Program Manager, Prairies

TERM: Two-year term.
REPORTS TO: Director of Programs
LOCATION: Prairies (any location), remote and hybrid offices available in Lethbridge and Winnipeg.

TRAVEL: Travel as required in support of offsite CME events

POSITION SUMMARY:
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.

CME today remains focused on the issues that matter most to Canadian manufacturers and exporters. 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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
All duties are executed within a collaborative, matrix environment. This role, in particular, facilitates collaboration between the program teams and the Finance and Marketing teams.

1. Program Governance & Compliance
•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., privacy, accessibility, procurement).
•Develop internal policies, procedures, and controls.
•Prepare for audits and evaluations (internal or external).

2. Financial Management & Reporting
•Manage program budget and cash flow according to the contribution agreement.
•Track eligible vs. ineligible expenditures.
•Approve invoices and monitor procurement activities.
•Submit financial reports to the funding body (quarterly/annual).
•Ensure proper documentation for audits and claims reimbursement.

3. Performance Measurement & Outcomes
•Develop and monitor KPIs tied to funding objectives.
•Collect, analyze, and report data on outcomes and outputs.
•Prepare performance and impact reports required by the funder.
•Implement continuous improvement strategies.

4. 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.
•Address stakeholder concerns and maintain strong relationships.

5. Risk Management
•Identify program risks (financial, operational, reputational).
•Develop mitigation plans in collaboration with the director and leadership team.
•Maintain a risk register.
•Report material risks to senior leadership and funders.

6. Program Operations & Delivery
•Oversee day-to-day implementation.
•Ensure milestones and deliverables are met.
•Supervise staff or project leads.
•Manage contracts and service providers.

7. Communications & Public Accountability
•Ensure branding and acknowledgment requirements are followed for CME partners
•Support public reporting and transparency.
•Prepare briefing notes for executives or government officials.

8. Evaluation & Renewal Planning
•Coordinate third-party evaluations if required.
•Prepare renewal proposals or continuation funding applications.
•Lead close-out reporting at program end.

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
Mandatory Qualifications and Experience
• 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
The ideal candidate will have some or all of the following;
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• PMP certification and project management experience are considered assets.
• Preference will be given to candidates with analyst or accounting experience. Business analytics experience is also preferred.
• 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.
• Can demonstrate their ability to facilitate work efficiently with multiple stakeholders.

To apply: please email resume@cme-mec.ca.

Deadline: March 27, 2026