Enterprise Program Manager

Overview

This position is responsible for managing multiple complex Enterprise-level program(s) consisting of multiple projects within Western & Southern Financial Group (W&SFG). Ensures successful integration of several projects and adjusts project scope, timing and budgets as needed, based on the needs of the business. Actively and consistently supports all efforts to simplify and enhance the customer experience. This position requires extensive technical and project management experience and someone who is recognized as a subject matter expert in the PM Field. These programs and projects may span the organization, crossing business unit boundaries and/or functional areas. Program scope includes high-dollar and high-risk, external vendors, multiple business units, multiple internal executive shareholders and business partners, multiple project managers and sub-projects with specific deliverables. Operates in a matrix environment with accountability to the business units and IT support teams. Directs development of project plans, and directs and coordinates activities to ensure that goals or objectives of programs and projects are accomplished within prescribed time frame and funding parameters. This includes, but is not limited to, directing all aspects of requirements, design development, implementation and testing of assigned projects. Is actively involved in business operations planning and decision-making at the organization and/or division level.Works independently with guidance in only the most complex situations and is responsible to make an established range of decisions, escalating to PMO leadership when necessary and updating manager on a regular basis. Acts as advisor and may direct subordinate staff or project teams or hold indirect reporting relationships.

Responsibilities

What you will do:

• Directs the development of proposals and contracts; develops master schedules and project milestones, technical status and critical dates to identify potential jeopardy of project schedule. Resolves resource, budgeting, change and compliance issues affecting the program; works closely with the program/project sponsors and steering committees (where applicable) to facilitate decisions necessary for program delivery.
• Works with resources from across the Enterprise on a variety of program initiatives and interdependent project activities of the most complex nature, ensuring that the approved deliverables are competed on time, with quality and within budget as agreed upon with key stakeholders and program owners.
• Maintains effective, productive and professional working relationship with internal and external customers, third-party vendors, project management office, relationship managers and governance organizations in accomplishing project objectives.
• Proactively reviews and interprets performance against operating plans and standards; provides information and reports to subordinates on interpretation of results and approves changes in plans; presents reports/metrics on project performance, changes, enhancements, scope variations and other related matters and/or participates in key management activities and committees advising project sponsors or senior management accordingly.
• Ensures that project goals are accomplished and aligned with business objectives; is responsible for directing the team that develops and carries out internal IT projects; monitors project activities ensuring accuracy, quality and integrity of the information, providing consistency in content and “look and feel” across the Enterprise.
• Understands and utilizes the strategic vision of W&SFG and its subsidiaries to make appropriate program/project decisions based upon “what is best for the organization.”
• Partners with senior leadership, business unit partners, process owners, the user community and technologists to translate generalized and customer business goals and objectives into concrete strategic and tactical plans to determine how technology might assist in addressing business needs and how to leverage applications for competitive advantage.
• Leads and mentors a dynamic team of individuals who constantly search for creative ways to elevate the capabilities of technology systems to meet business needs, partly by capitalizing on emerging technologies and partly by adapting technologies to the needs of the customer. Provides directions to include staff development and training, budget management, feasibility studies, delegation, project and resources control, teamwork coordination and project team constructive feedback as it pertains to individual, project or overall program performance.
• Develops documents and maintains best practices, project standards, procedures, application, quality objectives and “lessons learned”, including metrics for assessing progress. Develops and delivers training on and emphasizes the use of established project standards, methodology and quality objectives; proactively seeks opportunities to apply technology to expanding business potential, thereby strongly impacting competitive advantage and profitability.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree In computer science, information systems, business administration or related field, or equivalent experience. (Required)
• Ten years of program management experience delivering complex and technical implementations for enterprises. (Required) and
• Seven years of strategic consulting and senior level project management experience in a complex business environment involving multiple diverse business issues in an organization of comparable size and scope. (Required) and
• Seven years of strategic consulting and senior level project management experience in a complex business environment involving multiple diverse business issues in an organization of comparable size and scope. (Required) and
• Demonstrated experience with preparing critical path analysis, development input for integrated master schedule and technical task for each task. (Required) and
• Proven experience performing the PM related functions for programs in excess of $10M. (Required) and
• Proven previous experience in the preparation of budgets, schedules, staffing, etc., as required to manage support of programs and initiatives. (Required) and
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of system development life cycle, dynamics of software development projects, Information Technology practices and methods. (Required)
• Proven understanding of the triple constraint of Schedule, Quality and Functionality, and capable of brokering the right balance to achieve business goals on time and on budget.
• Demonstrated high tolerance for ambiguity is flexible, and able to change course quickly.
• Proven ability to understand the underlying business strategies driving strategic initiatives aligned with W&SFG.
• Demonstrated ability to establish executable baselines, and risk and opportunity management to meet specific financial goals and obligations to W&S FG and its subsidiaries.
• Demonstrated ability to be proactive and able to drive forward momentum and get things done with little to no guidance or supervision.
• Proven ability to develop program strategy, supporting business case and various high-level project plans.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal communications skills; ability to effectively exercise tact, discretion, judgment and diplomacy when interacting and/or negotiating with internal and external customers and senior management, and ability to communicate with others in antagonistic situations using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict and maintain professionalism in accordance with corporate standards.
• Proven ability to present and explain technical information in a way that establishes rapport, persuades others and gains understanding.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to accept responsibility, the desire and capability of motivating and directing the activities of others, including a persistence and willingness to take calculated risks and to stimulate new ideas within the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results through team efforts, willingness to challenge established practices and draw relevant conclusions; ability to persuade market and sell new ideas and the ability to work effectively in a diverse work group.
• Proven ability to act as a managerial advisor on professional and technical issues with a view towards reaching strategic decisions; ability to manage conflicting demands for resources through negotiation.
• Demonstrated organizational ability to redirect skills to support new technologies while maintaining current commitments; ability to perform in a high-pressure environment and/or crisis situation and render good decisions to resolve the problems, maintain security and ensure adherence to Corporate Code of Conduct.
• Proven skills in documentation, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Word, Visio, PowerPoint).
• MS SharePoint and Access experience preferred.
• Project Management certification or successful completion of a recognized project management curriculum is preferred. Upon Hire (Preferred)
• Six Sigma Certification or demonstrated progress toward attainment of certification desired, not required. Upon Hire (Preferred)
• An insurance-related certification (e.g., FLMI, CLU or related industry designation) is not required, but helpful. Upon Hire (Preferred)

Work Setting/Position Demands:

• Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.
• Requires the ability to verbally communicate and exchange accurate information to customers and associates on a regular basis.
• Requires visual acuity to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, procedures, reports and forms via paper and electronic documents, visual inspection involving small defects; small parts, and/or operation of machinery (including inspection); using measurement devices continuously. Visual acuity is required to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
• Requires the ability to prepare written correspondence, reports and forms using prescribed formats and conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style on a regular basis.
• Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Performs substantial movement of wrists, hands, and fingers for continuous computer work.
• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects/events.

Travel Requirements:

• None