Sr. PMO / Project Management Office

Sr. PMO/Project Management Office w/P&C Insurance

The individual for this position will have built and led significant business and technology critical Project Management Offices (PMOs) for large Property & Casualty Insurance Companies with direct accountability for all project delivery and execution as well as introduction and deployment of project management frameworks, project initiation, approval, and stage gating processes, and project management training and tools.

Duties of this position will be as follows: 

• Provide direct oversight, management, and delivery of a $60-80M portfolio of strategic business and IT programs and projects 


• Facilitate the demand management process through senior executives within the Personal Insurance line of business 


• Directly manage and have responsibility for the career development, compensation, and performance evaluation of a large staff of professionals, made up primarily of Project and Program Managers  


• Drive projects teams in utilizing project delivery best practices  


• Oversee continuous improvement of the project management and software development lifecycle methodologies including activities to assess project delivery capabilities of the organization, institute performance metrics, establish corresponding targets, and measure progress on an on-going basis  


• Lead change management initiatives involving process redesigns, gap analyses, new business procedures, technology rollouts, job redesigns, staff training, etc.  


• Directly influence executives in areas pertaining to knowledge management, vendor partnerships, strategic planning, cultural change, resource planning, and customer relationships  

Six Sigma or other certifications are desirable 

Minimum of 10 - 15 years in this PMO capacity 

OTHER:  

Technical Knowledge  

Has a solid working knowledge of capabilities and direction of technology, coupled with the needs of business environment in order to support assigned projects. Uses this understanding of the business and systems environment to develop appropriate and timely solutions to daily issues. Has solid knowledge of varying technologies and/or application development and the ability to make decisions based on that knowledge.  

Business Knowledge & Partnership  

Knowledge of Personal Insurance and Management Information. Creates an atmosphere where business partner’s issues are dealt with professionally, and in a timely manner.  Suggests solutions that make sense and are in line with future technology direction. Effectively communicates (verbal, written and presentation ability) with peers and all levels of senior executive management in manner consistent with the audience. Demonstrates an adaptive style that is flexible and effective in gaining cooperation of others.  

Problem Solving & Decision Making  

Demonstrates sound analytical and diagnostic skills dealing with issues that are not readily defined and/or conflict with available information. Knows where to obtain information needed to make the appropriate decisions. Breaks a problem down to manageable pieces and implements effective, timely solutions.  Is very good at identifying the problem versus the symptom.  Deals increasingly with problems that require involvement of others to solve.  Has the ability to reach sound decisions quickly. Carefully evaluates alternative risks and solutions before taking action.  Has good negotiation skills.  

Team Orientation  

Maintains effective partnerships across the department, and is able to influence senior management, peers and project staff through an inclusive style, leadership ability and recognition of their abilities and knowledge. Balances team and individual responsibilities.  Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views.  Gives and welcomes feedback. Puts success of team above own interests.  

Leadership  

Manages functional objectives and priorities supporting projects.  Responsibilities are assigned with latitude for setting priorities and decision-making using generally accepted guidelines. Results are reviewed with next level manager for clarification according to predefined objectives  

Planning and Project Management  

Works with the project sponsor in prioritizing and managing scope. Executes the project tasks using a defined set of tools and the Delivery Methodology. Able to follow a defined process for scope changes, risk management, issue management and other proposed changes in priorities from the business partner or other parties.  

Financial Awareness  

Manages and has input to the project budget including the tracking of actuals to budget and reporting to stakeholders.

 In addition to an exciting environment, we offer:
*Competitive base salary with additional opportunities for variable pay through recognition programs and incentive awards
* 401(k) with company match
* Comprehensive health plans that include coverage for same sex/domestic partners
* Strong work/family and employee assistance programs
* Tuition reimbursement
* Vacation Purchase Plan
* Training/Development opportunities   

If interested in this position, please include your availability to interview and to start, the reason you are leaving your present situation OR the reason for leaving your last position, along with either your current salary or your minimum BASE salary figure (not counting annual bonus or other benefits)and  the status of your eligibility to work in the United States?

**Where do you live and are you open to relocation to Hartford, Connecticut (relocation package may be available)

Also, include the number of years of experience and a brief explanation of that specific experience in each of the following:

·        PMI Certification (how long?)    

·        Experience as a Manager of Business Analysts (how many? How long? Where?) 

·        Experience as Project Manager       

·        Experience as PROGRAM Manager      

·        Experience in a PMO capacity  (give 2 examples)

·        Experience working with Transformation/Change Management (give 2 examples)

·        Experience with Process Improvement (give 2 examples)

·        Managerial experience (largest number supervised and where)      

·        Experience managing off-shore consulting resources (largest # supervised & where)

·        Budgeting (largest budget managed by you and where)

·        Previous experience with a Big 4 (which ones? how long?)

·        Six Sigma experience        

·        Methodologies  (Agile or others)

Travelers has been recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the most admired companies to work for, ranking 2nd amongst all property casualty insurers in 2009.

Travelers was recently ranked Top Property & Casualty Company in BusinessWeek’s Best Places to Launch a Career Survey!