drive continuous improvement: Foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within program teams.

How you will succeed:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional programs from planning through execution.
• Expertise in managing application-centric programs and IT programs.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Experience with benefits realization, agile methodologies, and AI-enabled tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 suite (including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, MS Project, Visio, and Copilot), low-code/no-code platforms, and data visualization tools.
• Familiarity with automation platforms (e.g., Power Automate), low-code tools (e.g., Power Apps), and data visualization (e.g., Power BI).
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a bias for action.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to evolving priorities.

Education, Designations, Training, and Experience

• Post-secondary education in Business, Technology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in program and project management.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required.
• Agile-related certifications (e.g., Certified Scrum Master, SAFe Agilist) are strongly preferred.
• Change management certification (e.g., Prosci) and Lean Six Sigma are considered assets.
• Familiarity with benefits realization frameworks such as PMI’s BRM, MSP, or Axelos P3M3 is highly desirable, and hands-on experience with benefits realization planning, tracking, and reporting is highly desirable.

This posting is for a newly created position. Internal candidates are being considered as part of our standard process.