Looking for a Program Manager/ Cluster Head
with m inimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in portfolio, program, or project management, with a significant focus on the
insurance domain and managing portfolios that include software development, digital, and Quality Assurance (QA) projects.
Responsibilities
- Portfolio Delivery Management:
- Define, manage, and optimize the overall program and project portfolio within the insurance domain, including software development, digital transformation, and Quality Assurance projects, ensuring strategic alignment and effective resource allocation.
- Monitor portfolio performance across all project types (software, digital, QA), identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful delivery.
- Provide regular reporting and insights on portfolio health, progress, and financial performance to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of financials, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management across the entire portfolio.
- Actively contribute to and lead efforts in developing comprehensive proposals for new business opportunities or strategic initiatives.
- Large-Scale Transformation Leadership:
- Lead and oversee large, complex transformation programs within the insurance landscape, with a strong emphasis on technology-driven changes including core insurance software implementations, digital customer experiences, and robust QA strategies, driving significant change and innovation.
- Ensure the successful execution of these programs from initiation to closure, meeting scope, budget, and timeline objectives.
- Navigate intricate organizational structures and interdependencies to facilitate seamless program delivery.
- People Leadership & Development:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of more than 50 professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement across software development, digital, and QA disciplines.
- Responsible for performance management, career development, and talent retention within the portfolio team.
- Promote a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages growth and innovation.
- Stakeholder & Customer Engagement:
- Serve as a primary point of contact for key internal and external stakeholders, including senior executives, business leaders, and external partners.
- Engage directly and in a face-to-face capacity with customers, understanding their needs related to software, digital solutions, and quality assurance, managing expectations, and ensuring solutions meet their requirements.
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with all stakeholders, effectively managing expectations and communications.
- Communication & Influence:
- Possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
- Influence decision-making at all levels, leveraging strong negotiation and persuasion abilities.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Insurance, Computer Science, or a related field.Master's degree (MBA) or relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, PgMP, SAFe, Prince2) are highly preferred.
Essential Skills
- Experience:
- Minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in portfolio, program, or project management, with a significant focus on the insurance domain and managing portfolios that include software development, digital, and Quality Assurance (QA) projects.
- Proven experience in leading large transformation programs from inception to successful completion, especially those with a strong technological component.
- Demonstrated experience in people management, specifically leading and developing a team of more than 50 people.
- Extensive experience working in a face-to-face role with customers, understanding their needs and building strong client relationships.
- Solid background in working on and contributing to business proposals.
- Skills & Knowledge:
- Deep and comprehensive understanding of the insurance industry, including its products, processes, regulatory environment, and market dynamics.
- Strong grasp of software development lifecycles (SDLC), digital product development, and QA methodologies.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability in stakeholder management, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
- Strong financial acumen with a clear understanding of budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and a strategic mindset.
Proficiency in portfolio management tools and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, SAFe).