Innovation Leader, Head of the Project Management Office

About Athos

Athos Commemorative Services is Quebec’s leading network dedicated to supporting families through life’s most meaningful moments. As we undergo a major transformation, Athos is modernizing its practices, harmonizing operations, and deploying new technological solutions while preserving what makes us unique: a deeply human, compassionate, and service-driven culture. Joining Athos means contributing to the future of a growing organization that places people, empathy, and innovation at the heart of its mission.

 

About the Role

We are recruiting for an experienced Innovation Leader to lead the Project Management Office (PMO) and drive the integration and growth of Athos Commemorative Services network in Québec. This role will play a pivotal part in developing and executing the transformation roadmap which involves establishing shared services, implementing new technology and training required across the organization. 

This is a unique opportunity to lead a PMO and create a customer-first, compassionate, and scalable organization that reflects both operational excellence and the compassion required in our services.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Project Oversight & Management

• Develop and implement an innovative strategic roadmap to optimize the operations of four renowned brands under a coordinated and scalable operating model.
• Establish program management practices to track, monitor and report on transformation progress to leaders.
• Coordinate activities with leaders to ensure delivery of objectives against the transformation roadmap timelines.
• Act as the owner accountable for delivering the strategic objectives.

 

Shared Services

• Partner with the other leaders to develop and execute on the operating model (people, processes and tools) required to achieve and maintain the future state vision.
• Work with the leaders of the shared services functions (Finance, HR, IT, Marketing, Sales, Customer Service) to drive efficiency and consistency across the organization.
• Harmonize policies, processes, and service standards while maintaining sensitivity to local needs and community relationships.

 

Technology & Systems Modernization

• Lead the design and rollout of integrated technology systems (ERP, Case Management, Contact Centre, etc.) to enhance service delivery and transparency.
• Select and manage external stakeholders supporting the technology selection, design and implementation.

 

People & Talent Roadmap

• Identify organizational capability gaps and recommend a roadmap for key roles.
• Partner with HR to attract, onboard, and develop top talent to support transformation goals.
• Support with all leaders a values-driven, empathetic culture that empowers staff to embrace change and deliver exceptional service.

 

Change Management & Leadership

• Lead structured change management programs and training to ensure smooth adoption of new systems, technologies and ways of working.
• Engage with employees and stakeholders regularly, balancing transparency, empathy, and accountability.

 

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in project management, integration, or operations within multi-business or service-driven organizations (experience in funeral, healthcare, or high-empathy industries an asset).
• Strong track record in establishing shared services and implementing enterprise-wide technology platforms.
• Experience building strategic roadmaps, including technology implementation, shares services operating models, capability planning and talent acquisition.
• Familiarity with funeral and cemetery regulatory environment.
• French-English bilingualism strongly preferred.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust across communities, teams, and leadership groups.
• High emotional intelligence, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, with a balance of operational rigor, discipline and compassion.

 

What We Offer

• Permanent full-time position based in Montréal or Québec City
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package, including insurance, retirement plan, and well-being programs
• Enhanced vacation entitlements and personal leave, supporting work–life balance
• Professional development opportunities within a rapidly growing organization
• A human and stimulating environment, focused on collaboration, innovation, and service excellence

 

The masculine is used solely to lighten the text. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of gender, origin, beliefs, or any protected characteristic.