Senior Project Manager (12 month contract)

Role overview

Empire Life is hiring a Senior Project Manager for a 12-month contract. This role is based in Canada with a hybrid work setup and is focused on leading projects that support business goals from start to finish. The position requires someone who can work with limited supervision and take ownership of project delivery across initiation, planning, analysis, design, execution, implementation, and closure.

Compensation

The total target compensation for permanent positions is $117,600 to $166,880, inclusive of base pay and target bonus. This bonus structure does not apply to fixed-term contract or casual roles; those roles receive only base salary.

Why this opportunity stands out

• Be part of a company that is evolving within a stable industry.
• Contribute directly to business results while strengthening your own project management capabilities.
• Bring forward ideas, challenge established approaches, and help improve how work gets done.

Key responsibilities

The Senior Project Manager will coordinate project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and stakeholder communication while ensuring projects follow approved methods and standards. This includes assigning work, guiding team members, tracking progress, escalating issues when needed, and completing post-implementation reviews.

Project duties

• Work with senior leaders and stakeholders to define scope, objectives, and deliverables aligned to business needs.
• Identify project tasks, staffing needs, and required resources.
• Partner with IT and other business teams to secure resources and distribute responsibilities.
• Support, coach, and direct project team members.
• Build and maintain project budgets, including routine expense tracking and reporting.
• Create schedules, monitor milestones, and keep timelines on track using appropriate tools.
• Prepare project plans and related communication materials.
• Keep stakeholders informed on project status on an ongoing basis.
• Resolve issues within the team where possible and escalate complex matters promptly.
• Track dependencies, critical paths, and interrelated project activities.
• Anticipate risks and implement mitigation plans to reduce exposure.
• Apply project management frameworks, processes, and standards appropriately.
• Manage changes to scope, budget, or timelines through formal change control practices.
• Set success measures and manage expectations with stakeholders and team members.
• Lead post-launch reviews to assess what worked well and what did not.

What the employer is looking for

This role suits an experienced project leader with a strong background in complex business transformation or IT initiatives. The ideal candidate should be comfortable working with senior stakeholders, influencing across the organization, and driving change through innovation and process improvement. Strong presentation, negotiation, and consulting skills are important, along with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Required qualifications and experience

• At least 5 years of progressive project management experience, preferably leading large and complex transformation or technology projects.
• Practical knowledge of project methodologies and delivery approaches such as Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall.
• Hands-on experience with tools such as Smartsheet, Jira, and Confluence.
• Familiarity with different technology platforms, architectures, programming languages, and modern development toolkits.
• Experience building and leading high-performing teams.
• Proven ability to build relationships across all levels of an organization.
• Experience working with senior leaders and facilitating strategic discussions.
• Self-directed approach with resilience and the ability to set priorities independently.
• Consulting or stakeholder engagement experience, including the ability to listen carefully and translate needs into clear project direction.
• Strong presentation, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
• A university degree or college diploma in Business, Technology, or a related area, or equivalent experience.
• PMP certification is considered an asset.
• English proficiency is required for applicants who will communicate with customers, advisors, or employees across Canada.

Additional information

The hiring process includes AI-based screening for relevant keywords and minimum qualifications, followed by recruiter review of all results.

Equal opportunity and accommodations

Empire Life is committed to inclusive hiring and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. Candidates will be considered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in any stage of the screening or selection process. If an alternate format of the posting is needed or accessibility questions arise, candidates may contact [email protected].

Benefits for regular full-time employees

• Competitive pay with annual increases.
• Annual bonus program for non-sales roles, based on company and individual performance.
• Uncapped commission structure for sales roles.
• Employer-funded benefits including life insurance, disability coverage, health and dental coverage, and a health spending account.
• Flexible work arrangements and personal health days.
• Four weeks of vacation starting on the hire date.
• Defined contribution pension plan with employer match.
• Top-up support for parental leave and compassionate leave.
• Wellness and recognition programs funded by the employer.
• Employee referral cash incentive.