Senior Manager, Major Projects
Job Summary
Senior Manager Major Projects
COVE
Dartmouth NS
COVE is a global technology partner advancing high-impact solutions from seabed to space. COVE transforms innovation into market-ready technologies through testing commercialization support market expertise and access to critical infrastructure. Leveraging its networks and mission-driven platform COVE connects investors innovators industry and the research community to drive cutting-edge capabilities for commercial and defence applications.
Based in Canada and operating internationally COVE supports the full lifecycle of maritime and multi-domain technologies from research and development to manufacturing integration and export linking Canadian innovation to global markets. COVE has built a globally recognized innovation platform with an ecosystem of more than 700 organizations spanning startups multinational firms researchers Indigenous partners and public sector collaborators.
Through its programs facilities and partnerships COVE enables real-world testing and validation strengthens supply chains and accelerates technology adoption in complex operating environments. With strong connections across the North Atlantic the United States and the Arctic and as part of international networks including NATOs Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) COVE plays a key role in advancing technologies that support economic growth environmental sustainability and global security.
As COVE experiences rapid expansion it is actively seeking to expand its team to further bolster its transformational influence as a global technology partner in advancing high-impact solutions. COVE recognizes that its journey toward this goal hinges on the strength of its team a group of individuals who collaborate innovate and continually strive for excellence. Join COVE as it embarks on this exciting journey of discovery and advancement.
The Opportunity
Reportingto the Director Project Delivery the Senior Manager Major Projectsprovides strategicleadershipandoversight for COVEs portfolio of complex testing validation and innovation programs. The role is accountable for leading and developing a team of Project Managerswhileensuring projects are deliveredsafely on schedule within budget andin accordance withcontractual technicalqualityand stakeholder requirements. Working across a diverse portfolio of defence applied technology and dual-use initiatives the Senior Manager oversees project governance financial performance resource allocation risk management and stakeholder engagement to achieve successful portfolio outcomes.
What Youll Do:
Operating within a matrix organization the Senior Manager collaborateswith Project EngineeringDataandtechnical teamstoestablishprioritiesoptimizeresources and enhance project delivery practices. The role isaccountable forportfolio deliverypeople leadershiporganizational capacity financialstewardshipand continuous effective leadership cross-functional coordinationteam performance and continuous improvement the Senior Manager ensures COVE delivers on its strategic and operationalobjectives.
- Leadthe delivery of a portfolio ofcomplex multidisciplinary projects using effective oversight and governance alignment with organizational goals resource optimization and high-quality project outcomesto ensure the successful delivery of COVEstesting validation and innovation programs throughout the full project lifecycle.
- Establish andmaintainproject performance measurement frameworks including project metrics dashboards and reporting mechanisms to support effective project and portfolio oversight.
- Leadportfoliofinancial managementincludingbudgeting forecastingresource planning financial reporting and performance monitoring.
- Promote and foster a collaborative team culture that encourages innovation accountability knowledge sharing and professional growth.
- Build andmaintaineffective relationships with internal departments external partners clients vendors researchers and other stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery and collaboration.
- Provide leadership supervisionandcoachingtoa team of Projectand TechnicalManagers fostering accountability employeeengagementandcontinuous improvement.
- Lead workforce planning activities workload balancing and resource allocation to support organizationalobjectives.
- Develop project management capability methodologies standards and tools that improve organizational effectiveness.
- Prepare and present portfolio performance risks and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Establish and maintain project governance ensuring compliance with organizational policies industry standards regulatory requirements and project management best practices.
- Ensure compliance with COVEs policies and procedures including human resources safety and operational standards.
- Take onadditionalresponsibilities asrequiredto support the success and growth of COVEs programs and strategic initiatives.
- Occasional travel required.
What You Bring:
- Undergraduate degree in Business Administration Engineering Science Planning or a related technical discipline.
- 6 years of progressively responsible experience in project program or portfolio management.
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Government of Canada security clearance is required.
- Demonstratedexperience managing technology innovation research engineering or financial-sector programs.
- Strong leadership people management stakeholder engagement communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
- Experience establishing project governance structures performance management systems and accountability frameworks.
- Proven experience managing financial performance across a portfolio of projects including financial reporting budget oversight forecasting variance analysis cost control and communicating financial results to senior leadership and stakeholders.
- Experience developing project management plans including objectives resource requirements governance structures and terms of reference for project teams.
- Experience managing subcontractors consultants vendors and external partners.
- Ability to work autonomously and effectively within a collaborative matrix-based environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications including Word and PowerPoint.
- Strong analytical problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communication presentation facilitation and reporting skills.
Additional Assets:
- Project Management Professional (PMP) designation or equivalent project management certification is considered a strong asset.
- Experience with defence marine research innovation testing and validation or complex technology projects.
- Experience working within government procurement standards regulatory or compliance-driven environments.
- Experience andproficiencyin Jira.
Working at COVE
At our core we are a team driven by our passion for empowering marine tech innovators serving as unwavering advocates for every visionary who walks through our doors. Integrity creativity and diversity are not just values to us - they are the bedrock of our identity. We thrive within an integrated team environment where collective efforts culminate in tangible results. Embracing diversity in our workforce is paramount for fostering genuine collaboration and fulfilling the impactful responsibilities we hold within our community. We cultivate a workplace culture that celebrates individual differences ensuring that each persons unique talents and strengths are fully recognized appreciated and utilized. Operating within a hybrid and flexible work environment allows us to optimize the collective potential of our highly collaborative team enabling us to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to learn and make an impact by working for a dynamic growing company on meaningful projects that find solutions to real-life problems.
- Comprehensive paid time off including vacation personal sick time and additional days for family illness or medical appointments.
- Hybrid work model with flexibility to work remotely 1 day/week.
- Team wide bonding activities and casual work environment.
- Tech focused office location convenient via transit and bike paths.
- Employee wellbeing including full medical & dental benefits and a health spending account.
- Group RRSP matching program & Income Insurance Plans.
- Maternity & parental leave top-up allowance
- Learning and growth opportunities.
- Employee referral program.
- Competitive salary.
Talent Pool
As part of our ongoing recruitment efforts we continually identify candidates who demonstrate the skills experience and potential to contribute to our organization. By submitting your application you will be considered for current and future opportunities that match your qualifications and interests.
Should your profile align with our current or future needs a member of our recruitment team may reach out to you to discuss potential opportunities and to further assess your fit for specific roles within our organization.
Dont meet every single requirement At COVE we are dedicated to building a diverse inclusive and authentic workplace so if you are excited about this role but your past experience does not align with every single qualification in the job description we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
We are committed to ensuring accommodations are made available to persons with disabilities during the recruitment assessment and selection processes and will provide reasonable accommodation upon request.
We offer an excellent working environment where life balance is valued. Our people and their commitment to quality work is what drives our success. You can find out more information about COVE at. Salary for this position will be commensurate with experience note that relocation costs are not supported.
To be considered for this position please apply online by clicking Apply. The deadline for submission is August 12 2026 at 5pm (Atlantic). We thank all candidates for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Required Experience:
Senior Manager
About Company
Where marine innovation meets excellence. COVE is a a high tech innovation hub for the global marine technology sectors.