Top Benefits
About the role
About AAA Canada
AAA Canada is a specialized on-site and off-site subcontracting company delivering industrial engineering, production, and maintenance services to the Aerospace, Ground Transportation, and Defence sectors. With a proven methodology, a workforce of 500+ highly qualified professionals, and a track record spanning over 30 years, we are the trusted partner for complex, high-stakes programs.
We are growing — and this newly created Program Manager role is your opportunity to shape how we serve Canada's most demanding defence and government customers.
The Opportunity
As Program Manager, Government & Defence Projects, you will own the full lifecycle of multiple concurrent contracts awarded to AAA Canada by the Canadian federal government and defence industry clients. You will be the single point of accountability — from contract award and readiness through execution, delivery, and closeout.
This is a hands-on leadership role. You will embed yourself in cross-functional teams, rally operational leaders, and drive the critical readiness phase that determines whether a program succeeds from day one. If you thrive on building structure in ambiguous environments, navigating complex stakeholder landscapes, and delivering results under pressure, this role is built for you.
The salary range for the position is between $120K and $140K annually.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Delivery
- Own end-to-end execution of government and defence contracts — scope, schedule, cost, quality, and compliance.
- Lead the critical readiness phase following contract award, ensuring all teams are mobilized and operations can start on time.
- Develop and maintain detailed program plans: WBS, schedules, resource plans, budgets, and risk registers.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, adjusting priorities in real time as client needs and workloads evolve.
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Pilot matrix-organized, cross-functional teams that include operational, engineering, supply chain, HR, and finance leaders.
- Define team structures and governance for each program phase; hold teams accountable to milestones and deliverables.
- Act as the integrating force across functions — breaking silos, resolving blockers, and maintaining momentum.
Customer & Stakeholder Management
- Serve as the primary liaison with Canadian government clients and defence industry customers.
- Provide structured program reporting, executive-level updates, and proactive escalation management.
- Support the VP Defence in bid preparation, project planning, cost estimation, and proposal-to-execution transitions.
Risk, Compliance & Governance
- Identify, assess, and mitigate operational, financial, and regulatory risks throughout the program lifecycle.
- Ensure compliance with Canadian defence contracting regulations, security clearance requirements, and client governance frameworks.
- Maintain rigorous program documentation, governance records, and compliance files.
- Capture and integrate lessons learned to support continuous improvement across all programs.
Financial Oversight
- Manage program financial performance: forecasting, variance analysis, cost control, and reporting to VP and leadership.
- Oversee workforce planning and staffing coordination with HR to ensure timely project mobilization.
What You Bring
Required
- 5–10 years of project or program management experience, ideally in defence, aerospace, or government-regulated environments.
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams in a matrix organization, including operations leaders.
- Proven track record delivering complex programs on time, on budget, and in full compliance.
- Hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up approach — you don't just oversee, you get in there.
- Exceptional organizational skills paired with the flexibility to manage shifting priorities and variable workloads.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and French — client-facing and executive-level.
- Familiarity with Canadian defence procurement and government contracting environments.
Strong Assets
- Experience in operations (production, maintenance, or service delivery) — directly applicable to the readiness and mobilization phases of AAA programs.
- PMP certification or equivalent credential.
- Experience working with Canadian Forces (CAF) programs, DND, or PSPC-managed contracts.
- Familiarity with Canadian security clearance processes.
- Proficiency with project planning tools (Planisware, MS Project, or equivalent) and Office 365.
Education
- University degree in Engineering (Industrial or related), Business Administration, Project Management, or equivalent.
Who You Are
You are a natural organizer who never loses the thread — even when multiple projects demand your attention at once. You communicate with clarity and confidence in French and English, adapting your tone for shop-floor leaders, finance partners, and C-suite clients alike. You are disciplined enough to build structure and flexible enough to let go of it when the situation calls for a different approach.
You take ownership. When a contract is awarded, you see the critical path clearly and you move. When something is at risk, you surface it early and bring solutions. You treat the customer's success as your own.
Why AAA Canada
- Be part of a growing company at the intersection of aerospace, defence, and government services.
- Newly created role — you will define how it's done, not inherit someone else's way of doing it.
- Collaborative culture with direct access to senior leadership.
- High-profile programs with real strategic impact for Canadian defence and security.
- Flexible work environment with presence in both Ottawa and Montréal.
Ready to lead Canada's most important defence programs?
Send your application to candidatures@aaa-canada.ca
aaa-canada.ca/en
Not the right fit? Search for PROGRAM MANAGER jobs in Ottawa, ON
About AAA Canada
Supported by international expertise, AAA Canada contributes to the productivity and development of its customers by offering on-site and off-site subcontracting and technical assistance solutions in the Aerospace & Ground Transportation and Defense sectors.
With over 500 employees, AAA Canada draws its strength from the European AAA Group, a major player in the industry for almost 30 years. The group generates over $300 million in sales and employs 3,500 people worldwide.
Seconded by the AAA Group's international expertise, we offer our customers a proven intervention method to deliver a high-quality finished product.
Our in-situ and ex-situ approach, focused on productivity, on-time delivery, quality, and efficiency, gives us a prime position in our customers' facilities and operations.
AAA Canada is an affiliate of DRAKKAR Aerospace & Ground Transportation.
AAA Canada: a partner in your success.
