Job Description

At Northwestern Mutual, we are strong, innovative and growing. We invest in our people. We care and make a positive difference.

Summary:

Leads the day-to-day governance of enterprise programs and leads the program management center of excellence. Oversees a team of portfolio managers that partner with, and actively monitor, cross functional programs and initiatives.

The role will lead the team that collaborates with assigned groups to ensure optimal execution of new and on-going programs in the portfolio. This includes monitoring risk, health and outcomes. The team will also coordinate across the enterprise to lead planning and portfolio review at the enterprise level, in partnership with the EPMG integrated planning team.

As head of the program management center of excellence, the role will establish a Northwestern Mutual point of view on program management and will serve as a trusted advisor to educate and ingrain best practices within enterprise programs.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

* Lead portfolio management partnerships that monitor execution, assess quality, ingrain methodology and governance best practices, track project financials, and report outcomes
* Lead assessment of demand management tied to strategic objectives and aligned with our enterprise funding processes
* Establish a program management center of excellence. Drive program management expertise across the organization. Establish standard methodologies, processes and tools. Guide and train others in the use of the methodology and tools
* Ensure team members are trained in the tools and skills appropriate to the role
* Drive annual portfolio planning in partnership with the integrated planning team, as part of annual budgeting

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

* Bachelors degree in Business or related field and/or 15+ years of experience in program management roles.
* Expertise in portfolio, program and project management, strategic and operational planning, and leading multiple complex projects with organization-wide impact.
* Extensive knowledge and experience with the concepts and principles of program management
* Proven leadership skills working with diverse teams
* Prove ability to influence without authority
* Strong communication, negotiation, administrative and leadership skills with all levels of management
* Strong organizational skills with an ability to handle competing demands, work under tight deadlines and delivery in short timeframes
* Strong problem solving and strategic/critical thinking skills.
* Facilitation and team building skills; ability to play an active, operational and communicative role.
* Organizational savvy in terms of how to execute large complex initiatives in complex, eco systems.
* Proven skills in dealing with ambiguity and paradox, and leading change.
* High degree of self-motivation with leadership and initiative in sharing information, contributing towards group goals, and driving for results.

This job is not covered by the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Required Certifications:

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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.