Senior Expert Program/project Management

At CN, we work together to move our company and North America forward. Be part of our Information & Technology (I&T) team, a critical piece of the engine that keeps us in motion.

From enterprise architecture to operational technology, our teams use the agile methodology to automate and digitize our railroad ensuring our operations run optimally and safely and our employees can focus on value-added tasks.

You will be able to develop your skills and career in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM.

The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

The Senior Expert Program Management will work with the Cloud Transformation leadership team to plan and manage the successful delivery of major programs.

The incumbent will monitor program performance, manage program risks related projects, ensuring plans are in place to support the successful delivery and realization of business benefits.

The incumbent will lead the program and project management practices of the Cloud Transformation Program within the Cloud Engineering group.

This role involves mobilizing all necessary human (internal plus external) and financial resources while ensuring the development of technology solutions that satisfy performance, security, availability and reliability criteria, and operational requirements.

Main Responsibilities

Delivery Management - 100%

Review the program / project definitions with project managers at the start of their project to ensure their project plans, tools and processes used throughout the program / project life cycle conform to and support the CN standards and best practices.

Provide mentoring and consultation services to program teams on standards, procedures, templates, and on how-to. Where standards or processes do not fit, work with the project managers to find alternatives (but just as effective) without compromising delivery.

Work together with programs / projects considered to be "at risk". Support the project managers in turning them around by helping put the right processes in place to address risks, deal with resource allocation issues, ensure completeness of programs plans, ensure assumptions are documented and agreed upon, escalate issues, and assist with obtaining appropriate and timely IT and Business signoffs.

Perform program / project reviews on a regular basis. Ensure action plans to address gaps and timelines for corrective actions are documented and followed up.

Facilitate communication of feedback and recommendations coming out of the review back to program managers, IT management, and program sponsors / steering committee members as required.

Participate in process improvement of Program Management and Project Management practice and assist with ongoing development of the standards.

Perform recruitment activities to attract skilled program / project managers and support their onboarding process.

Lead the Cloud Transformation Program (CTP)

See the public announcement of CN / Google partnership to drive its cloud journey : CN Partners with Google Cloud to Modernize Railway Services and Deliver Enhanced Customer Experiences.

• Oversee portfolio and project financial performance and adherence to Authorization for Expenditure (AFE) delivery commitments (scope, timeline, budget of $100M++)
• Oversee, manage, and maintain program benefits and business value realization
• Prepare and communicate program updates to senior leadership and executives
• Maintain tight control over schedule, risks, scope, and budget
• Ensure delivery teams have a clear understanding of the program / project requirements
• Ensure quality standards are met
• Identify the business needs and deliver by optimizing residual support costs
• Manage delivery by external partners, in relation to program / project objectives and CN objectives
• Coordinate the assignment of delivery resources where required
• Coordinate with various stakeholders to settle any delivery issues affecting deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.

Working Conditions

Hybrid Home / Office environment

Requirements

Experience

• Between 15 to 20 years of overall work experience
• Program management : 5+ years
• PMO / project management : 10 years

Education / Certification / Designation

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, MBA, or equivalent experience
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Lean Portfolio Management or equivalent

Technical Skills / Knowledge

• 5+ years of experience or more in management for major transformation programs
• 10 years of experience in managing projects and / or program management office
• Project Management Certification (PMP or equivalent)
• Master project management best practices and strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with different levels and types of clients
• Knowledge of Microsoft Project Professional Server (PPM) / PWA).

Competencies

• Sets goals that are consistent with CN's plan and takes responsibility for achieving results
• Shares timely information within and across functions to get things done effectively
• Demonstrates analytical thinking and a broad vision when making decisions
• Addresses risks in a timely manner to eliminate them
• Innovates through problem-solving
• Possesses organizational, time-management and prioritizing competencies
• Inspires others with impactful communications and adapts to the audience through speech and writing
• Demonstrates good judgment in decision-making and makes difficult and timely decisions
• Is inspirational and innovative
• Prioritizes individual development and continuous learning
• Deals with pressure and change by staying calm to quickly adapt to changes
• Builds relationships with clients and provides valuable services
• Negotiates toward a win-win outcome while taking all points of view into consideration
• Customer-focused mindset
• Proactive, organized, bilingual (an asset)

Organizational Impact

Decision Making & Impacts

The Sr. Expert Program Management leads transformation programs and enables company benefit and value realization through successful program delivery.

When issues arise, the incumbent makes the decision to escalate these to IT Se. Leadership. The decisions made have impacts on vendor contract agreements and project evolutions.

Level of Interaction / Influence

The Sr. Expert Program Management closely collaborates with internal customers within IT and the Business such as Directors and AVPs to define requirements, deliverables, and business benefits.

Direct interactions with IT Sr. Leaders are also required.

Employees Supervised / Organizational Structure

• Leads project staff (internal and external resources)
• Leads program / project management practices within the immediate team

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year.

As the only railroad connecting Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919.

CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability, and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.

For internal candidates, note that the grade level of the position will depend on the employee's experience.

CN is an employment equity employer and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.