The Program Director is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing and managing a portfolio of programs within an organization. This role ensures that all programs align with the strategic goals of the organization, delivering results that drive organizational success. The Program Director provides leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for programs, ensuring that they are executed efficiently, on time, and within budget. This role involves high-level decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration across multiple departments and teams.
The role
Program Leadership & Strategy:
Lead the development and execution of the program portfolio, ensuring alignment with the Program's strategic objectives.
Define, articulate, and implement the overall vision and strategy for large programs.
Develop and communicate long-term program goals and strategies to key stakeholders, including executives, clients, and team members.
Monitor and adjust program strategies as needed to meet changing business priorities.
Program Oversight & Management:
Provide executive leadership to ensure the program is successful and ensuring that the program meets defined objectives and performance metrics.
Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of programs, ensuring that they meet established timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
Ensure programs are managed according to organizational best practices, policies, and industry standards.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
Serve as the primary point of contact for senior leadership, clients, and stakeholders regarding the status and performance of the program.
Communicate program status, risks, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to executives and stakeholders regularly.
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, external partners, and clients to drive program success.
Resource & Budget Management:
Oversee the allocation of resources across programs, ensuring that the necessary tools, people, and budget are available to execute the program successfully.
Manage and monitor program budgets, ensuring that financial resources are efficiently utilized and program goals are achieved within budget.
Lead the forecasting and tracking of program resources and expenditures.
Risk Management & Problem Solving:
Identify potential risks across the program and proactively develop risk management strategies.
Lead efforts to mitigate risks, resolve program challenges, and remove barriers to success.
Ensure that any issues or delays are promptly addressed, and corrective actions are taken when necessary.
Team Leadership & Development:
Provide leadership and mentorship to track owners and other team members.
Develop and maintain a high-performance team, providing guidance and support to ensure team members have the tools, resources, and knowledge to succeed.
Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the teams.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting:
Define program performance metrics and ensure successful program outcomes by consistently measuring progress.
Implement regular monitoring and evaluation processes to assess the effectiveness and impact of the program.
Prepare and present reports, including program performance, challenges, and recommendations for improvement, to senior management and stakeholders.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation:
Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and implementing opportunities for process optimization.
Keep up with industry trends and best practices to ensure the program remains competitive and effective.
Drive innovation within the program portfolio to enhance organizational performance.
What you'll bring
Experience:
Minimum of 18+ years of experience in program or project management, with a proven track record of managing large, complex programs.
Significant experience in a senior leadership role, including team and resource management.
Demonstrated success in managing a portfolio of programs and aligning them with organizational goals.
Skills:
Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
In-depth knowledge of program management methodologies and best practices.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira) and other relevant software.
Certifications:
PMP (Project Management Professional) or PgMP (Program Management Professional) is desired
Additional certifications such as Agile, Six Sigma, or similar are a plus.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).