What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal IT Project Governance Manager position at Zurich Insurance Group?

Zurich is currently looking for a Principal IT Project Governance Manager to work out of our North American headquarters in Schaumburg, IL. The Principal IT Project Governance Manager is responsible for overseeing the governance framework and ensuring the successful delivery of IT projects within ZNA IT Infrastructure & Operations function. This role involves strategic oversight, risk management, and ensuring compliance with organizational standards and best practices.

Job Summary :

The Principal IT Project Governance Manager is responsible for defining, implementing, and overseeing IT project governance processes across the IT Infrastructure & Operations function. This role involves ensuring that IT I&O projects are executed in alignment with business goals, adhere to Zurich project governance standards, and are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. The manager will work closely with IT I&O leadership, project managers, local, regional, and global stakeholders, and vendors to ensure strong project execution and compliance with governance frameworks.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Project Portfolio Management :

Oversee the prioritization and alignment of IT projects within the IT I&O organizational portfolio, ensuring projects support strategic business objectives.
Produce clear, concise, and comprehensive IT I&O project summary and roadmap by strategic objective and service tower.
Manage year-to-date aggregate project spend compared to budget and produce accurate and effective reporting.
Evaluate and monitor resource allocation and dependencies across multiple projects to ensure efficiency and avoid conflicts.

2. Project Monitoring & Compliance :

Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for project success, including scope, budget, schedule, and quality.

Conduct periodic project audits and reviews to ensure compliance with governance processes, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.

Assess and mitigate risks related to project execution, including financial, operational, and compliance risks.

3. Governance Framework Adherence :

Ensure consistent adherence to Zurich's project management framework, methodology, and best practices for managing IT projects.

Ensure consistency and standardization across IT I&O projects, including project lifecycle, documentation, and reporting procedures.

4. Stakeholder Communication & Reporting :

Act as a liaison between senior leadership, project teams, and stakeholders to provide regular project status updates, risk assessments, and issue resolution.

Prepare and present project governance reports to senior leadership, providing insights into project health, risks, and corrective actions.

5. Continuous Improvement :

Collaborate with ZNA project governance function to improve project management methodologies, tools, and processes, driving improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.

Stay up to date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to continuously improve the project governance framework.

6. Team Leadership & Development :

Provide guidance and mentorship to project managers and governance team members.

Build and foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement within the IT project management team.

Required Qualifications :

At least 7 years of experience in IT project management and Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field; or High School Diploma or Equivalent and 9 or more years of experience in IT project management; with a strong focus on governance, risk management and compliance.

A Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, PgMP, ITIL) is preferred.

Experience :

Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex projects at scale.

IT delivery, strategy, or management consulting experience desired.

Strong understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and governance frameworks.

Skills & Competencies :

Excellent leadership and interpersonal communication skills.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

In-depth knowledge of project management tools, software, and governance frameworks.

Strong financial acumen skills, including budget forecasting, tracking, and reporting.

Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.

Strong understanding of IT industry standards, regulations, and best practices.

Performance Metrics :

Successful project delivery within scope, time, and budget.

Desired outcomes achieved and value realized relative to investment.

High stakeholder satisfaction and project compliance.

Continuous improvement in project management processes and practices.

This position is critical to ensuring that IT projects not only meet business needs but also comply with best practices and governance requirements, resulting in effective and successful project outcomes.

As an insurance company, Zurich is subject to 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

As a condition of employment at Zurich, employees must adhere to any COVID-related health and safety protocols in place at that time ().

A future with Zurich. What can go right when you apply at Zurich?

Now is the time to move forward and make a difference. At Zurich, we want you to share your unique perspectives, experiences and ideas so we can grow and drive sustainable change together. As part of a leading global organization, Zurich North America has over 150 years of experience managing risk and supporting resilience. Today, Zurich North America is a leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and a wide range of risk management products and services for businesses and individuals. We serve more than 25 industries, from agriculture to technology, and we insure 90% of the Fortune 500®. Our growth strategy is not limited to our business. As an employer, we strive to provide ongoing career development opportunities, and we foster an environment where voices are diverse, behaviors are inclusive, actions drive equity, and our people feel a sense of belonging. Be a part of the next evolution of the insurance industry. Join us in building a brighter future for our colleagues, our customers and the communities we serve. Zurich maintains a comprehensive employee benefits package for employees as well as eligible dependents and competitive compensation. Please click here to learn more.

As a global company, Zurich recognizes the diversity of our workforce as an asset. We recruit talented people from a variety of backgrounds with unique perspectives that are truly welcome here. Taken together, diversity and inclusion bring us closer to our common goal : exceeding our customers' expectations. Zurich does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status. EOE disability / vet

Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich American Insurance. If you are a preferred vendor, please use our Recruiting Agency Portal for resume submission.

Location(s) : US_12 (US_12)

Remote Working : Hybrid

Schedule : Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered : No

Linkedin Recruiter Tag : #LI-LH1 #LI-ASSOCIATE

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