About the RoleThe Programming Manager is responsible for leading the PLC and Robotics Programming teams, ensuring the successful execution of programming activities across custom industrial automation projects. This role oversees departmental resources, technical performance, project delivery, and employee development while driving continuous improvement in programming standards, processes, and operational efficiency.
Working closely with Project Management, Engineering, and other operational departments, the Programming Manager ensures programming deliverables meet customer requirements, project timelines, budgets, and BOS quality standards.
Location: London, ON
Employment Type: Full Time
Department: Programming
RESPONSIBILITIES Technical Leadership & Project Execution- Provide technical oversight and guidance for PLC, HMI, and Robotics Programming, including system integration, troubleshooting, testing, and commissioning.
- Support technical reviews, programming optimization, and resolution of complex challenges to ensure reliable and effective automation solutions.
- Ensure programming deliverables meet customer specifications, project requirements, safety standards, and BOS quality expectations.
- Act as the primary departmental escalation point for programming-related technical issues, project risks, and delivery challenges.
Department Operations & Resource Management- Manage departmental workload, programming schedules, and resource allocation in coordination with Senior Project Leads, Project Managers, and the scheduling team.
- Maintain short-term and long-term resource plans, including workforce capacity, skill requirements, and external contractor support.
- Monitor departmental performance against project timelines, labor budgets, quality expectations, and resource utilization.
- Coordinate programming activities with Mechanical Design, Applications Engineering, Controls Design, Build, and Service & Support teams to ensure effective project execution.
- Identify potential resource constraints, scheduling conflicts, and project risks, implementing corrective actions or escalating concerns as required.
HR & Team Leadership- Lead, coach, and develop programming team members through regular feedback, performance evaluations, and individual development planning.
- Manage recruitment, hiring, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations in collaboration with Human Resources.
- Maintain departmental skills matrices, identify technical capability gaps, and support training and succession planning.
- Promote accountability, teamwork, effective communication, and conflict resolution within the department.
- Oversee employee attendance, timesheet accuracy, labor allocation, and adherence to company policies and safety expectations.
Process Improvement & Department Development- Develop, maintain, and improve programming standards, departmental processes, documentation, and quality-control practices.
- Champion the BOS Playbook and ensure programming procedures, QCC templates, and departmental deliverables remain current and consistently applied.
- Identify opportunities to improve programming efficiency, standardization, knowledge sharing, and technical capabilities.
- Collaborate with the Director of Operations on departmental strategy, workforce planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support Applications Engineering with technical feasibility, programming solutions, and labor estimates during project development and quoting.
Requirements- Post-secondary degree or diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in industrial automation, including PLC programming, robotics integration, and commissioning of custom automation systems.
- Minimum 3 years of demonstrated technical leadership or people management experience, including team development, resource planning, and project coordination.
- Strong technical knowledge of PLC platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, Omron, or equivalent, and industrial robotics platforms such as FANUC, ABB, KUKA, or Yaskawa.
- Proven ability to manage multiple project priorities, programming resources, and technical deliverables within established schedules and budgets.
- Strong understanding of industrial automation integration, programming standards, machine safety, and commissioning practices.
- Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
BenefitsWhy Join BOS Total Rewards - Competitive base compensation
- Annual profit sharing
- RRSP employer matching program
Health & Wellbeing - Flexible extended health and dental plans
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Banked hours program to support work-life balance
Growth & Development - Leadership and mentorship programs
- Career planning and goal setting
- Internal advancement opportunities
Culture & Community - Staff appreciation lunches & socials
- Bi-annual company events
- Employee recognition programs
