Senior Director Business Engagement

This role involves creating an intake framework and directing prioritization strategies to ensure that the most valuable technology work is prioritized and completed. The role leads a team that serves as a bridge between business units and various technology departments, managing the planning and execution of projects of all sizes, including large-scale, complex enterprise projects across multiple domains. Additionally, this position directs the release and quality assurance management function that develops and maintains a framework for a consistent and structured implementation process.

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This is a salary exempt position.

Responsibilities

• Develops, manages and executes a business engagement strategy : Ensures technology work gets prioritized and completed. Plans, develops, directs, implements, and maintains strategies in support of current and future corporate goals and objectives. Provides leadership and direction to staff for implementation of the strategy. Communicates priorities and develops commitment to approved goals and plans among other Simmons Foods business leaders, teams and personnel.
• Directs IT initiatives : Oversees the planning, execution, testing and release cycles of IT projects of varying scales; from small to highly complex, enterprise initiatives. Ensures projects are effectively planned and executed according to selected methodology and KPIs. Reports out regularly on project status and risks and ensures effective communication.
• Manages project portfolio : Ability to manage overall portfolio ensuring proper prioritization, risk assessments, resourcing needs, sequencing and interdependencies are managed and communicated. Ability to facilitate steering committees and other decision-making bodies effectively. Ensures the gap is closed between work requested and work that is delivered.
• Builds a world-class organization : Ensures leadership development and employee training that is focused on achieving both technical excellence and behaviors that are consistent with the values of the company. Focuses on ensuring that appropriate succession plans / bench strength are maintained. Conducts regular one-on-one coaching and support sessions with all direct reports. Assists in staff skill development and develops a team-based customer service oriented organization focused on goals and objectives.
• Manages employees : Directs and supervises employees’ work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement.
• Project and Portfolio Management : Strong background in all aspects of project / program management methodologies and techniques. Experience leading portfolio management teams.
• Participates as a member of the Team : Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.
• Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives : Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.
• Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives : This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.
• Physical Activities : Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and / or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Moving about various manufacturing environments.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) : As required by visiting facility.
• Travel : Approximately 20% travel, including travel to Simmons facilities, one to two offsite classes or conferences per year, and to Toronto Office monthly. Passport Required.
• Technical Experience : 10-15 years in project and portfolio management. At least 10 years in a senior leadership role.
• Industry Experience : Preference for food processing organization.
• Minimum Education : 4 year college degree, preferably in computer science, or 4 years related work experience.
• Preferred Education : Master’s in computer science related field.

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