Apply now: https://aaa-canada.ca/en/jobs
Similar jobs you might like
Top Benefits
About the role
About AAA Canada
AAA Canada is a specialized on-site and off-site subcontracting company delivering industrial engineering, production, and maintenance services to the Aerospace, Ground Transportation, and Defence sectors. With a proven methodology, a workforce of 500+ highly qualified professionals, and a track record spanning over 30 years, we are the trusted partner for complex, high-stakes programs.
We are growing — and this newly created Program Manager role is your opportunity to shape how we serve Canada's most demanding defence and government customers.
The Opportunity
As Program Manager, Government & Defence Projects, you will own the full lifecycle of multiple concurrent contracts awarded to AAA Canada by the Canadian federal government and defence industry clients. You will be the single point of accountability — from contract award and readiness through execution, delivery, and closeout.
This is a hands-on leadership role. You will embed yourself in cross-functional teams, rally operational leaders, and drive the critical readiness phase that determines whether a program succeeds from day one. If you thrive on building structure in ambiguous environments, navigating complex stakeholder landscapes, and delivering results under pressure, this role is built for you.
The salary range for the position is between $120K and $140K annually.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Delivery
- Own end-to-end execution of government and defence contracts — scope, schedule, cost, quality, and compliance.
- Lead the critical readiness phase following contract award, ensuring all teams are mobilized and operations can start on time.
- Develop and maintain detailed program plans: WBS, schedules, resource plans, budgets, and risk registers.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, adjusting priorities in real time as client needs and workloads evolve.
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Pilot matrix-organized, cross-functional teams that include operational, engineering, supply chain, HR, and finance leaders.
- Define team structures and governance for each program phase; hold teams accountable to milestones and deliverables.
- Act as the integrating force across functions — breaking silos, resolving blockers, and maintaining momentum.
Customer & Stakeholder Management
- Serve as the primary liaison with Canadian government clients and defence industry customers.
- Provide structured program reporting, executive-level updates, and proactive escalation management.
- Support the VP Defence in bid preparation, project planning, cost estimation, and proposal-to-execution transitions.
Risk, Compliance & Governance
- Identify, assess, and mitigate operational, financial, and regulatory risks throughout the program lifecycle.
- Ensure compliance with Canadian defence contracting regulations, security clearance requirements, and client governance frameworks.
- Maintain rigorous program documentation, governance records, and compliance files.
- Capture and integrate lessons learned to support continuous improvement across all programs.
Financial Oversight
- Manage program financial performance: forecasting, variance analysis, cost control, and reporting to VP and leadership.
- Oversee workforce planning and staffing coordination with HR to ensure timely project mobilization.
What You Bring
Required
- 5–10 years of project or program management experience, ideally in defence, aerospace, or government-regulated environments.
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams in a matrix organization, including operations leaders.
- Proven track record delivering complex programs on time, on budget, and in full compliance.
- Hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up approach — you don't just oversee, you get in there.
- Exceptional organizational skills paired with the flexibility to manage shifting priorities and variable workloads.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and French — client-facing and executive-level.
- Familiarity with Canadian defence procurement and government contracting environments.
Strong Assets
- Experience in operations (production, maintenance, or service delivery) — directly applicable to the readiness and mobilization phases of AAA programs.
- PMP certification or equivalent credential.
- Experience working with Canadian Forces (CAF) programs, DND, or PSPC-managed contracts.
- Familiarity with Canadian security clearance processes.
- Proficiency with project planning tools (Planisware, MS Project, or equivalent) and Office 365.
Education
- University degree in Engineering (Industrial or related), Business Administration, Project Management, or equivalent.
Who You Are
You are a natural organizer who never loses the thread — even when multiple projects demand your attention at once. You communicate with clarity and confidence in French and English, adapting your tone for shop-floor leaders, finance partners, and C-suite clients alike. You are disciplined enough to build structure and flexible enough to let go of it when the situation calls for a different approach.
You take ownership. When a contract is awarded, you see the critical path clearly and you move. When something is at risk, you surface it early and bring solutions. You treat the customer's success as your own.
Why AAA Canada
- Be part of a growing company at the intersection of aerospace, defence, and government services.
- Newly created role — you will define how it's done, not inherit someone else's way of doing it.
- Collaborative culture with direct access to senior leadership.
- High-profile programs with real strategic impact for Canadian defence and security.
- Flexible work environment with presence in both Ottawa and Montréal.
Ready to lead Canada's most important defence programs?
Send your application to candidatures@aaa-canada.ca
aaa-canada.ca/en
Not the right fit? Search for PROGRAM MANAGER jobs in Ottawa, ON
About AAA Canada
Supported by international expertise, AAA Canada contributes to the productivity and development of its customers by offering on-site and off-site subcontracting and technical assistance solutions in the Aerospace & Ground Transportation and Defense sectors.
With over 500 employees, AAA Canada draws its strength from the European AAA Group, a major player in the industry for almost 30 years. The group generates over $300 million in sales and employs 3,500 people worldwide.
Seconded by the AAA Group's international expertise, we offer our customers a proven intervention method to deliver a high-quality finished product.
Our in-situ and ex-situ approach, focused on productivity, on-time delivery, quality, and efficiency, gives us a prime position in our customers' facilities and operations.
AAA Canada is an affiliate of DRAKKAR Aerospace & Ground Transportation.
AAA Canada: a partner in your success.
Apply now: https://aaa-canada.ca/en/jobs