Program Manager AI Activation

Canadian Tire Corporation•Toronto, ON

8d•CA$79,000 - CA$131,000

About The Position

Reporting into AVP, AI Activation, the Program Manager, AI Activation is accountable for the end‑to‑end program orchestration of AI initiatives across the AI Activation portfolio. This role leads and supervises all Project Managers within AI Activation, ensuring consistent delivery, governance, financial rigor, and executive visibility across all AI programs and projects. The role operates at the program and portfolio level, translating AI strategy into executable, well‑governed programs that deliver measurable business outcomes.

Requirements

Proven experience leading programs of multiple projects, not just individual initiatives
Strong background in portfolio management, financial governance, and delivery rigor
Comfortable operating between strategy and execution
Able to lead PMs directly, including performance management and coaching
Experience delivering complex, cross‑functional technology or AI programs

Responsibilities

Own the AI Activation program portfolio, structuring work from Big Rock → Program → Project level.
Ensure consistent program design, dependency management, and sequencing across all AI initiatives.
Serve as the single point of accountability for program‑level planning, delivery status, and risk management.
Directly lead, coach, and supervise all AI Activation PMs.
Set clear delivery standards across: Planning Milestones RAID management Status reporting
Intervene proactively when delivery is off‑track, unblocking PMs and escalating where required.
Own program‑level governance, including: CBAs Forecasting Financial tracking Executive readiness
Partner with Finance, PMO, and leadership to ensure funding, benefits realization, and financial transparency.
Ensure all AI initiatives meet enterprise governance and audit expectations.
Own and standardize Planview / portfolio tooling for AI Activation.
Define and enforce: Program and project structures Documentation standards SharePoint / artifact organization
Ensure AI Activation artifacts are centralized, discoverable, and governance‑compliant.
Act as the primary program interface with senior stakeholders across IT, Finance, Data, and Business teams.
Prepare executive‑ready updates, escalations, and decision framing.
Ensure PM‑level communication is elevated to program‑level narratives suitable for leadership forums.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits and retirement programs
Performance incentives
Continuing Education Programs
Other perks to support your well-being
Career growth opportunities
Product discounts
Store discounts
Supported learning through our Triangle Learning Academy
Canadian Tire Profit Sharing
Retirement and savings programs for eligible employees
Mental health benefits in the amount of $5,000 per year for benefits-eligible employees and their families
Total well-being, and mental health tools and resources for all employees