OUR COMPANY BACKGROUND & CULTURE UPP is a ground-breaking jointly sponsored pension plan tailored by and for Ontario\xe2\x80\x99s university sector. Today, we manage $11.8 billion in pension assets and proudly serve over 37,000 working and retired members across four universities and 12 university-sector affiliated organizations. Our commitment is to protect the security and sustainability of our members\xe2\x80\x99 pensions while delivering service excellence to our members and employers. UPP is a sector-wide plan designed for growth - our doors are open to all Ontario universities.
Our people are the heart of our organization. Together, we are creating a purpose-driven and inclusive workplace focused on a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and respect \xe2\x80\x94 for one another and the world around us. We\xe2\x80\x99re looking for passionate individuals seeking a rewarding career and opportunities to build and shape an exciting new organization with a clear mission, and who share our core values of integrity, inclusivity, ingenuity, and impact.
THE ROLE Reporting to the Strategic Initiatives Delivery team leadership, the Project Manager (6 month contract) will manage complex projects, processes, tools, and activities in support of the Strategic Initiatives Portfolio. The ideal candidate for this opportunity will have experience managing multi-faceted real estate projects, including the change management aspects required to ensure they are successful.
This role will work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders across the project lifecycle. You will collaborate with business and IT leaders to ensure the successful execution and delivery of initiatives at every phase. You will oversee the work of teams across the organization, driving focus and high-quality deliverables. You will work closely with business partners to understand their needs; developing solutions that enable positive business outcomes.
This role is based in downtown Toronto under a hybrid work policy, allowing employees the flexibility to work remotely and in-office (approximately two days per week in-office).
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing and manage the end-to-end execution of medium to high complexity projects with high impact within UPP. They will lead the execution and delivery of projects across the lifecycle, establishing cooperation and alignment between cross-functional teams. Their focus will be on effective planning, obtaining client satisfaction, and achieving business goals. In this capacity, they will:

• Manage cross-functional stakeholders to collect their inputs and ensure their commitment in your project and its timely delivery
• Support the development of project proposal, charters, plans, schedules, resource plans, business plans, and performance metrics
• Understand and solve complex problems that stretch over multiple parts of the business
• Oversee the successful completion of project milestones by cross-functional teams
• Manage budgets and resources throughout the lifecycle
• Identify, manage, and resolve risks and issues proactively to enable team delivery
• Balance the needs of the project, the client, and the organization, managing tradeoffs between scope, time, cost, and quality
• Collaborate closely with clients and stakeholders to understand their business objectives, challenges, and opportunities
• Monitor and report on project progress and business value gained
• Accommodate the needs of clients and stakeholders appropriately and efficiently
• Communicate with clients and stakeholders in a manner that\xe2\x80\x99s poised and professional.
• Clearly and promptly communicate project details and updates to the appropriate teams, stakeholders, and oversight bodies.
• Support regular reporting to UPP\xe2\x80\x99s Strategic Initiative\xe2\x80\x99s Management Committee and other leadership forums as required.
• Support change management efforts to ensure optimal project impact
• Contribute to a high performing atmosphere and positive work environment through teaming, respect, and open communication

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• 3-5 years of experience leading real estate projects
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and execute while maintaining momentum and fluidity
• Demonstrated success directing projects across multiple product lines and business units.
• Comfortable owning projects across the lifecycle and are excellent at planning, executing, controlling, and reporting on multi-faceted initiatives.
• Experience working within a matrix environment, can build strong cross-functional relationships and always go the extra mile to satisfy your clients
• Experience in preparing and presenting to Steering Committee \xe2\x80\x93 Risks, Issues and Financials
• Experience with building a business case with overall cost, benefits, project artifacts, detailed plan and obtaining approvals from multiple stakeholders
• Outcome-focused self-starter willing to do what it takes to achieve business goals and meet client needs.
• Effective collaboration and relationship management skills, including the ability to strengthen relationships with varied stakeholders
• Excellent oral communication skills and professional writing, editing and media skills.
• Ability to display a commitment to and advocate for accessibility, diversity, and inclusion

ATTRIBUTES:

• A confident, versatile communicator who can connect with, and adapt to, an array of audiences.
• A natural relationship-builder who will ask thoughtful questions, listen intently, and engage stakeholders in a way that builds trust and credibility.
• A balance of EQ and IQ.
• A high degree of self-motivation, professionalism, and integrity.
• Committed to continuous growth and innovation.
• Organized, resourceful and able to manage multiple projects and processes across departments in a collegial and professional manner.
• You believe in delivering quality solutions. Meeting the client need is your highest priority.
• You are able to set the tone and direction of the team, but you are also able to actively listen to the team.
• A leader who addresses risk before they become issues

PERSONALITY TRAITS:

• Self-driven
• Humble
• Strong work ethic
• Passion for learning
• Empathetic
• Collaborative
• Authentic
• Personable
• Confident

UPP is pleased to offer accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you are interested in applying for a job opportunity, or are contacted by UPP regarding a job opportunity, please advise of any accommodations you may require.