Program Manager

Program Mamager

The Opportunity

The Program Manager is responsible for the day-to-day delivery, administration and oversight of an assigned portfolio of EV ChargeON projects. Reporting to the Director, EV ChargeON, the Program Manager works with funding recipients, government partners and internal teams to advance projects from application and evaluation through contracting, implementation, reimbursement and ongoing reporting.

The role maintains effective project controls, monitors budgets and milestones, resolves delivery issues and supports compliance with funding agreements. Working closely with the Program Specialist, the Program Manager uses project and operational data to assess performance, identify risks and support program reporting and continuous improvement.

Who We Are

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) is the province’s leading innovation engine, bringing together industry, academia, government, and investors to accelerate commercialization and scale Ontario-made technologies.

From AI and quantum to life sciences, cleantech, and advanced manufacturing, OCI powers the programs and partnerships helping Ontario companies grow, compete globally, and build the future, right here.

Program Manager Role and Key Responsibilities

The Program Manager is expected to assume program responsibilities, including, but not limited to:

• Manage the day-to-day delivery of assigned EV ChargeON projects, maintaining project plans, milestones, budgets, documentation and recipient communications throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support application intake, eligibility screening and proposal assessment. Coordinate external evaluations and internal review meetings, documenting recommendations and decisions to support a fair, consistent and transparent process.
• Coordinate the preparation, execution and activation of funding agreements with recipients and internal teams. Review requests for project changes, extensions, amendments or withdrawals and recommend appropriate action to the Director.
• Act as the primary contact for assigned funding recipients, providing guidance on program requirements, eligible expenses, milestones, documentation and reporting obligations.
• Monitor progress against approved scope, budgets and schedules. Identify barriers relating to site access, financing, utility connections, permitting, procurement and construction; work with recipients on mitigation plans and escalate material risks.
• Maintain forecasts of project completion, funding commitments and anticipated reimbursements. Identify potential underspending or released funding and provide timely recommendations to support portfolio planning.
• Coordinate project completion and reimbursement reviews with Finance and other internal teams, checking that required evidence is complete and consistent with program requirements before recommending payment for approval.
• Monitor compliance with project agreements and reporting obligations, including annual usage reporting following project completion. Follow up on overdue submissions and unresolved compliance issues and escalate as required.
• Work with the Program Specialist to coordinate reporting schedules, validate project status and resolve gaps in recipient submissions. Review dashboards and charging performance trends, including uptime, sessions, utilization and energy delivered, to inform portfolio oversight.
• Prepare portfolio updates, briefing materials and inputs for government and internal reporting, explaining progress, financial forecasts, risks, outcomes and recommended actions.
• Develop and improve program criteria, evaluation tools, workflows, guidance documents, FAQs and standard operating procedures in collaboration with the Director, Program Specialist and relevant internal teams.
• Maintain accurate project records in AccessOCI and related tracking tools. Support the development and testing of portal workflows, reporting modules and reminders to improve data integrity and recipient experience.
• Work collaboratively with Finance and Operations, Business Development, Marketing and Communications, and other OCI teams to coordinate resources, resolve issues and support consistent program delivery.
• Engage government partners, utilities, local distribution companies, charging network operators and other stakeholders to support project delivery. Monitor sector developments and identify opportunities to strengthen program processes and partnerships.
• Identify project outcomes, lessons learned and potential success stories. Work with the Program Specialist and Marketing and Communications to develop accurate materials for review and approval.
• Recommend portfolio priorities and program improvements to the Director. Support future program design and other OCI initiatives and complete additional duties as assigned.

Requirements and Skills

• University degree in Business, Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Studies or a related field, with a minimum of 5–7 years of related experience in program development, delivery or project portfolio management.
• Experience administering government-funded programs, infrastructure projects or funding agreements. Experience with EV charging, clean transportation, energy or utilities is a strong asset.
• Strong understanding of project lifecycles, from planning and contracting through implementation, financial monitoring, completion and reporting; ability to identify delivery risks and recommend practical mitigation measures.
• Superior project and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• Experience reviewing project budgets, monitoring funding commitments, preparing forecasts and coordinating expenditure or reimbursement reviews.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret project and operational data, identify trends and prepare clear recommendations and reporting summaries.
• Strong oral and written communication, stakeholder relationship management and customer service skills, including the ability to explain program requirements and manage sensitive or complex recipient issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal teams, funding recipients, government representatives and industry stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong working knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, databases and reporting or visualization tools; ability to learn and use online program administration systems.
• Experience developing program processes, templates and operational guidance, with a commitment to continuous improvement, accurate records, confidentiality and responsible stewardship of public funds.

Internal Contacts and External Contacts

• OCI staff across all levels
• Funding recipients, project applicants and industry partners
• Charging network operators, equipment providers and consultants
• Utilities and local distribution companies
• Government stakeholders at the provincial, federal and municipal levels

Working Conditions

Standard office hours, with occasional participation in events, workshops or stakeholder meetings outside normal business hours.

Travel approximately 10% of the time within Ontario.

This role is being recruited for a current opening.

OCI is committed to creating a diverse and equitable environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. OCI welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.