Project Management Specialist

Overview

The City of Guelph is seeking a temporary, full-time Project Management Specialist to support the rollout and use of its project management methodologies, tools, processes, and policy. This role sits within Corporate Services under the Department of Corporate Performance and Strategy and is based at City Hall, 1 Carden Street. The assignment is expected to run for approximately two years and is a non-union position.

Why Work With the City of Guelph

By joining the City, you become part of a workforce of more than 2,000 people delivering everyday services that support the community. The organization is focused on building an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city, guided by its Future Guelph Strategic Plan and core values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness, and learning.

Benefits and Workplace Support

• Paid vacation, with additional time earned as service increases
• Paid personal days
• Hybrid and flexible work options
• Defined benefit pension through OMERS with full employer matching
• Extended health and dental coverage, including a health care spending account
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Parental leave top-up support
• Learning and development support, including tuition assistance
• Employee recognition initiatives

Role Summary

The selected candidate will help implement and maintain the City’s project management framework and support project delivery across departments. Working under the Supervisor, Strategic Programs, the role contributes to stronger project governance, better tools and processes, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Help design, update, and maintain a central framework of standards, tools, and processes for project and program management.
• Work with project teams to implement the Project Management Policy and approved methods across City departments.
• Coach and guide project managers in identifying risks and building risk registers, charters, and project plans, with a focus on using Eclipse, the City’s digital project tracking system.
• Prepare and support formal project documentation such as status reports, charters, schedules, risk registers, business cases, and related materials, ensuring alignment with City and PMI practices.
• Carry out studies, audits, and pilot initiatives as assigned by departmental leadership.
• Support benchmarking efforts and continuous improvement work.
• Monitor project management trends, practices, and new developments for possible use within the PMO and other departments.
• Promote disciplined project management practices through training and ongoing improvement support for project managers.
• Draft reports, memos, SOPs, technical specifications, and work instructions for internal stakeholders, management, Council, and staff as needed.
• Represent the City in meetings with staff, internal teams, and external stakeholders.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Qualifications and Experience

• Substantial related experience in the responsibilities listed above.
• Typically, this background would come from a university degree in Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, or a related discipline, along with project management experience; an equivalent mix of education and experience may also be considered.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute is considered an asset.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff at all levels, stakeholders, the media, and the public.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and team-building ability.
• Ability to research industry best practices and compare municipal performance through benchmarking.
• Knowledge of risk management methods and programs.
• Understanding of project management methodologies, theory, and practical application.
• Experience with audits and preparing audit findings.
• Experience using Eclipse or a similar project tracking platform.
• Advanced Microsoft 365 skills, including familiarity with tools such as Eclipse, SharePoint, Power BI, or comparable software.
• Strong ability to prioritize work, manage time, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Well-developed analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of records management systems is an asset.
• Strong data handling ability, including consolidation, analysis, interpretation, and report creation.
• Comfort working independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Experience managing large capital construction projects is considered an asset.

Working Hours

The role is scheduled for 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Hybrid and flexible work arrangements may be available in line with current corporate policy.

Hiring Process Transparency

Applicants who are interviewed for this role will receive a written or technology-based update on the hiring decision within 45 days of the interview.

Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility

The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to inclusive hiring practices. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs. In line with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided to qualified candidates during the hiring process upon request.

Privacy Notice

Personal information gathered during recruitment will be used only to assess employment eligibility. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.