Director, Project & Program Management - Operational Improvement

The Director oversees the Project Management Office (PMO), ensuring that all strategic initiatives are executed effectively, aligned with business priorities, and deliver measurable value. Additionally, the Director is a strategic leadership role responsible for enhancing operational efficiency, productivity, and performance through continuous improvement and project management excellence. This role leads enterprise-wide initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and drive innovation using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Agentic AI.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• PMO Leadership: Lead the Project Management Office (PMO), establishing project governance standards, frameworks, methodologies, and best practices. Drive consistent, high-quality project execution, risk management, and alignment with strategic goals. Manage the allocation of resources and budgets.
• Portfolio Management: Oversee the full portfolio of operational and strategic projects, ensuring prioritization, resource allocation, and performance tracking across all initiatives.
• Change Management: Lead and manage shifts in project strategies and processes for better outcomes. Ensure new processes and/or technologies are successfully adopted by end users through effective stakeholder engagement, communications, and training.
• Operational Efficiency Roadmap Management: Develop, maintain, and execute a comprehensive roadmap for operational improvement initiatives aligned with strategic business goals.
• Business Case Development: Create detailed business cases for each initiative, including cost-benefit analysis, risk assessment, and resource planning to support executive decision-making.
• Initiative Execution and Outcome Management: Oversee the implementation of improvement initiatives, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and measurable outcomes. Continuously evaluate results and adjust strategies as needed.
• Executive Engagement and Strategic Alignment: Meet regularly with the executive team to present the operational improvement strategy, align on organizational priorities, and secure funding and support for key initiatives. Support annual planning processes and monthly and quarterly updates to executive leadership as needed.
• Technology Integration and AI Enablement: Partner with internal and external technology teams to identify opportunities to leverage Agentic AI and other emerging technologies to automate and optimize workflows. Partner with Technology leadership to establish ways of working, processes and tools for optimal project execution and delivery.
• Performance Monitoring and KPI Tracking: Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the success of initiatives and inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Culture of Continuous Improvement: Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the organization, empowering employees to contribute ideas and solutions.

Job Qualifications:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree, or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, Operations Management, Project Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field preferred

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in, project management, operational improvement, or a related leadership role.
• Experience in digital transformation, AI-driven process innovation, and enterprise PMO leadership
• Experience in requirements generation, strategy, and roadmap management
• Lean Six Sigma certification, preferred.
• AI knowledge and experience driving usage of AI within organization.

Other Knowledge, Skills, Abilities or Certifications:

• Leadership and Management: Exceptional interpersonal skills to communicate with partners (int/ext), vendors, executive management, cross-functional leaders, colleagues and clients.  Former experience in a cross-functional leadership role (working with other functions to measure and report out on value delivered) is a plus (PMO management, governance, process, dashboard cadence)
• Project and Portfolio Management:
  Strong experience in managing enterprise-level projects and portfolios. PMP or similar certification preferred.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving:
  Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify root causes, and develop actionable solutions.
• Process Improvement Expertise:
  Deep knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies. Certification (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Black Belt) preferred.
• Business and Financial Acumen:
  Solid understanding of business operations, strategic planning, and financial modeling for business case development.
• Technology and Innovation Orientation:
  Familiarity with emerging technologies, including AI and automation tools, and experience working with technology partners to implement digital solutions.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
  Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders, build relationships, and facilitate collaboration across all levels of the organization.

Applicants may be required to appear onsite at a Wolters Kluwer office as part of the recruitment process.

Compensation: