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Program Manager - Job Opportunity at Metrolinx

Toronto, Canada
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 3, 2025
On-site
CAD 119,908 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive government-backed pension plan providing superior retirement security compared to private sector offerings
Extended health and dental coverage with minimal employee contribution typical of public sector organizations
Professional development opportunities including certification maintenance and advanced training programs
Job security and stability inherent in government agency positions
Opportunity to work on high-impact public infrastructure projects that shape regional transportation

Key Responsibilities

Lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives across multiple business units, directly impacting regional transportation systems serving millions of commuters
Develop and execute comprehensive project strategies for complex capital construction and business transformation projects worth millions of dollars
Drive organizational change management through strategic stakeholder integration and cross-functional team leadership
Execute risk mitigation and project recovery strategies for at-risk initiatives, ensuring continuity of critical public transportation services
Manage procurement and vendor relationships for large-scale infrastructure projects, ensuring optimal value delivery to taxpayers
Provide strategic advisory services to senior executives on project portfolio management and organizational capability development
Build organizational project management maturity through mentoring and process improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency

Requirements

Education

A degree business administration, engineering, public policy, or a related field

Experience

Demonstrated years of related experience leading complex projects across various sectors (IT, construction, business transformation, service improvement)

Required Skills

Valid PMP certification is required Additional Scrum Master, Lean, Agile and/or Scaled Agile (SAFe), ITIL Foundation, considered beneficial Strong understanding of project management methodologies, including Lean, Agile, and Waterfall Extensive experience using various project management software applications, such as Oracle Primavera, Microsoft Project, Jira Strong understanding of Microsoft PowerBI, project KPIs and data analytics Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, inspire collaboration, and drive projects to successful completion Experience in budget management, forecasting, and ensuring projects are delivered within financial constraints Proficient in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks Strong knowledge of project scope definition, contract management, and quality assurance processes Excellent ability to communicate complex ideas and project updates to a wide range of stakeholders

Certifications

Valid PMP certification is required Additional Scrum Master, Lean, Agile and/or Scaled Agile (SAFe), ITIL Foundation, considered beneficial
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Public transportation infrastructure is experiencing unprecedented investment across North America, with governments prioritizing transit expansion to address climate change and urban congestion challenges. This trend is creating substantial demand for experienced program managers who can navigate complex public-private partnerships and multi-stakeholder environments. Digital transformation in public transit agencies is accelerating, particularly in fare payment systems, real-time tracking, and integrated mobility platforms. Program managers with experience in both traditional infrastructure and digital transformation are becoming increasingly valuable as agencies modernize their operations. The shift toward sustainable transportation solutions is driving major capital projects in electrification, light rail, and integrated transit systems. This creates opportunities for program managers who can handle the complexity of environmental compliance, community engagement, and large-scale construction management simultaneously.

Salary Evaluation

The posted salary of CAD 119,908 is competitive for a senior program manager role in the Canadian public sector, particularly given the comprehensive benefits package typical of government positions. This compensation aligns with market rates for similar roles in major metropolitan areas, though private sector equivalents might offer 15-20% higher base compensation offset by less comprehensive benefits and job security.

Role Significance

Program managers in this context typically oversee cross-functional teams of 10-25 professionals, including project managers, technical specialists, and vendor resources, while coordinating with multiple business units and external stakeholders across the broader organization.
This is a senior-level position requiring extensive experience managing complex, enterprise-wide projects with significant organizational impact. The role involves direct engagement with senior executives and strategic decision-making authority, indicating high organizational trust and responsibility for critical business outcomes.

