Project Leader, Innovation

Project Leader, Innovation

With ISO 90012015 certified locations in Toronto, Ontario, and Winchester, Tennessee, Hamilton Kent is a multinational manufacturer and distributor of resilient-rubber, watertight, sealing systems and components. Focusing primarily on seals for infrastructure pipe systems, we provide a complete package – from design and development, through production and testing, to warehousing and shipping.

Hamilton Kent is seeking a Project Leader, Innovation to lead the end-to-end development and launch of innovative products within our plastic and concrete pipe markets. Based in our Toronto, ON location, this role serves as the subject matter expert for pipe products and will drive initiatives from concept through commercialization using a structured Stage-Gate (AIM) methodology.

The compensation for this position is between $64,800 and $81,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. This is a hybrid role, 3 days/week on-site, with flexibility for 5 days/week on-site.

Please note: The successful candidate must meet the personal conditions necessary for travel to the United States for work purposes. A valid passport and/or other pertinent documentation to allow for US travel is required as a condition of employment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead multiple new product development projects, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and budget

• Manage cross-functional teams across Engineering, Operations, Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance

• Develop project charters, timelines, resource plans, and risk mitigation strategies

• Drive collaboration and accountability across stakeholders to achieve project milestones

• Analyze budgets, costing, and financial performance to maintain project alignment

• Conduct market research and voice-of-customer analysis to define product requirements

• Prepare and present business cases, project updates, and recommendations to senior leadership

• Identify and resolve technical, operational, and organizational barriers impacting progress

Health, safety & environment

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental legislation and company policies

• Promote a culture of safety and ensure all employees and contractors adhere to site-specific rules

• Report and investigate incidents and unsafe conditions

• Utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE) in all applicable environments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Industrial) or Business

• PMP certification (completed or in progress) is considered a strong asset

• Eligibility to travel to the United States for work purposes is mandatory

Experience & skills

• 2–5 years of project management experience in manufacturing or construction-related industries

• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and complex projects

• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities

• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking capabilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint)

• Experience with AutoCAD or SolidWorks is an asset

Core competencies

• Change leadership and adaptability

• Collaboration and influence

• Accountability and results orientation

• Continuous improvement and innovation mindset

• Commitment to professional growth

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion advocacy

Working conditions & travel

This position operates primarily in an office environment (approximately 75%) with regular exposure to plant operations (approximately 25%). Candidates must be comfortable working in manufacturing environments and using appropriate PPE. Travel is required approximately 10% of the time, including visits to customer sites, supplier locations, and other company facilities.

Hamilton Kent is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and, upon request, will work with qualified job applicants to provide suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs due to disability. Accommodation requests are available to candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process for Hamilton Kent jobs. To request an accommodation, please contact HR at