Position Description & Qualifications Program Director – RAGNAR/OTIEM Program | Serco Canada | Overview Serco Canada is seeking a Program Director to support the strategic pursuit, mobilization readiness, and potential delivery of the RAGNAR/OTIEM (Operational Training Infrastructure Enterprise Modernization) program in Canada.

This is a high-impact leadership role focused on leading the development and execution of a complex, mission-critical federal defence and training modernization initiative within the Canadian market.

The ideal candidate brings not only strong program leadership experience, but also credibility within the operational air training, simulation, and defence aviation ecosystem, including the ability to engage confidently with Canadian defence stakeholders and help shape a trusted, mission-ready training capability for the future of the RCAF.

This role requires a leader who can operationalize complex defence training environments, bring together the right operational and technical teams, and credibly communicate to Government of Canada stakeholders: “We understand this mission, we understand this work, and we have the right team to deliver it.”

Given the nature of the RAGNAR/OTIEM initiative and its focus on operational aircrew training modernization, experience tied to fighter operations, pilot training, simulation, mission rehearsal, or Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) environments is considered highly valuable.

Key Responsibilities Program Leadership & Execution

- Lead the planning, mobilization, and execution readiness activities for the RAGNAR/OTIEM program in Canada
- Translate strategic and contractual objectives into executable program plans, delivery frameworks, and operational models
- Ensure delivery alignment with DND priorities, defence modernization objectives, and stakeholder expectations
- Lead integrated delivery planning across Serco, teaming partners, subcontractors, and specialist providers, ensuring clear accountability, interface management, and alignment to program outcomes
- Establish governance structures, reporting models, KPIs, and performance management processes
- Provide operational leadership within complex training, simulation, and mission-support environments

Strategy & Operational Delivery

- Drive end-to-end program planning and operational readiness activities
- Develop scalable program frameworks, processes, and delivery structures within a Canadian federal defence environment
- Identify risks, gaps, dependencies, and opportunities, and implement mitigation strategies
- Advance broader Serco Canada strategic growth initiatives within defence, aerospace, and mission training sectors
- Shape long-term operational training modernization strategies aligned to future RCAF requirements

Financial & Program Management

- Oversee financial planning and control activities including budgeting, forecasting, resource planning, and cost management
- Ensure financial discipline, reporting accuracy, audit readiness, and contractual compliance
- Balance operational excellence with efficiency, quality, and profitability objectives




- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across program operations

Team Leadership & Workforce Development

- Build, lead, and manage Canadian-based program teams, subcontractors, and cross-functional resources.
- Integrate operational, simulation, aviation, and program delivery expertise to achieve mission success
- Foster a high-performance, accountable, and mission-focused culture
- Lead workforce planning, performance management, and talent development activities
- Ensure alignment across distributed teams, partners, and stakeholders

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

- Serve as a key interface with various stakeholders, project partners, and internal leadership
- Build trusted relationships across DND, PSPC, operational aircrew and training communities, defence partners, and subcontractors
- Engage credibly on topics related to operational readiness, pilot training, mission rehearsal, simulation ecosystems, and training modernization
- Ensure proactive communication of program status, risks, milestones, and operational updates
- Navigate complex stakeholder environments with professionalism and credibility

Governance, Security & Compliance

- Ensure alignment with federal regulations, security requirements, controlled goods requirements, and Serco governance standards
- Own program-level risk management and compliance activities
- Coordinate audits, reporting requirements, and program reviews
- Maintain adherence to security and operational standards applicable to federal defence environments

Continuous Improvement & Growth

- Identify opportunities to improve operational delivery, innovation, and program scalability
- Lead long-term sustainment, transition, and contract evolution activities
- Champion best practices in defence program delivery, operational training, and mission support

Qualifications Education & Certifications

- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Defence Studies, Aviation, or related field
- PMP or equivalent certification strongly preferred
- Eligible for or currently holds Government of Canada security clearance (Secret or higher preferred)
- Eligible for government clearances

Experience

- 10+ years of experience in:
- Program management, operations management, or defence program delivery
- Federal government, defence, aerospace, or regulated environments
- Large-scale government contracts or mission-critical operational programs

- Proven experience
- Supporting program stand-up, transition, or transformation initiatives in Canada
- Managing complex program lifecycles from mobilization through operational delivery
- Managing budgets, forecasting, and operational performance metrics

- Strong understanding of




- Government of Canada procurement processes and stakeholder environments
- DND and PSPC governance frameworks
- Defence training, mission support, simulation, or operational infrastructure environments

Highly Preferred Experience

- Former military pilot, fighter pilot, operational aircrew leader, or direct experience within military aviation and training environments strongly preferred
- Experience with operational training modernization, synthetic training environments, simulation systems, or Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) ecosystems highly valued
- Experience engaging directly with operational users, pilots, instructor communities, and defence leadership
- Demonstrated ability to operationalize complex training programs and assemble high-performing operational delivery teams
- Ability to credibly represent the program within Canadian defence and military stakeholder environments

Company Overview Serco Canada Inc. strives to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves the Canadian Federal and Provincial governments and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.

Pay Transparency

Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance—so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of the posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a positive faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations.

For roles available in multiple provinces, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities.

To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us.

Serco complies with all applicable federal, provincial, and local leave laws This is a Canada-based role and this position is for an existing vacancy, unless stated otherwise in the . Please submit applications exclusively through Serco’s external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: [email protected].

📌 Program Director-Full-Time-Ottawa (Canada)
🏢 Serco
📍 Canada