Research Support Program Managaer

Title: Research Support Program Manager

Location: Toronto, ONT, Canada 

Contract

Hybrid

Job Description:

Research Support Program Manager

Line of Business: Cyber Security, Third Party Risk & Resilience

Target Start Date: Immediately

Duration: 7 months

Hybrid: 5 times/month

Rate: $65-70/hr T4

Best vs average candidate: Strong Program Management skills, good at anticipating and dealing with problems before they become large, strong drive and willing to show initiative, able to generate written communication, prepare and deliver verbally in meeting and be able to identify and build people change management, broad knowledge of cyber security, understand general nature of cyber security, any certification in cyber security will be a definite asset, someone who has good writing skills and is a researcher can also participate in research, programming skills with Python/SQL will be an asset, Banking experience, someone who is outgoing and likes the opportunity to lead initiatives.

Job Description: As a Research Support Program Manager within the Cyber Security Innovation team of Cybersecurity, Third Party and Resilience, you will join a cross-functional team with a passion for innovation and operational excellence. In this role, you will ensure the continuity of program management and research support for core innovation initiatives, enabling the client to maintain high performance across its cyber security research and talent pipelines. You will help manage and steward the innovation radar and research program pipeline, facilitate regular reporting and communication of program activities, and support the advancement of key automation and upskilling initiatives. You will also collaborate with both internal and external partners to maintain and enhance the Cyber Security Innovation capabilities. Our client enable's the work environment most optimal for you to thrive in your role. You'll have the flexibility to manage your work activities within a hybrid work arrangement where you'll spend 1-3 days per week on-site, while other days will be remote.

Plan, direct or coordinate activities in the following areas:

• Oversee and maintain the Innovation Radar and program pipeline to ensure initiatives are tracked and aligned with strategic objectives.
• Manage the tracking, reporting, and facilitation of our internal Research Network activities and support the socialization of program outputs.
• Support the delivery of a monthly development day set of activities aimed at sharing knowledge and building culture.
• Work directly with the Director to revamp current program management plans
• Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems
• Communications
• Synthesize activities, outputs, survey findings into impactful communications and deliver regular reports to leadership and stakeholders.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of program deliverables and research outputs.
• Develop clear and impactful communications for executive and technical audiences.
• Facilitate the socialization of program outputs and research findings
• Facilitating Cross-Functional working groups:
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to identify skill gaps and facilitate training opportunities for our team.
• Working with internal partners and external academic partners with the aim of diversifying talent pools for our early talent pipeline
• Find, track and report on, and even participate in opportunities for AI/automation to streamline processes and reduce manual workload.
• Identify and implement process improvements within program management and research support.

Key Qualifications:

• Experience in program or project management within technology, information security, or research environments - 8+ years
• Experience supporting or managing research/innovation or similar programs in a large enterprise or academic setting - 2+ years
• Strong communication, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills
• Experience with program tracking, reporting, and process improvement - 5 years
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Technical proficiency in tools such as PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint
• Change Management experience - 2+ years
• Cyber security experience - 2+ years

Nice to have:

• Banking Experience
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, CISSP) are assets.
• basic programming/automation (Python, SQL) or experience with prompt engineering is desirable.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA.

Employee Type: Contract

Location: Toronto, ON, CA

Pay Range: $65 - $70 per hour