Program Manager – Design Operations (Contract)

About the role

The Program Manager – Design Operations will act as the operational backbone for the design organization, partnering directly with executive leadership to ensure strategic alignment and flawless execution of design programs and initiatives. This contract role is based in Toronto with a hybrid schedule (three days onsite per week).

Key responsibilities

• Support executive leadership by managing PMO governance, reporting cadences, and strategic program tracking.
• Create and maintain executive‑facing dashboards, status reports, and portfolio visibility tools.
• Facilitate leadership forums, steering committees, and decision‑making processes.
• Partner with the Head of Design to translate priorities into actionable roadmaps and monitor milestone progress.
• Own and continuously improve operational processes, identifying gaps and implementing scalable solutions.
• Lead the design team’s project intake, developing brief frameworks, prioritizing, and resourcing projects.
• Maintain program and project management standards across the design organization, ensuring consistency in planning, risk management, and delivery reporting.

Required profile

• 5‑8+ years of program or project management experience, preferably within a design, creative, or product environment.
• Proven experience supporting C‑suite or senior design leadership.
• Strong command of PMO frameworks, intake processes, and operational workflows.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder‑management abilities.

Required skills

• Proficiency with project management tools such as Jira, Asana, or Smartsheet.
• PMP certification or equivalent Agile credentials (preferred).

What we offer

• Competitive hourly rate of CAD $50‑$55.
• Hybrid work model with three onsite days per week in Toronto.
• Opportunity to influence design strategy at an executive level.