PLATO is one of Canada's leading software testing services firms, driven by the mission of building a stronger, more inclusive technology workforce. While we are proudly Indigenous-led and committed to creating opportunities for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, our team reflects the rich diversity of Canada. We welcome talented individuals from all backgrounds who share our passion for quality and excellence in software testing. At PLATO, we believe that better software leads to a better world. Our software testing specialists come together with a shared commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients while building strong, resilient communities. We have established offices in Fredericton, Ottawa/Gatineau, Sault Ste. Marie, Regina, Calgary, Vancouver, and Victoria, including locations near Indigenous communities. PLATO is looking for a dynamic, people-first Senior Manager to help lead our Ottawa region This is a dual-mandate role—equal parts people leader and delivery manager—built for someone who thrives on building relationships, energizing teams, and being an active voice in Ottawa's professional community. In this role, you'll oversee the delivery of client engagements in the region while developing and championing a high-performing team of software delivery professionals. You bring positive energy to every room, take initiative before being asked, and are known for showing up at industry events and building a network that opens doors. Responsibilities People Leadership & Development Lead, mentor, and develop a team of professionals across various career stages. Support internal apprenticeship programs and ensure team members have growth‑oriented development plans. Coach team members through client interviews, helping them present their best selves. Set clear expectations and measurable goals; conduct regular performance reviews and provide continuous feedback. Manage day‑to‑day team approvals—timecards, training requests, expenses. Be a visible, positive role model who embodies PLATO's culture and values. Employee Engagement & Culture Drive initiatives that meaningfully enhance the employee experience. Foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, inclusion, and innovation. Mediate conflicts constructively and maintain a supportive team environment. Champion diversity and bring genuine enthusiasm to building team morale. Delivery Management Oversee delivery of multiple client projects and engagements within the Ottawa region. Serve as a point of escalation for project issues; proactively assess and manage delivery risks and changes. Work with delivery leadership to monitor customer satisfaction and take corrective action when needed. Report on and manage regional staffing levels to maximize margins and KPIs. Facilitate regular team and customer meetings to review progress, milestones, and goals. Serve as a trusted advisor to clients—deepening relationships, uncovering new opportunities, and contributing to regional revenue targets. Strategically participate in client engagements— from solutioning and proposals through kickoff and delivery—providing active support to the project team throughout. Community Presence Actively participate in Ottawa‑area networking events, industry meetups, and professional communities. Leverage your existing network to surface new business opportunities and support regional sales growth. Establish and reinforce PLATO's reputation as the service delivery experts in the Ottawa market. Stay current on industry trends and bring fresh thinking to customers and the team. Qualifications Who You Are Positive, energetic, and proactive—you spot opportunities and act on them before being asked. A natural relationship builder who is equally comfortable with clients, employees, and executives. Known in your professional community; you attend events, contribute to conversations, and grow your network with purpose. A motivating leader who brings out the best in the people around you. Calm under pressure with strong judgment when managing competing priorities. An excellent communicator—transparent, direct, and kind. Flexible and growth‑minded, open to feedback from all directions. What You'll Bring University degree or college diploma in a related discipline (IT, Business, or equivalent experience). 10+ years of progressive IT experience, with a minimum of 5 years in software testing. 5+ years in a people management or supervisory capacity. 5+ years of experience as a consultant or leading consultants. Proven track record of managing large‑scale software delivery projects. Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with both employees and clients. Strong coaching, mentoring, and conflict resolution skills. Demonstrated activity/involvement in professional communities and networking events. Core Skills Software Testing, Consulting, People Management. Who We Are PLATO is a software testing and technology services company trusted by clients around the world. In addition to providing our clients the highest quality software testing services, PLATO is creating careers in technology for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people from coast to coast to coast through our innovative train‑and‑employ model. Since 1997, we have been helping organizations all over the world reach their quality objectives by delivering scalable, proven, quality‑centric managed services. Companies such as Apple, Suncor, TD Bank, Medavie, BCLC, LinkedIn, Boeing, and many others have gained considerable advantage from our Quality Assurance (QA), Testing, and eLearning expertise and experience. We deliver specialized QA services to our clients with the goal of helping them increase profitability, boost customer satisfaction, manage development cycles and implement quality‑centric solutions. We develop innovative approaches and solutions, designed to generate increased efficiencies, competitive advantage, and market share for our clients. Work With Us At PLATO, we encourage our employees' personal career growth. We have plans in place to make sure that each employee is connected with a people manager to help guide them through their professional development, offer e‑learning classes, and give our employees the opportunity to pursue software certifications for cutting‑edge technologies. PLATO respectfully acknowledges that our offices are located on treaty territories, unceded First Nations and Inuit territories, and part of Métis homelands. We honour their long history of welcoming many Nations to the beautiful Turtle Island and we actively work towards reconciliation between Métis, Inuit, and First Nation peoples and non‑Indigenous people on this Land. We contribute to proactive employment practices to promote inclusivity and diversity to those especially marginalized populations such as women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, and all other groups protected under the Human Rights Code. We are committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in accordance with provincial legislation. Please let us know if you require accommodation during any aspect of the recruitment process and we will work with you to address your needs. We will send you an email reminder with a link to this job. #J-18808-Ljbffr