Strategic Initiatives Director

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic planning, project management, change management and business transformation, with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to achieve significant business outcomes. Coordinate cross-functional planning to ensure alignment to business objectives and provide escalation leadership to resolve conflicts, remove barriers, and protect delivery outcomes.

Job Description:

JOB OVERVIEW

The Strategic Initiatives Director will play a critical role in defining and driving the strategic direction of the company. This position involves working closely with the functional VP's and executive team to identify, develop, and implement strategic projects and initiatives that align with the company's long-term goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic planning, project management, change management and business transformation, with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to achieve significant business outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Strategic Planning:
  • Collaborate with the functional VP's and executive team to develop and refine the company's strategic vision and long-term goals.
  • Conduct market analysis, competitive research, and internal assessments to identify strategic opportunities and threats.
  • Create detailed strategic plans and roadmaps to achieve organizational objectives.
• Project & Initiative Management:
  • Lead the execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
  • Develop and manage complex project plans, define project milestones, and allocate resources effectively.
  • Coordinate cross-functional planning to ensure alignment to business objectives and provide escalation leadership to resolve conflicts, remove barriers, and protect delivery outcomes.
  • Monitor and report on the progress of strategic projects to the executive team and stakeholders.
  • Coordinates and tracks benefit estimates/actuals realized throughout the initiative lifecycle.
• Cross-Functional Leadership:
  • Command a room of executives with a strong presence, effectively communicating ideas and fostering collaboration.
  • Demonstrate the ability to respectfully challenge leadership, providing thoughtful insights and alternative perspectives.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with various departments to ensure alignment and support for strategic initiatives.
  • Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the organization.
  • Build and lead cross-functional teams, providing guidance and support to achieve project goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Develop and deliver clear, concise presentations that leverage data visualization tools to create compelling narratives and strategic recommendations to the executive leadership team.
  • Communicate strategic plans and project updates to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including senior management, partners, and clients.
  • Act as a strategic partner to the executive team, providing insights and recommendations based on data and market trends.
• Analytics and Performance Measurement:
  • Conduct advanced data analysis and computations on large datasets to uncover meaningful insights and trends.
  • Utilize data visualization techniques and tools to present analytical findings in a clear and concise manner to stakeholders.
  • Establish metrics and KPIs to measure the success of strategic initiatives.
  • Conduct post-implementation reviews to assess the impact and effectiveness of projects.
  • Identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Change Management:
  • Develop and implement change management strategies to facilitate the smooth adoption of the new processes and systems across the organization.
  • Work closely with change management teams to address user concerns and resistance.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead cross-functional teams to achieve business outcomes. No direct reports

COMPETENCIES - SKILLS

• Proven track record of successfully leading and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Strategy, Engineering or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic planning, business transformation, or project management, preferably in a leadership role.
• PMP Certification