Thales Canada Inc., Defence and Security
PMO Manager Lead (Construction)
Location: Ottawa, Canada In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.
PMO Manager Lead
Ottawa, ON- Hybrid
Regulatory Compliance Requirements
Requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, the ITAR or the EAR
Requires a positive Controlled Goods assessment as you will have direct access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the Canadian Controlled Goods Program
Required to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance at the NATO Secret Level
Position Summary
We have a current vacancy for a PMO Manager Lead to join our Team in Ottawa, Ontario.
Reporting to the Head of PMO, the PMO Manager Lead works closely with Program Managers to ensure that Thales' in-service support programs are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with Thales' strategic objectives. This role oversees governance, relational contracting, communications, planning, risk, training, performance and reporting, to maintain consistency and excellence across all initiatives.
Working closely with the Customer, executive leadership and cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment, the PMO Manager Lead drives program visibility, resource optimization, and continuous improvement. They ensure the programs meet the highest standards of quality, accuracy and compliance, while strengthening delivery capability.
Key Areas of Responsibility




Leadership & Governance
Lead the PMO to ensure consistent application of governance, methodologies and standards across Thales' in-service support programs.
Maintain frameworks, tools and processes supporting project delivery and reporting.
Establish and control the program business rhythm.
Program Oversight
Monitor project performance, risks and deliverables to support proactive decision-making.
Manage resource planning and prioritization for optimal execution.
Resource Management
Provide management support to the PMO team, including skills and capability development, task allocation, objective setting and training.
Planning, Performance & Risk Management
Support integrated project planning, scheduling and performance tracking.
Oversee identification and mitigation of risks, maintaining accurate risk registers and action plans.
Implement lessons learned and improvement actions across programs.
Management of Travel & Living requirements.
Relational Contracting & Communications
Facilitate effective communications between leadership, engineering, operations, and the Customer.
Promote transparency and clarity in program communications.
Author and maintain a Relationship Management Plan and Relationship Charter.
Plan, develop, implement and measure a Relational Contracting culture within the team and the Enterprise.




Management and facilitation of Lessons Learned sessions - ensuring a Lessons Learned culture is embedded within the Program.
Training & Capability Development
Design and deliver training to strengthen project management capability across the programs.
Mentor project managers and coordinators in governance, planning, and risk management best practices.
Build a culture of knowledge sharing and professional growth within the PMO.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Drive automation, standardization, and digital transformation within PMO operations.
Enhance program analytics and reporting using tools such as Power BI.
Champion process optimization and operational excellence initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
Degree or diploma in Business Management/ Admin or relevant field, and/or similar proven experience.
Certified Practicing Project Manager or equivalent (IPMA and/or PMP certification).
At least 10 years of experience supporting or managing complex projects.
Demonstrated experience working in a PMO within a growing, fast-paced program, particularly in the Defence and Aerospace sectors.
An extensive track record of building solid relationships and influencing key stakeholders in complex environments.
Prior experience coaching and developing less-experienced team members.
Comprehensive understanding of generic processes and techniques used to schedule Program activities (WBS, OBS, milestones, dependencies, EVM).
Comprehensive experience and understanding of the Program.
Management process, including Change Control.
Comprehensive knowledge of the Program lifecycle.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced user of MS office suite, particularly Excel, including the use of pivot tables / c

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