Project Manager

Definity is the parent company to some of Canada’s most long-standing and innovative insurance brands, including Economical Insurance, Sonnet Insurance, Family Insurance Solutions, and Petline Insurance. Our ambition is to be one of Canada’s leading and most innovative property and casualty insurers. We can’t do that without our people, so we embrace and encourage a culture that’s collaborative, ambitious, rewarding, and empowering.

We offer a flexible, hybrid work experience where employees work from the office and virtually depending on the type of work they are doing and who they are working with. Bring your true self and be a part of our journey. It’s better here.

The Senior Project Manager understands and is an expert in both Waterfall and Agile methodologies. Plan and execute projects using selected methodology for managing project scope, requirements changes, multiple and competing demands and priorities. - Deliver projects across the enterprise leveraging a reasonable understanding of business and IT practices, terminologies and processes. Effectively serve/engage leadership, Product Owners and Development Teams trough the grooming process in an effort to assist in the delivery on their respective KPIs

What can you expect in this role?

• The Agile Project Manager understands and is an expert in both Waterfall and Agile methodologies.
• Plan and execute projects using selected methodology for managing project scope, requirements changes, multiple and competing demands and priorities.
• Deliver projects across the enterprise leveraging a reasonable understanding of business and IT practices, terminologies and processes.
• Effectively serve/engage leadership, Product Owners and Development Teams trough the grooming process in an effort to assist in the delivery on their respective KPIs
• Facilitate the Agile process, guide and mentor teams, remove impediments/blockers or guide the team to remove impediments.
• Guide and motivate the team to be highly effective, self-organized, productive and accountable.
• Use appropriate fact-based metrics / assumptions to determine and convey impact on budget, time and risk.
• Launch and manage the delivery of projects to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery
• Facilitate Agile ceremonies including: sprint planning, backlog grooming, daily stand ups, sprint retrospectives, sprint demos and release planning. Lead teams in estimation, sizing, and sprint roadmap exercise.
• Coordinate project team/POD activities and expectations, including collaboration with all project stakeholders from other Economical areas, internal and external consultants, contractors, vendors and external regulatory organizations
• Identify, manage and monitor risks, assumptions, blockers, impediments, constraints and internal and cross-track dependencies
• Resolve project issues and conflicts, create or facilitate an action plan to resolve and escalate issues appropriately as required
• Lead team in using Agile techniques: User Stories, TDD, Continuous Integration, Continuous Testing, Pairing, Automated Testing.
• Provide reports tailored to various audiences according to complexity, risk and stakeholder reporting requirements.
• Develop project artifacts and revise initial planning estimates
• Adopt established governance model, guiding principles, foundational processes and procedures, to ensure consistent project delivery practices
• Establish and maintain project oversight, governance and ensure appropriate oversight committees are in place and meet regularly
• Aggregate financial and non-financial project data at the project level
• Ensure that project outcomes are accepted, measure and analyze stakeholder perceptions
• Work with Finance and project sponsors to track delivery costs and determine benefits realization post implementation
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including, Architects, Designers, Developers, Business Analysts, Technical Testers as well as business and IT leadership
• Ensure open and continuous communication around expectations, progress, challenges and risks. Develop and execute communication plan for all stakeholders
• Lead and oversee complex technical projects involving the design, development, and implementation of scalable, distributed systems utilizing microservices architecture and machine learning models. 
• Collaborate with data scientists, software engineers, and other technical stakeholders to define system requirements, develop technical roadmaps, and ensure alignment with business objectives.  
• Leverage your expertise in systems design, machine learning, and microservices to identify and mitigate technical risks, optimize system performance, and drive innovation.

What do you bring to the role?

• University Degree or College Diploma in computer science, information systems or a related discipline; PMP designation is an asset
• 5+ years of experience leading teams using project management tools and techniques, both Agile and Milestone-based/Waterfall.
• Experience in Agile approaches: Scrum, Kanban.
• Able to confidently provide effective written and verbal updates on the product roadmap and key projects to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Experience working with or large system integrator or outsourced IT service providers is an asset
• Experience in the Property and Casualty Insurance industry and its related practices and processes is an asset
• Experience with Jira/Confluence, Microsoft SharePoint, MS Project, or other resource management and tracking tools (e.g. Clarity)
• A critical thinker, works well under pressure, and perform well in a fast paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to influence and effectively negotiate with stakeholders

salary range: $74,100 - $136,500

Interested in this role, but don't meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply! We know from experience that a candidate doesn't need 100% of the qualifications listed to bring incredible value to our team. We're actively seeking diverse backgrounds and perspectives to help us make insurance better. At Definity, inclusion, diversity, and equity aren't just "nice to have" — they're essential to our success.

What's in it for you?

• Hybrid work schedule for most roles
• Company share ownership program
• Pension and savings programs, with company-matched RRSP contributions
• Paid volunteer days and company matching on charitable donations
• Educational resources, tuition assistance, and paid time off to study for exams
• Focus on inclusion with employee groups, support for gender affirmation surgery, access to BIPOC counsellors, access to programs for working parents
• Wellness and recognition programs
• Discounts on products and services

Actual salary for the role may vary depending on work location of the successful candidate and other factors including but not limited to, skills, education, experience, working conditions and the local labour market.  In addition to base pay, eligible employees may participate in various incentive plans which are paid out at the discretion of the company and subject to individual and company performance.

Go ahead and expect a lot — you deserve it.
It's better here — but don't take our word for it. Definity was named by Great Place to Work® as one of the Best Workplaces™ in Canada for women, for youth, and for inclusion.

Our inclusive work environment welcomes diversity and supports accessibility. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting [email protected].

Background checks
This role requires successful clearance of background checks (including criminal checks and leadership references).

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