Company Overview

Volatus Aerospace is a leader in innovative global aerial solutions for intelligence and cargo. With deep technological and subject matter expertise and over 100 years' worth of combined institutional knowledge in aviation, Volatus provides meaningful aerial solutions for end users across various industries using both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS or drones). We are committed to enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability through innovative, real-world aerial solutions.

Position Summary

Volatus Aerospace is seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager to join our team, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. This position plays a key operational role in overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of global RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) programs across Volatus operational and technical divisions. This position is ideal for a detailed-oriented and results-driven professional with experience managing multi-faceted RPAS initiatives in the aerospace, aviation, or defense sectors. With a focus on operational excellence, risk identification and mitigation, and effective stakeholder management, this role supports operational success and ensures the consistent delivery of high-value programs to our global clients and partners. The successful candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, excels at collaborative teamwork, and brings a problem-solving mindset to delivering mission-critical outcomes. The role will be based in our Vaughan office and may require occasional travel.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop program plans, defining project scope, objectives, deliverables, and timelines and coordinate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure effective execution of the program, monitoring progress, and managing risks.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams such as engineering, operations, compliance and sales to ensure smooth coordination and collaboration throughout the program lifecycle, including facilitating communication, resolving conflicts, and providing guidance to team members.
• Utilize established project management methodologies, tools, and techniques to effectively manage a variety of key projects. Ensure adherence to project scope and define project Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and reporting methodologies.
• Manage the program budget, including cost estimation, tracking expenses, and ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately and utilized optimally.
• Ensure timely risk assessments are conducted for each program, identifying potential barriers to success and implementing mitigation strategies to maintain timelines, budget, quality and regulatory compliance.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, such as customers, regulatory bodies, suppliers, and partners, and establish strong relationships, manage expectations, and ensure that all stakeholders are kept informed about program progress and any relevant updates.
• Conduct risk assessments, develop mitigation strategies, and implement appropriate risk management measures to ensure program success.
• Prepare regular program status reports, document program activities, and maintain project documentation, including capturing lessons learned, best practices, and ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations.
• Provide regular updates to the senior management team, highlighting performance metrics, strategic risks, and opportunities for process improvementand optimization.
• Conduct post-program reviews to evaluate program performance, capture lessons learned and implement improvements for future initiatives.
• Assist in the development and submission of RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, or proposals, ensuring timely, accurate, and compelling proposals aligned with customer needs and company capabilities.
• Collaborate with the sales team to understand client requirements and incorporate them into project plans.
• Act as the primary point of contact for customers and strategic partners, managing relationships by communicating program status, risks, and outcomes to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in the development of presentations for potential clients as required.
• Ensure all customer-facing programs meet expectations, maintain high satisfaction, and adhere to regulatory frameworks, company standards, and safety compliance. Address concerns promptly to maintain strong partnerships.
• Support the evolving needs of the organization by contributing to corporate initiatives and taking on special projects that align with Volatus Aerospaces strategic vision and operational objectives.

Required Skills:

• Relevant university degree/technical certification (and/or relevant experience)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from a recognized project management organization required
• Minimum 5 years of program or project management experience, preferably in the aerospace or technology sectors
• Knowledge of RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements (e.g., Transport Canada, FAA, CAA, EASA), and industry standards is an asset
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate multifaceted concepts and critical issues in a simple, compelling and concise manner for presentations and discussions with colleagues, senior management and customers
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills, with the ability to contribute to program development and execution that aligns with customer needs and business goals
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to drive operational execution, meet deadlines, and enhance organizational effectiveness
• Familiarity with change management principles and performance measurement methodologies
• Experience in building and maintaining strong customer relationships, understanding their needs and ensuring alignment with project deliverables
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, Jira, and Visio, with a demonstrated ability to leverage these tools to manage and monitor project execution
• Strong critical thinking abilities, with a track record of applying logical analysis to assess options, recommend solutions that meet customer expectations, and effectively mitigate risk
• Highly analytical with a solutions-oriented mindset; adept at navigating complexity, solving problems, and driving continuous improvement to enhance both customer and internal stakeholder satisfaction