Engineering Program Manager, Architectural Interiors

At Teknion, our New Product Development team is always innovating. As a part of the Architectural Interiors Product Development Team, the Program Manager has a key role guiding the cross-functional teams (Project Managers, Industrial Design, Design Engineering, Marketing, Finance, Manufacturing etc.) through the conceptualization, design and manufacturing to the successful launch of exciting new products. The Program Manager will orchestrate many of the same activities across user groups on
the maintenance and enhancement of the existing product portfolio.

Teknion is looking for someone who thrives on challenges and enjoys orchestrating complex projects to deliver tangible results. The successful Program Manager exhibits a balance of excellent organizational skills, with refined interpersonal communication skills. They will manage through relationships and influence; and to communicate
well at all levels. This role isn’t just about managing tasks; it’s about inspiring teams and fostering collaboration to achieve extraordinary goals.

What makes this a great opportunity?

• Working on diverse projects, with partners who are experts in their fields.
• High visibility to Senior Leadership Team
• Working in a company that balances constant innovation with structured processes that enable a successful global operation.
• Guiding a highly skilled supportive group of Project Managers and other team members to support new product implementation activities.

What are the primary responsibilities of this role? 

1. Lead new product development process from initial design concepts to production implementation.

• Develop, optimize, and evolve the comprehensive Project Plan
• Build consensus, and gain approval of the project plan with relevant team members and management, ensuring supporting departments understand their responsibilities and the required timeframes associated with their deliverables.
• Drive project actions to completion, ensuring project deliverables are met as scheduled.
• Facilitate cross functional problem solving.
• Identify gaps in project task responsibilities, work with management to resolve.
• Guide Product Development team on non-standard or ambiguous projects utilizing Project Management frameworks.

2. Plan, communicate, maintain, and optimize the project structure:

• Ensure Project Scope & Objectives are identified, documented and followed.
• Develop Project Timeline, identifying milestones, deliverable, and track progress.
• Ensure appropriate resources assignment.
• Identify Project Risks; analyze the problem, consolidate options and communicate clearly within the project team to enable decision making and develop contingencies plans as required.

3. Manage changes to the project scope, project schedule, and project costs using appropriate verification techniques.

4. Facilitate communication within the development team and relevant stakeholders:

• Ensure meetings are efficient, with actions and decisions clearly understood, documented, communicated, and closed.
• Encourage collaboration and teamwork between functional representatives.

5. Monitor and report on the status of the project plan and objectives (i.e. schedule, budget, and resources) to the team and executive sponsors; identify and elevate significant project decisions or deviations.

6. Continuously improve custom product development process through:

• Facilitate post launch project reviews, organizing Lessons Learned sessions.
• Maintaining engagement and communication across all teams to enable synergistic learning and collaboration.
• Maintaining and enhancing project management tools (best practices, templates, software).

7. Actively identify and support key project deliverable, coordinate and participate in major project events:

• Mock-ups, Prototype Build and Pilot Build as appropriate.

8. Work closely with engineering teams to identify product testing plan for product certification in accordance with industry standard requirements with each current product change and new product introduction,

• Facilitate tests schedules and associate required resources.
• Generate schedules, monitor budgets, coordinate testing and validation activities
• Regularly update and maintain AI Products Test Vault as new or modified issued

9. Liaise on with CET – Storyboard Specification Software Developers to ensure accurate product information and requirements are properly conveyed

• Develop yearly work plan, establish and implement enhanced processes to support flawless product launches
• Guide Developers activities for achieve Software Enhancement and Maintenance

10. Work closely with marketing and website teams to ensure product related information and documentation is aligned and available online for sales and client access

•  Monitor project specific requirements using Launch Checklists
• Continuously review and update relevant product technical information (Technical Spec Sheets, Product Specification, Product C of C, Test Report and Certificates, Finishes Coordination and any other product related information.

What Qualifications & Experience will you bring to the team?

• 10+ years of experience with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. P. Eng. designation preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years in Program / Project Management experience in a relevant industry, PMI certification is an asset.
• Experience with Product Design and Development processes of a manufacturing organization and proven working experience in project management role
• Experience within the construction, architectural interiors, furniture industry or similar is valuable.
• Knowledge and experience with design and development processes, manufacturing processes and materials associated with commercial products.
• Excellent Leadership skills and superior Client interaction skills
• Excellent computer skills, including MS Office, Adobe, Smartsheet, CAD (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and cloud based data management and workflow tools (Box, Google Drive)

The expected base salary range for this position will start at $115.000.00. Final base salary offers will reflect an assessment of the selected candidate’s skills, demonstrated competencies, and adherence to our internal pay equity framework.

Teknion is committed to supporting a culture of diversity and accessibility across the organization.   It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment.  A Human Resources representative will consult with applicants contacted to participate at any stage of the recruitment process who request an accommodation. Information received regarding the accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

By applying for a position with Teknion, you understand that, should you be made an offer, it will be contingent on your undergoing and successfully completing a background check consistent with Teknion’s employment policies. Background checks may include some or all the following based on the nature of the position: SSN/SIN validation, education verification, employment verification, credit check and criminal check. You will be notified during the hiring process which checks are required by the position.