Manager, Project Finance

Job Description

About NGen

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) is the industry-led, not-for-profit organization leading Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing. We connect industry, technology providers, researchers, and government to accelerate the adoption of transformative manufacturing technologies that strengthen the Canadian economy, create high-value jobs, and address global challenges in healthcare, energy, and sustainability.

Overview of Role

The Manager, Project Finance plays a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity and success of NGen’s project portfolio. This role combines expertise in project management, finance, and manufacturing to safeguard compliance with the Master Project Agreement and NGen financial policies, while enabling innovation and growth across Canada’s advanced manufacturing sector.

Externally, the Manager represents NGen with industry partners, stakeholders, and government agencies, reinforcing confidence in NGen’s project investments. Internally, the Manager works closely with Project Monitoring Officers and the broader NGen team to establish and manage the Technical Program Portfolio, analyze and report on portfolio risks, and develop effective mitigation plans.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development & Due Diligence

• Lead financial due diligence on project applicants.
• Review project applications, financial models, and forecasts for accuracy and feasibility.

Monitoring & Risk Management

• Provide financial oversight to identify project risks and ensure corrective actions and mitigation plans are in place.
• Monitor project forecasts, milestones, and deliverables to ensure alignment with approved objectives.
• Collaborate with the Program Director on corrective actions and change requests to maintain project momentum.
• Contribute to portfolio-level forecasting, projections, and performance reporting.

Claims & Compliance

• Serve as liaison between Finance and Project Monitoring to resolve claims-related questions.
• Address and escalate compliance concerns, including non-responsiveness or unspent advances.
• Support effective dispute resolution to ensure accurate and timely payment of project claims.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent NGen externally with industry stakeholders, partners, and government agencies to build trust in NGen’s project funding.
• Provide financial expertise and guidance to internal colleagues across functions.

Qualifications & Experience

• CPA designation required.
• 5–10 years of progressive finance experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in financial management, including analysis, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and risk management.
• Demonstrated experience with project accounting and financial due diligence.
• Experience leading audits within a Big 4 or national firm environment considered a strong asset. 
• Strong knowledge of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience forecasting and budgeting at a department or project level.
• Experience working with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) considered a strong asset.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel expertise, including complex formulas, pivot tables, Power Query, and financial modeling, with the ability to build dynamic tools that support forecasting, budgeting, and risk analysis.
• Skilled at building credibility and consulting with diverse stakeholders, including government, industry, and public sector organizations.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with experience briefing senior leaders.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively across teams without direct authority.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance compliance requirements and practical business needs.
• Solutions-oriented mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional stakeholder experiences.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to develop innovative solutions.
• Adaptability to manage change, shifting priorities, and complex challenges.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and tight deadlines.

Vacancy Status: Existing vacancy (immediate start)

Term: 12-month full-time contract (permanent potential)

Salary Range: $100,000 – $120,000/year

Our Recruitment Process

NGen uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by humans. 

We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you require accommodation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), please contact recruiting@ngen.ca; we will work with you to meet your needs. 

Eligibility & Conditions

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Offers are contingent upon a satisfactory background check (including credit and criminal records), conducted as the final step of the process. 

How to Apply

Please forward your resume and optional cover letter to recruiting@ngen.ca. We thank all applicants, but will only contact those selected for an interview. Candidates interviewed will be notified of the final hiring decision within 45 days.