Program Manager

About Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) represents manufacturers from across the country to help their businesses grow. Throughout our history, we have been at the forefront of helping Canadian industry transition, adapt, and grow. Some of our accomplishments include the creation of the Canadian National Exhibition to showcase and promote Canadian innovations, the first Canadian foreign trade missions to increase sales internationally, and the help of a new Canadian university to promote industrial engineering and cooperative education. We have also been leaders in shaping the business environment through aggressive advocacy on issues such as free trade, regulatory and tax reform, supports for training, investment, and innovation, and with resource development and upgrading to name just a few areas.

Our offices and staff across the country provide a range of services to our members including advocating for a better business environment, training services to improve operational excellence, public promotion and celebration of manufacturing in Canada, and a range of programs that focus on specific business challenges. All of these activities and our entire team are focused on helping manufacturers grow.

We are looking for a Program Manager to support the execution of CME programs.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the program aligns with the funding agreement and applicable funder and CME policies.
• Interpret and apply requirements from the funder, CME policies and board and proactively ensure the program is compliant
• Maintain compliance with federal/provincial legislation (e.g., Develop internal policies, procedures, and controls.
• Financial Management & Reporting
• Manage program budget and cash flow according to the contribution agreement.
• Ensure proper documentation for audits and claims reimbursement.

Performance Measurement & Outcomes

• Collect, analyze, and report data on outcomes and outputs.
• Prepare performance and impact reports required by the funder.
• Implement continuous improvement strategies.

Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Serve as primary liaison with the funding department.
• Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, and community partners.
• Manage advisory committees or steering committees as required.

Risk Management

• Identify program risks (financial, operational, reputational).
• Maintain a risk register.
• Report material risks to senior leadership and funders.

Operations

• Oversee day-to-day implementation.
• Supervise staff or project leads.
• Manage contracts and service providers.

Communications & Public Accountability

• Support public reporting and transparency.

Evaluation & Renewal Planning

• Coordinate third-party evaluations if required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Program management experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
• Has team leadership experience (has managed direct reports for at least 1 year).
• Proficiency in marketing software and tools, such as CMS, social media platforms, and email marketing, is necessary.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Assets & Preferences

• PMP certification and project management experience are considered assets.
• Candidates should demonstrate experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership-building, both internally and externally. This includes managing relationships with government partners, NGOs, community groups, vendors, or international partners, depending on the program’s focus.
• Experience in managing or reporting on government-funded programs is highly advantageous.
• A strong understanding of marketing fundamentals, digital marketing, and social media strategies is required.
• Candidates should show the ability to handle multiple projects and work effectively within a team.
• Training or experience in continuous improvement or Lean methodologies is preferred.