Senior Program Manager

Kobo15 days ago

Toronto, Ontario

Senior Level

full_time

Flexible hours and hybrid remote work

Full benefits from day one (health, dental, vision)

Unlimited sick days

Job Description Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc. we offer a casual working start-up environment and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative and passionate they need to feel valued and supported.

If you're looking for a company that inspires passion, and personal and professional growth, join Kobo and come help us make reading lives better.

The Opportunity It's an exciting time for the PMO at Rakuten Kobo Inc. as we continue to evolve our Program Management practice and power up our delivery approach in preparation for what is about to be another busy and exciting year for us We're looking to grow our team with someone who has both deep experience and fresh ideas when it comes to leading digital delivery, someone with the passion, dedication and creativity that would be an asset to any team.

The Role The Project Management Office (PMO) is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Program Manager to strengthen our growing team. In this role, you will lead multiple high-impact cross-functional projects concurrently: defining and leading the team on best path for effective delivery, proactively and diligently mitigating risks, and ensuring alignment between program outcomes and business objectives. You will bring a proven track record of successfully managing large-scale, complex programs across diverse industries, project types, and technology solutions.

This is a hybrid role for a Toronto area candidate, working from the office minimum 3 days a week.

Responsibilities

• Provide PM leadership and take on accountability for end-to-end delivery of key strategic programs, guiding teams, partners, and stakeholders through all stages of the program lifecycle with clarity and confidence.
• Develop and execute on comprehensive program models, ensuring robust organization, stakeholder alignment, and effective day-to-day management to drive program success.
• Pre-empt, assess, and manage dependencies and risks, identifying and driving response strategies to ensure timely mitigation.
• Create and deliver clear, actionable, and audience-appropriate communication on program status, challenges, and achievements to a wide range of audiences, including executive leadership.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the PMO, contributing thought leadership, mentoring peers, and contributing to the cohesion and development of the team and practice

Skills & Experience

• 8+ years of hands-on experience leading large-scale, complex digital programs in dynamic, multi-functional delivery environments, having applied both Agile and Waterfall methodologies, and with proficiency in industry-standard PM tools.
• A "hands on" PM with proven ability to manage competing priorities, make sound decisions under pressure, take the lead on identifying potential problems and then providing thoughtful recommendations to solve them
• Proactive, self-motivated leader with a strong sense of personal accountability and a commitment to driving program success.
• Constantly curious and genuinely interested in PM as a Craft, enthusiastic about growing the PMO's shared knowledge base and community engagement, and thrives in an environment of shared learning and continuous improvement.

The Perks

• Flexible hours and hybrid remote working environment
• Subsidized in-office lunches
• Four extended long weekends in the summer
• Full benefits starting from your first day
• Paid Volunteer days, unlimited sick days, and 3% RRSP matching
• Monthly commuting allowance for those who are hybrid
• Lifestyle spending account
• Talent and development training budget
• Free Kobo device + free weekly e-book or audiobook
• Weekly Kobo Tech University sessions
• Maternity/paternity leave top up
• Dog friendly office

About Rakuten Kobo Inc. Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world's most innovative e-reading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning e-readers, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies.

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.

Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from Rakuten. Rakuten does not send unsolicited job offers or request money during the recruitment process. Learn more: