Program Manager, AI Activation - Toronto, ON

About the role

The Program Manager, AI Activation plays a pivotal role at Canadian Tire Corporation in Toronto, Ontario, driving the strategic implementation of artificial intelligence initiatives. Reporting to the AVP, AI Activation, this position is fundamentally accountable for the end-to-end program orchestration of AI initiatives throughout the dynamic AI Activation portfolio. Operating at both the program and portfolio level, this leader translates complex AI strategies into well-governed, executable programs designed to deliver measurable business outcomes. A core responsibility is to ensure consistent delivery, robust governance, financial rigour, and transparent executive visibility across all AI programs and projects, making a significant impact on Canadian Tire’s innovative future.

Details

This role involves direct leadership, coaching, and supervision of all Project Managers within the AI Activation team, fostering a culture of delivery excellence. The successful candidate will own the AI Activation program portfolio, structuring work from the "Big Rock" strategic level down to individual projects, and ensuring seamless program design, meticulous dependency management, and logical sequencing across all AI initiatives. They will serve as the single point of accountability for program-level planning, delivery status, and proactive risk management. Beyond team leadership, this individual will own program-level governance, including comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analyses (CBAs), accurate forecasting, detailed financial tracking, and meticulous executive readiness. Partnering closely with Finance, the PMO, and senior leadership is crucial to ensure optimal funding, benefits realisation, and complete financial transparency, while also ensuring all AI initiatives meet stringent enterprise governance and audit expectations. The role also defines and enforces program and project structures, documentation standards, and artifact organisation, ensuring all AI Activation resources are centralised, discoverable, and governance-compliant.

To excel in this critical program leadership position, candidates must bring proven experience leading multiple complex programs, not just individual projects. A strong background in portfolio management, financial governance, and rigorous delivery standards is essential, demonstrating comfort in navigating between strategic vision and practical execution. The ability to directly lead, coach, and manage the performance of Project Managers is paramount. Ideal candidates will have a track record of delivering complex, cross-functional technology or AI programs, showcasing their capacity to drive innovation and transformation. Your expertise will directly contribute to Canadian Tire's growth, helping to make life in Canada better by optimising our processes and enhancing customer experiences through cutting-edge AI solutions.

Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited is one of Canada’s most admired and trusted companies, boasting over 90 Owned Brands and more than 1,600 retail locations, complemented by robust financial services and exemplary e-commerce capabilities. We are a company that dreams big, working as one to innovate with purpose for our customers at every level. We invest in new technologies and top talent to drive the company forward. We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive suite of benefits, including enhanced mental health support ($5,000 per year for eligible employees and families), performance incentives, continuing education programs, and generous product discounts. Our core values—innovators and entrepreneurs, outcomes drive us, inclusion is a must, stronger together, and personal responsibility—guide our every endeavour. We are committed to fostering an environment where belonging thrives, embracing diversity, inclusion, and equity in all we do. We welcome and encourage candidates from equity-seeking groups and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.