Key Projects

Major capital construction projects including subway expansions, light rail installations, and station modernization initiatives Enterprise-wide digital transformation projects including fare payment system upgrades and customer experience improvements Business process transformation initiatives to improve operational efficiency and service delivery Regulatory compliance and safety improvement programs across the transit network

Success Factors

Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities are crucial given the complex political, regulatory, and community dynamics inherent in public transportation projects. Success requires building consensus among diverse groups with varying priorities and interests. Strong financial acumen and budget management skills are essential, as projects often involve significant public funding with strict oversight requirements and accountability measures that extend beyond typical private sector constraints. Adaptability and crisis management capabilities are critical, as public transit projects face unique challenges including weather delays, community opposition, regulatory changes, and political shifts that can significantly impact project timelines and scope. Deep understanding of both traditional project management methodologies and agile approaches is necessary to navigate the hybrid environment of infrastructure projects that increasingly incorporate digital components and require iterative development approaches.

Market Demand

High demand exists for qualified program managers in public transportation, driven by significant government infrastructure investments and the specialized skill set required to manage complex, multi-year transit projects with extensive stakeholder involvement and regulatory requirements.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

PMP certification and advanced project management methodologies are absolutely essential given the complexity and scale of transportation infrastructure projects, where delays and cost overruns can have significant public and political consequences. Stakeholder management and communication skills are critical for success, as transportation projects involve extensive community consultation, political oversight, and coordination among multiple government agencies with varying priorities and timelines. Risk management and crisis response capabilities are vital, as public transportation projects face unique challenges including weather dependencies, community opposition, regulatory changes, and the need to maintain service continuity during construction activities. Budget management and financial analysis skills are crucial, as program managers must navigate complex public funding structures, grant requirements, and strict accountability measures that exceed typical private sector financial oversight.

Beneficial Skills

Knowledge of environmental assessment and regulatory compliance processes provides significant advantage, as transportation projects must navigate complex environmental approvals and community impact assessments that can significantly affect project timelines. Experience with public-private partnerships and procurement processes is highly valuable, as many major transportation projects involve complex contractual arrangements between government agencies and private contractors or operators. Understanding of transportation planning principles and urban development patterns enhances strategic thinking and long-term project planning capabilities, particularly valuable for career advancement within the transportation sector. Change management and organizational development skills are increasingly important as transit agencies undergo digital transformation and operational modernization initiatives that require significant cultural and process changes.

Unique Aspects

This role offers the opportunity to shape transportation infrastructure that directly impacts millions of daily commuters, providing exceptional career visibility and the satisfaction of contributing to significant public benefit projects.
The position combines traditional infrastructure project management with cutting-edge technology implementation, offering exposure to both heavy construction and digital transformation initiatives within a single role.
Working within a government agency provides unique insights into public policy development, regulatory compliance, and political decision-making processes that are valuable for long-term career development in either public or private sectors.
The role offers exceptional job security and comprehensive benefits typical of government positions, combined with the professional challenge and variety typically associated with private sector consulting roles.

Career Growth

Career progression to director-level positions typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing program managers, with movement to executive roles possible within 7-10 years depending on organizational size and individual performance.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Program Director overseeing multiple program managers and larger project portfolios Director of Strategic Initiatives focusing on long-term transportation planning and policy development Chief Operating Officer or Deputy CEO roles within transit agencies Consultant or advisory roles with transportation consulting firms serving public sector clients

Company Overview

Metrolinx

Metrolinx is Ontario's regional transportation agency, operating as a Crown corporation responsible for coordinating and integrating transportation across the Greater Golden Horseshoe region. The organization manages GO Transit, UP Express, and the PRESTO fare system while overseeing major capital expansion projects including light rail and subway extensions.

Metrolinx is the dominant public transportation authority in Ontario, with a mandate covering one of Canada's largest metropolitan regions. The organization has significant political backing and substantial capital budgets, making it a stable and influential player in the Canadian transportation sector.
The organization serves as the primary transit coordination body for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, one of North America's fastest-growing urban regions. This positioning provides exposure to diverse, high-impact projects with regional significance and substantial public visibility.
As a government agency, Metrolinx emphasizes collaborative decision-making, stakeholder consultation, and public accountability. The work environment tends to be more structured than private sector equivalents, with strong focus on process compliance, documentation, and transparent communication with multiple oversight bodies.
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