Job Description

Smartrend Manufacturing Group (SMG) Inc. is one of Manitoba’s fastest-growing companies, committed to increasing safety in the school bus industry and reducing emissions in the electric vehicle charging sector through our diverse divisions. We design and develop exciting, patented, and innovative technologies that make a real and lasting impact across multiple industries.

At the heart of our success are the values that guide everything we do:

• People – our team is what makes us special
• Passion – from our hearts and minds, demonstrated through our actions
• Priority – we put the customer first, every day, in everything we do
• Partnership – with each other, our customers, and our suppliers

We provide a supportive environment where hard work, passions, and goals are recognized. Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. Share your drive and aspirations with us, and we’ll ensure that your efforts open doors to new opportunities and growth.

THE POSITION

As the Project Manager within our Product Development team, you will lead the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple concurrent projects across the full product development lifecycle. Reporting to senior leadership, you will own project structure, drive alignment, and ensure accountability across teams to deliver on business and customer objectives.

In this role, you will lead cross-functional initiatives across engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality. You will develop and manage project plans, track progress against key milestones, and ensure deliverables are completed on time, within scope, and to required standards. You will also contribute to the development and continuous improvement of project management processes, tools, and documentation to support consistent and scalable execution.

You will work closely with functional leaders to communicate status, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies. You will manage changes in scope and timelines, provide clear updates to leadership, and act as a strong advocate for project priorities challenging assumptions, escalating risks, and driving decisions to maintain momentum.

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING AN IMPACT

• Lead the planning and execution of multiple projects, ensuring alignment with scope, timelines, and business objectives.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, tracking milestones, deliverables, and resource requirements.
• Drive cross-functional alignment and collaboration across engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Challenge assumptions, escalate risks, and drive timely decisions to maintain project momentum.
• Proactively identify, assess, and communicate project risks, and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Establish and reinforce structured project management processes, tools, and best practices.
• Manage changes in scope, priorities, and timelines while maintaining clear communication with stakeholders.
• Provide regular, concise project updates to leadership, enabling informed decision-making.
• Ensure all project documentation is complete, accurate, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support successful product development from concept through launch and post-launch review.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive accountability and results.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and aligned with business and customer objectives.
• Project plans are clear, accurate, and consistently maintained, enabling predictable execution.
• Risks, dependencies, and changes are identified early, communicated effectively, and managed proactively.
• Cross-functional teams are aligned and collaborating effectively, resulting in efficient project execution.
• Stakeholders have clear visibility into project status, enabling timely and informed decision-making.
• Project management processes, tools, and documentation are consistently applied and continuously improved.
• Changes in scope and priorities are managed with minimal disruption to timelines and deliverables.
• Project documentation is complete, accurate, and supports both execution and post-project learning.
• Multiple projects are successfully managed in parallel without loss of quality or control.
• You are recognized as a trusted partner who brings structure, clarity, and accountability to project delivery.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU REQUIRE

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 5+ years of project management experience within product development, manufacturing, or a technical environment.
• Strong understanding of structured project management methodologies (e.g., Stage-Gate, Agile, or hybrid approaches).
• Familiarity with APQP processes and documentation requirements.
• Experience in manufacturing, automotive, or other regulated product environments is considered an asset.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to influence without authority, challenge stakeholders, and drive accountability across cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and resource allocations.
• Strong risk management skills, with the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks effectively.
• Experience managing scope changes and shifting priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience providing regular project updates and reporting to senior leadership.
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Jira, MS Project, or similar platforms) to support planning, tracking and delivery.
• Ability to build strong working relationships and drive accountability across cross-functional teams without direct authority.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF OUR TEAM

We believe that a healthy, supported team is key to our success. That’s why we offer a benefits package that prioritizes work-life balance, financial wellness, and overall well-being.

Our team members enjoy:

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive group benefits package
• Employer-paid Health Care Spending Account
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and paid sick days
• Company-paid holiday shutdown from Christmas to New Year’s
• Company-matched RRSP plan

We would like to thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.