Portfolio Manager

The position is located in Northbrook, IL.

 

The purpose of the team with-in the department is to align common services within ETSP in a central Operations group to increase efficiency and reduce redundancy. Including the definition, implementation and improvement of standards, processes, governance and tools that improve ETSP's project and service delivery capability. The department is also responsible for providing program management resources to support Enterprise wide initiatives. The mission of the Enterprise Technology Strategy & Planning Operations (ETSP) department is to support the ETSP Strategic objectives by continuously improving processes for project prioritization and management, utilizing skilled resources in an efficient and cost effective manner, and driving the processes which enhance human capital management

 

The scope of this job is To help deliver and govern departmental and cross-departmental portfolio of programs and projects with adherence to enterprise and department policy and guidelines.  This individual develops and aligns a team around overall strategy and mission. Owns and drives ETSP program/project staffing, resources, delivery and support.  Ultimately, being responsible and accountable for on-time, successful delivery as defined by project KPIs. Adheres to ETSP standards and guidelines regarding project management and delivery augmenting and maintaining them where necessary for specific project or environment needs. Builds and Allocates and manages resources. Leads and develops people. Controls budget, expenses and scope. Manages risk, issue and problem resolution. Develops, supports, and manages relationships (business, vendors, enterprise, ETSP). Communicates and manages communications. Uses functional, business, and technical knowledge to deliver the best solutions. Identifies strategic improvements in what is delivered to the business and users. Creates and maintains formalized business agreements with client and monitors client satisfaction.  In addition to the core Project Management capabilities, candidates MUST have a broad technology background that includes both application and infrastructure experience, knowledge of tools used within the software development lifecycle and production support. Those with prior job experience that includes resource management, process improvement, metrics programs and training will have the best opportunity for success in the role.

 

The individual will be responsible for

1. Developing program, project or portfolio approach, scope, timelines, budget/project estimation and overall staffing model  Successful delivery of ETSP program/project as defined by KPIs and goals  3. Builds and maintains collaborative relationship/partnership within ETSP, between ETSP and business unit colleagues and other technology areas (AFT,APT).
2. Leads evaluation of resource capacity and balancing for projects and potential projects  Gathers, analyzes and rolls-up metrics across all programs and projects within the portfolio to the ETSP Metrics and Reporting analyst  Facilitates technology and business conversations setting priority among projects and programs across the portfolio ensuring selected projects support the business strategy  Monitors the pipeline of programs and projects from inception through deployment and continuing until sunset
3. Suggests new technology solution ideas and helps filter those suggested by the client to best meet business needs and requirements Mentors and coaches peers and colleagues  Supports ETSP Strategic Objectives and Allstate corporate strategy  Developing program, project or portfolio resources
4. Owning and driving issues, risks and problem resolution  Utilizing functional, business and technical knowledge to deliver the best solutions  Developing and manages project or portfolio communications  Coordinating program, project release and change management activities
5. Adheres to and ensure appropriate use of ETSP standards and guidelines regarding project management, QA and delivery augmenting and maintaining them where necessary for specific project or environment needs throughout the project lifecycle

 

The skills required are:

1. Advanced - Project Management Methodologies; practical application; training; Project Management certification required; Ability to bring in projects on time and within budget
2. Advanced - Understanding of process analysis and process design fundamentals; ability to organize and assess data, see trends.
3. Intermediate - Financial skills, including ability to work with IT project accounting; budgeting and reporting.
4. Advanced - Strong communication and leadership skills, ability to communicate at both technical and management levels; flexible; able to work across boundaries and resolve conflicting goals. Comfortable acting as a change leader
5. Advanced - Team oriented; able to motivate and facilitate a team approach to accomplishing assignment goals; ability to collaborate effectively with staff at various levels Ability to execute required reporting, issue resolution and conduct cost benefit analysis

 

Experience Required:
Project Management + 8 years; Program Management/Portfolio Management/Technology Management( e.g. PMO) establishment and support. +5-8 years Demonstrated success in building and structuring project management offices in new organizations Deals well with ambiguity and able to balance necessary rigor with adaptability in an ever changing project environment Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize, both individual and team activities on a micro and macro level (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.) Thorough knowledge of IT concepts, strategies and methodologies. Thorough knowledge of business functions and extensive understanding of business operations, strategies and objectives. Thorough knowledge of project management life cycle, methodologies and support tools (e.g., MS Project, ChangePoint, USD, etc.). Thorough knowledge of project management concepts, practices and techniques (Project Management certification required). Ability to promote a team environment. Strong negotiation, facilitation and consensus building skills. Strong oral and written communication skills; presentation skills

 

Computer Proficiency:
MS Project+ MS Office Toolsets, MS Visio

Education:
College Degree  - Preferred
Major preference: Project Management, Communication, Technical, PM certifications