Group Program Manager

About the role...

• Manages the evolution of APEX via multiple projects, phases or work streams with the support of additional project teams.
• This role is responsible for managing the overall execution of new, fast-paced, diverse, critical programs from project initiation and business case development through implementation primarily focusing on quality, cost, and schedule.
• This position requires daily interaction with senior executives with a focus primarily on leading issue resolution, timely decision making, and a focus on leading, driving, and creating new program execution.
• Programs involve significant return and risk to the company, with approved fixed budgets (IT and business combined), includes multiple functions/departments, management/partnership with vendors, involves major IT efforts, impact agents and customers nationwide (directly or indirectly), contain complex business, legal or regulatory issues, and has a typical project duration of 18 to 24 months.

What you'll accomplish...

• Develops project organizational structure based on the overall objective of the project. Organizes and mobilizes project teams which may be comprised of internal and external (contractors/consultants) resources and can involve 50 to 200 team members.
• Develops and maintains program master plan in conjunction with team leads that outlines tasks, milestones, resources, and schedules.
• Leads and manages other Program Managers in the overall execution of program portfolios to ensure projects are completed in accordance with the project plan and business strategic and/or tactical objectives.
• Manages Project Teams to ensure adequate support is provided to the program and timely execution is achieved. This is accomplished by ensuring:
  • detailed business requirements are gathered for IT integration
  • detailed technical designs are completed by the IT Teams
  • development and programming is completed in accordance with the project plan
  • testing plans are completed and successfully executed
  • training plans and associated materials are developed for Service Centers, Agents and other personnel as required
  • procedures are developed or revised to support implementation of project objectives
  • development of necessary communication materials for all departments including Field and Service Operations
  • field implementation plans are completed and the assignment of Service and Field Operation personnel to support implementation is accomplished
  • legal and regulatory issues associated with the project are considered and addressed
  • customer impact is understood and managed
  • criteria have been developed that indicates implementation readiness and that measurement of critical success factors occurs after implementation.
• Manages project budgets totaling several million dollars, to ensure execution is completed within allocated funding and leads the change management and risk management process accordingly.
• Conducts project communication/status meetings to ensure information flow among all project teams.
• Communicates with senior executive sponsors regarding all project related matters via project status reports, discussion sessions, and presentations as required.
• Participates in Program Executive Steering Committee and Leadership sessions.
• Provides consultation and educates departments throughout the organization on Distribution Program Management’s role, responsibilities, and approaches.
• Reviews and understands procedures developed by other departments including Release Management, Product Management, Forms Management, Rate Maintenance, Filings, Service Operations, Corp Communications, and IT Program Management Office and communicates updates and changes to program management team for incorporation into program execution plans.

Physical actions...

• Sits or stands for extended periods of time, up to a full work shift.
• Occasionally reaches overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping.
• Occasionally moves, lifts, carries, and places objects and supplies weighing 0-10 pounds without assistance.
• Listens to, interprets, and differentiates auditory information (e.g. others speaking) at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Visually verifies and reads information.
• Visually locates material, resources and other objects.
• Ability to continuously operate a computer for extended periods of time, up to a full work shift.
• Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate keyboard and other office equipment up to a full work shift.

Physical environment...

• This position operates in an open office working environment which will include normal and customary distractions, noise, and interruptions.

Education needed...

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• PMP Certification preferred.

Experience needed...

• 7 years experience working in program management required.
• 3-5 years experience in a leadership role preferred.
• 3 years experience in Marketing role required.

Special skills needed...

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to secure 'buy-in' and convince others regarding best approach.
• Goal oriented team player with a positive attitude.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Strong relationship building.