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 and manages business projects/programs with notable risk and complexity; develops the strategy for execution. Provides expert level consultation to the business in order to meet department, cross-department and enterprise wide goals. Plans, monitors and manages internal projects/programs from initiation through completion. Secures required resources and uses formal processes and tools to manage resources, budgets, risks, and changes. Manages projects/programs to ensure on-time completion according to specifications and within budgeted costs. Accountable for driving large, complex, cross-functional projects/programs that are aligned to/support corporate strategies or initiatives tied to business outcomes.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

* Accountable for leading and aligning multiple large, highly complex, strategic cross-departmental projects/programs consisting of multiple efforts. Participates in cross-functional projects with responsibility for managing scope, risk, business value, schedule and budget. Ensures teams are aligned with corporate strategy and higher-level vision.
* Accountable for building teams, motivating project/program team members, and influencing them to take positive, proactive action and accountability for their work. Identifies and resolves issues and conflicts within the team. Accountable for aligning all stakeholders on strategy, business priorities and approach to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the project/program.
* Help to develop the strategy for planning and executing highly complex efforts. Defines the direction and objectives to be accomplished by the project team. Directs team members to determine the best methods to achieve the projects objectives. Allocates staff and budget resources required to achieve project objectives.
* Anticipates, identifies and solves a range of complex problems that have a broad impact on the business. Exhibits conceptual and innovative thinking to develop solutions.
* Conducts analysis to identify the scope and nature of a business and/or system problem. Responsible for accomplishing the stated objectives through key project/program management responsibilities that include building the project requirements and managing the project constraints of cost, time, and scope.
* Responsible for developing, maintaining and revising deliverables. Responsible for gathering, analyzing, and delivering metrics.
* Develops and delivers presentations and communications to all levels which incorporate a clear understanding of corporate communications theory and practice.
* Accountable for implementing and enhancing best practices, and building out new processes, policies and systems that help realize efficiencies and cost savings for the department/function/company.
* Responsible to manage project risk through the development, maintenance and revision of reports and tracking tools. Using approved methodologies uses all available tools to identify potential problems before they occur.
* Understands the key business drivers as they relate to the projects/programs. Adapts to the various internal procedures and forms close links with the business partner representatives, ensuring that the key issues of cost, time, scope and above all, client satisfaction, can be realized.
* Communicates complex ideas, anticipates potential objections and persuades others, often at higher levels, to adopt a different point of view. Effectively interact, negotiate and influence project teams and business partners to provide acceptable solutions and results. Foster a positive working environment of empowerment, inclusion, and engagement while delivering solutions that align with the corporate strategy.
* Enables and drives cross collaboration to create alignment and an understanding and partnership between business clients. Manage project/program resources and vendors by verifying progress and removing barriers. Takes accountability for project/program success.
* Gathers and delivers progress of a project as it relates to managing scope, schedule, cost and quality in order to support and recommend project management decisions and compliance with Company approved methodology and required deliverables.

Knowledge, skills & Abilities:

* Bachelor's Degree with an emphasis in, Business, Project Management or related field, or a significant amount of directly-related work experience beyond the minimum required for the position.
* Minimum 8-10 years experience/knowledge in processes and project/program/portfolio management.
* Experience in strategic and operational planning and leading multiple large, complex, cross-functional projects with organization-wide impact.
* Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
* Proven leadership skills working with diverse teams.
* Excellent written and oral communications skills with the ability to build rapport within the company, field and/or outside vendors. Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships among leaders in the Home Office and Field.
* Ability to get buy-in from all levels of leadership in strategic and operational functions.
* Strong short term and long term planning skills, coupled with ability to manage resources to response to business needs.
* High degree of self-motivation with leadership and initiative in sharing information, contributing towards group goals, and accepting responsibility for results.
* Demonstrated organizational agility to work across organizational boundaries, influence, and collaborate with all levels on solutions that benefit the organization.
* Exceptional business acumen and focus on achieving business impact through progressive practices and sound business judgment.
* Strong problem solving and strategic/critical thinking skills.
* Facilitation and team building skills; ability to play an active, operational and communicative role. Interpersonal savvy and comfort interacting with and presenting to all levels of the organization, including senior leaders.

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.