Director, Project Management Office (PMO)

Role overview

This opportunity is with a Canadian-based global health organization. The Director, Project Management Office (PMO) reports to the Senior Director, Business Relationships & PMO and is responsible for both the strategic direction and the day-to-day leadership of the PMO as the central governance function for project and program delivery.

The role carries direct accountability for PMO leadership, team development, portfolio execution, budget oversight, and stakeholder engagement across complex, large-scale programs and initiatives. The Director is expected to supervise around 20 to 30 projects of different sizes and scopes, while guiding and mentoring a team of 8 to 12 people, including 4 internal team members and 4 to 8 external resources.

This leader will shape and strengthen the project and program control environment by improving execution standards, refining governance, reinforcing risk management, and ensuring consistent reporting practices. The approach must also allow for flexibility based on the complexity of each initiative and the delivery model being used.

Serving as a primary escalation contact and trusted advisor, the Director will work closely with business leaders, GIS leadership, delivery teams, and external vendors to improve delivery performance, transparency, value delivery, and predictability of outcomes.

What the role requires

The ideal professional brings a strong enterprise mindset and a proven record of delivering business outcomes in fast-moving, entrepreneurial environments. This person should be capable of balancing strategy with execution, allocating resources effectively, prioritizing competing initiatives, and building practical roadmaps through periods of change and transformation.

The position calls for someone who can improve and professionalize PMO capabilities, establish more disciplined ways of working, and drive better financial and portfolio management. A strong analytical approach, business judgment, and the ability to convert data into clear insights for senior leaders are essential.

Success in this role also depends on executive-level communication, strong influencing ability, and confidence presenting to both technical and non-technical audiences. The leader should bring an empowering management style, a focus on accountability and outcomes, and the ability to build high-performing cross-functional teams.

Ideal background

A bachelor’s degree in Business, Science, Engineering, or an equivalent field is required. The role also requires more than 10 years of progressive enterprise-level project and program management experience, ideally gained in dynamic, high-growth organizations such as pharma or consumer packaged goods.

Experience leading large-scale transformation efforts, managing complex cross-functional programs, overseeing budgets, and implementing measurable tracking processes is important. Advanced stakeholder management and negotiation skills are also expected.

Preferred certifications include PMP, PgMP, Agile, SAFe, and Lean.

Why this role stands out

This is a high-impact leadership position for a hands-on, globally minded builder who wants to shape the PMO function in a growing organization. The role offers the chance to elevate and operationalize the PMO while contributing to the company’s next stage of growth during a period of significant change and transformation.