Program Manager

Description:

CSA Group Standards Division has an opportunity for a Program Manager, Energy Efficiency and Renewables, reporting to the Director, Electrical Standards. The Program Manager (PGM) is responsible for providing strategic and execution leadership in the development of standards-based solutions for the Energy Efficiency and Renewables program; addressing the needs of industry, government and the public, primarily through the management of a team of Project Managers.

A leader, motivator, and builder, you thrive on developing and executing plans and strategies for expanding CSA’s presence in Energy Efficiency and Renewables standards. An outstanding relationship builder, you have a track record of developing and maintaining strategic relationships with senior leaders within industry, government and academia.

Facilitative and customer-driven, you have a knack for developing the solutions that pragmatically address CSA clients’ needs. You also understand the importance of effective people and process management, utilizing CSA’s metrics to augment your team’s decision-making.

You have proven, well-developed decision-making and communication skills, along with exceptional organizational and people development abilities. You show initiative, ensuring that all financial targets are met (revenue, cost and margin), as well as being someone who is motivated, resilient and flexible. Detail and process orientation is important, as is the ability to work well with people at all levels and with divergent interests.

Responsibilities

 Hires, continually assesses, trains and develops Project Managers, to ensure program objectives are achieved.
 Meets regularly with staff to ensure standards projects are achieving their objectives (e.g. timelines), within prescribed budgets, planning and executing corrective actions as required, while meeting policy and procedures from Standards Council of Canada.
 Develops annual business plan for the program, including the execution plan and budget.
 Works with the Director, Strategic Initiatives Manager, and other sector staff, to drive business development opportunities within the scope of the program, to ensure continual growth of the full portfolio of products and services, interfacing with other groups as required (e.g. Commercial, Marketing, Government Relations, and TIC division).
 Interfaces with external parties to advance the work of the program, facilitates knowledge transfer, and manages program specific stakeholder issues. This includes working with organizations such as IEC, NGOs, industry associations, strategic partners, government agencies, etc.
 Committee management, as applicable (e.g., Strategic Steering Committees), including establishing the scope of work to be completed, preparation of meeting agendas/minutes/documents, managing required resources, maintaining current and balanced membership, and providing ongoing project management and strategic leadership in conjunction with the Chair and Vice-Chair.
 Manages key program funding contracts, as applicable, and relationships with key funders and related stakeholders.
 Provides support to Strategic Initiatives Manager and Project Managers in development and sustaining of Communities for their program area; including developing social media strategy, membership models, participation, funding, and communication with members.
 Responsible to continuously improve Customer Loyalty and employee engagement in the program area.

Decisions Making

 Overall project plans submitted by Project Managers, including timelines and budgets.
 Assignment of responsibility for new projects and product initiatives.
 Portfolio mix (e.g. standards areas to be withdrawn, new subject areas to be added).
 Personnel training and development plans.
 Performance assessment and development planning for personnel.
 All business travel requests, including attendance of staff at conferences.

Recommendations

 Annual strategic and business plans, including budgets, operational execution plans, headcount, etc.
 Contracting of outside parties (e.g. training organizations, business partners).
 Disciplinary actions contemplated dealing with committee members, Chairs or Vice-Chairs.
 Disciplinary actions contemplated dealing with staff.

Other Notes

 The role will require a sound understanding of the various processes and procedures of the company, many of which are mandated under the accreditation of CSA Standards by the Standards Council of Canada. A key element of the position is to ensure that these processes and procedures are adhered to, and that the timelines of projects are achieved within defined budgets.
 This requires supporting the activities of Project Managers, and the many members of standards development committees, as well as their Chairs and Vice-Chairs, which can be very demanding, as these people are all volunteers, with no formal reporting relationship to the company. This volunteer membership includes industry executives, academia, and senior government officials. The role requires a capacity to engage and manage a diverse stakeholder community, and an ability to manage conflict. It is the ultimate form of working with, and getting things done through others.
 The role emphasizes management, leadership and soft skills over technical know-how, and requires the ability to speak on a range of complex subjects as a credible professional, both to internal and external audiences.

Education And Experience

 A technical degree in an engineering discipline or related area of study. Electrical or mechanical discipline would be an asset.
 Minimum of 5 years' experience in strategic planning, operational management, and Program or Project management in the energy efficiency and renewables sector, coupled with a solid knowledge of related sector issues and trends.
 Minimum of 5 years of experience in Standards Development, or business-related Project or Program Management.
 Experience with managing people, knowledge of standards development processes and, dealing with teams of high-profile experts would also be definite assets.