Assistant Dir Business Program Manager

Summary:

Leverages strategic thinking, planning and metrics expertise, and program management to provide the highest level of consultation to the business and drive forward Enterprise Portfolio Management Process (EPMP) priorities in order to meet department, cross-department and enterprise-wide goals. Plans, monitors and manages internal business programs from initiation through rollout and ongoing program management. Accountable for aligning one or more large, complex business programs consisting of multiple efforts and/or programs supporting strategic corporate initiatives.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Independently leads the design, development, and implementation of Enterprise Portfolio Management Process (EPMP) enhancements related to Investable Structure annual planning and governance, including process development and creation of enterprise-facing materials (communications, training and job aids).

• Independently leads development of framework and roadmap to increase maturity of Investable Structure metrics (objectives and key results and key performance indicators), leading cross-department working team; drives implementation and evaluates effectiveness

• Supports the evolution of Investable Structure metrics reporting through the NM Metrics Tool

• As needed, supports governance reviews and analysis of monthly Investable Structure metrics updates, which includes:

• Critically reviewing Investable Structure Reports for execution risks, watchpoints, tradeoffs, and metrics status, along with reviews of planning packets.

• Supporting development of agendas and preparing materials for the Enterprise Portfolio Management Committee & related Subcommittees (EPMC)

• Supporting preparation of summaries related to outcomes and decisions from EPMC

• Independently leads other large, complex, and multi-faceted programs or portfolios, as assigned.

• Accountable for building and motivating team members and influencing them to take positive action and accountability for their assigned work. Accountable for identifying and resolving issues and conflicts within the team at a portfolio/program level.

• Drives for clarity on program objectives, priorities, and measures. Develops solutions/recommendations to unique and complex problems and ensures program solutions are consistent with organizational objectives. Identifies, assess, and mitigates program risks and issues and removes impediments.

• Makes connections across teams and workstreams to drive identification and facilitation of inter-dependencies.

• Responsible for gathering and delivering metrics required by the program. Uses data to make successes and challenges visible, and to drive insights and action plans to continually adjust and pursue program goals. Leveraging tools and techniques to enable end-to-end value delivery and the best ongoing rollout and ongoing experience.

• Applies extensive business acumen in depth and breadth of industry, and company initiatives, products complexities, in order to incorporate knowledge into program objectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in Business, Project Management or related field preferred OR a significant amount of directly related work experience beyond the minimum required for the position.

• Minimum 7 years of related experience; diverse experience to include analysis, design, documentation, project/support management.

• Demonstrated ability for blending strategic thinking and detailed-oriented work.

• Experience in process development preferred.

• Ability to distill information for a senior leader audience (ELG and SLT).

• Strong knowledge of objectives and key results, key performance indicators, and related industry standards is a plus.

• Ability to work with general direction to scope, plan and manage cross-department or multi-department programs

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage large and highly complex assignments including those with enterprise-wide impact.

• High degree of personal initiative and motivation.

• Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Seen as a team player and is supportive of group decisions and ideas.

• Written and oral communications skills, including high attention to detail, with the ability to build rapport within the company, field and /or outside vendors.

Northwestern Mutual pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement in the salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. At Northwestern Mutual, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Please note that the salary range listed in the posting is the standard pay structure. Positions in certain locations (such as California) may provide an increase on the standard pay structure based on the location. Please c lick here for additional information relating to location-based pay structures.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you work or would be working in California, Colorado, New York City, Washington or outside of a Corporate location, please click here for information pertaining to compensation and benefits.