Senior Manager - IT Strategy, Portfolio and Ops - Remote Opportunity at KinderCare Education LLC in Portland, Oregon

Job Description:

Description

Futures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award, we offer a variety of early education and child care options for families. We pave the way for their lifelong learning journey ahead. And we want you to join us in shaping a future we can all be proud to share-in neighborhoods, at work, and in schools nationwide.

At KinderCare Learning Companies, you'll use your skills and expertise to support the work (and fun) that happens in our sites and centers every day. From marketers and strategists to financial analysts and data engineers, and so much more, we're all passionate about crafting a world where children, families, and organizations can thrive.

As the Senior Manager of IT Strategy, Portfolio, and Operations, you'll lead the strategic planning, development, and execution of IT initiatives across the organization.

This role will oversee the Technology Business Office (TBO), ensuring alignment between IT strategy and business goals, and will collaborate with the Director of PMO to manage the IT portfolio and optimize IT operations. The Senior Manager will focus on driving value through efficient resource management, cost optimization, governance, and service excellence in IT operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• IT Strategy Development: Collaborate with senior leadership to define and execute the IT strategy. Conduct market and technology trend analysis to identify emerging opportunities and innovations that benefit the organization. Drive the adoption of digital transformation initiatives. Ensure IT strategy is integrated into the project management framework.


• Technology Business Office: Lead the TBO to ensure effective oversight of IT budgeting, financial management, resource planning, and cost optimization. Establish governance frameworks and reporting mechanisms for tracking IT investments, benefits realization, and operational performance. Ensure that IT initiatives within the TBO are aligned with organizational goals and deliver measurable business value. Oversee vendor and contract management processes, ensuring cost-efficiency and high performance of third-party service providers. Lead the effort to create transparent IT financial processes and support decision-making through data-driven insights and analytics.


• Portfolio Management: Lead the IT portfolio management process, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and objectives. Collaborate with the Director of PMO to ensure consistency in project delivery, resource planning, and portfolio tracking. Oversee portfolio performance, ensuring projects and initiatives deliver value and are on time and within budget. Develop and manage the IT project governance framework to ensure accountability and transparency. Track and report on portfolio risks, issues, and progress to senior leadership.


• Operations & Process Optimization: Optimize IT operations by establishing best practices, processes and KPIs to ensure operational efficiency and service delivery excellence. Work closely with IT teams to ensure that IT services meet or exceed agreed service levels. Drive continuous improvement in operational processes and technologies, with a focus on automation and scalability. Manage IT budget, including cost control, forecasting, and financial reporting. Collaborate with the Director of PMO to ensure operational readiness for new projects and implementations


• Stakeholder Management: Serve as the primary liaison between IT and business units, ensuring effective communication and collaboration. Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of IT initiatives. Provide leadership in change management and ensure smooth transitions during technology implementation.


• Leadership & Team Management: Manage and mentor a team of IT professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Identify skills gaps and develop training programs to ensure continuous learning and development. Promote a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement within the IT organization.


• PMO Partnership: Ensure that IT strategic initiatives and portfolio management processes align with the broader organizational project management methodology led by the PMO. Facilitate communication between IT and the PMO to optimize resource allocation, project prioritization, and delivery timelines. Work with the Director of PMO to implement standardized governance and reporting mechanisms across all IT portfolios and operations. Regularly review project statuses and operational performance with the PMO to identify and mitigate risks or issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).


• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in IT management, including experience in IT strategy, portfolio management, and operations.


• Consistent track record of successfully leading IT projects and portfolios in a complex, fast-paced environment.


• Experience leading or managing a Technology Business Office or similar function focused on IT financials and governance.


• Experience collaborating with project management offices (PMO) or similar functions.


• Experience with digital transformation, cloud technologies, and modern IT infrastructure.


• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate business needs into actionable IT strategies.


• Excellent project management skills, with experience using project portfolio management tools and frameworks.


• Knowledge of IT service management frameworks (e.g., ITIL) and best practices in operational excellence.


• Outstanding communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus at all levels of the organization.


• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team, while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.


• PMP, ITIL, or similar certifications are a plus.


• Ability and appetite to lead and engage diverse and equitable teams

Our benefits meet you where you are. We're here to help our employees navigate the integration of work and life:

• Know your whole family is supported with discounted child care benefits.
  


• Breathe easy with medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets, too!).


• Feel supported in your mental health and personal growth with employee assistance programs.
  


• Feel great and thrive with access to health and wellness programs, unlimited paid time off and discounts for work necessities, such as cell phones.


• ... and much more.

We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and centers across 40 states and the District of Columbia. As we expand, we're matching the needs of more and more families, dynamic work environments, and diverse communities from coast to coast. Because we believe every family deserves access to high-quality child care, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day, you'll help bring this mission to life by building community and delivering exceptional experiences. And if you're anything like us, you'll come for the work, and stay for the people.

KinderCare Learning Companies is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

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