SPD Strategic Program Dir/Mgr

WHY JOIN THE HARTFORD?

As a global leader in insurance, asset management and financial service products, we offer professionals every possibility for growth. And whether we're helping customers or building careers, we're experts at creating the kind of advantages that help people reach their goals.



WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Please Note: This position could also be considered a Tier 7 depending on the candidate's experience.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Strategic Program Delivery, Business Technology Solutions in the Group Benefits Division, this Program Manager is responsible for leading the successful delivery of a portfolio of projects (a.k.a ?track of projects?) as part of the overall GBD Strategy Roadmap which consists of a five year, 200+ million dollar program comprised of six tracks of work and thirty projects. This leader will be responsible for partnering with the business track lead for these efforts and running the series of projects within their track. In this leadership role, this person will have accountability for ensuring the success not only for their track of work but the broader roadmap which will require working with the PMO, business partners, peer track leads and the full organization to ensure the right work efforts are undertaken and the right schedule, scope, cost decisions are reached in alignment with benefits.

Knowledge Requirements :
Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in related field, specialized training, or equivalent work experience
Minimum of 7 years of IT project management experience or equivalent leadership experience
Minimum of 3 years of industry experience
Experience managing other PMs
PMP certification strongly preferred; Seasoned in use of project development methodologies
Broad technology and industry understanding, and related credibility; superior knowledge and application of accepted IT project lifecycle/methodology

Financial Responsibilities
Capability to plan and manage up to 10+ million dollar, 80+ resource enterprise level budgets, and establish business and technology funding priorities in accordance with enterprise level vision
Strong understanding of business financial forecasting systems with budgeting and planning knowledge

Key Competencies
Makes sound and timely decisions, considering risks, benefits, alternatives, stakeholder perspectives, organizational impacts and alignment to overall goals.
Has strong understanding of customer needs and expectations across multiple market segments.
Ensures that efforts across functions, locations and/or organizations are integrated and aligned with strategic priorities.
Keeps organization focused on critical activities for achieving results; continually reviews priorities with leaders and communicates them to employees across the organization.
Intervenes to remove obstacles to achieving results and sources of lagging performance.
Continuously strives to improve service, deliver value-added solutions and make it easy for customers to do business with us.
Adjusts readily to multiple demands and constituencies, shifting priorities and rapid change.
Demonstrates resourcefulness, ceaseless energy and persistence to achieve goals despite obstacles and difficulties. Conveys a strong sense of urgency and drives issues to closure.
Promotes collaboration and teamwork across organizational boundaries. Establishes clear performance expectations and personally holds leaders accountable for results in their units or functions; makes the tough decisions to replace or reassign people, when necessary.
Builds and maintains effective relationships with colleagues and customers; is respected and trusted.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION?



Program Planning/Management
Manage overall track/portfolio of work, highly complex initiatives comprised of several subprojects
Provide program management for initiatives of large scope; develop and define program strategy and approach
Define projects and programs from a business need and create momentum and acceptance for the effort
Focusing on both internal project needs and external interfaces, create an environment and a process by which the initiative will be successfully delivered
Enhance and embrace accepted project management methods, procedures and quality objectives; ensure adherence across the program
Develop and establish program processes and controls for scope, budget, risk, and issues for all program activities ensuring all aspects of the program are delivered according to the overall plan
Manage the competing needs of multiple stakeholders taking into considering both track/portfolio needs as well as the broader strategy roadmap needs
Gain buy-in of functional management and assure functional resources are appropriately aligned
Manage solution partner selection process
Coordinate or participate in development of the Cost Benefit Analysis
Manage relationships with solution partner, assuring that solution partner delivers on commitments or renegotiating terms as necessary

Program Progress & Communications
Manage expectations and ensure all program expectations and quality standards are adhered to and that there is a balance and integration of all delivery components: strategy, process, people, technology, data and application
Assess and manage program variances (e.g. budget variance); evaluate impacts to overall program commitments, evaluate and present options, and implement approved changes
Maintain accountability for the communications/ interactions needed to ensure that the technology aligns with the business strategy and that the program will deliver the expected value
Communicate appropriately and influence leadership to execute against the short and long term objectives necessary to achieve IT and business strategic goals
Maintain/revise and communicate documented costs and benefits associated with the project
Share program information with executive management at appropriate level of detail and timeliness for the intended audience
Apply appropriate judgment in determining when to escalate matters to executive management
Ensure program is delivered according to overall plan

Leadership/decision making
Provide strategic leadership with decision authority within the context of the program regarding priorities, timeline, resources, budget, and issues
Provide ongoing work direction to project leaders of various subproject components
Provide direction to Project Managers engaged in supporting strategic projects tracks
Provide performance feedback for team members and/or Project Managers assigned to the initiative
Foster and promote knowledge exchange
Promote the growth and ensure the integrity of the PM discipline within and external to the organization, working with the Best Practices Centers of Excellence
Make critical decisions, even in the absence of direct involvement in the day to day operation of the
subprojects
Demonstrate commitment to the PM discipline by way of active involvement in PM organizations
Provide mentorship and "thought leadership" to peer Program Managers and Project Managers
Contribute to the project management best practices and disciplines of the organization

Business knowledge
Understand and convey the complexities of delivering technology solutions as well as the forces impacting the business area
Develop expertise in specific program track and broader roadmap to ensure critical decisions are based on deep understanding of the strategy and appropriate trade-offs can be made effectively

Relationship Management
Interface with senior business partners, PMO, IT management, and project teams regarding expectations, resources, deliverables, priorities, business and technology direction
Build strong relationships with IT and business partners and leadership team
Ability to successfully work across all levels of the organization

Strategic Management
Set strategic direction for the enterprise related to technology supporting touch-points. This involves understanding the business strategy and aligning technology decisions with this strategy.
Ensure program supports the strategic direction and that this alignment continues throughout the program

WHAT IS THE COMPENSATION OPPORTUNITY?

At the Hartford, our compensation philosophy is simple: we pay competitive base salaries and reward performance. In addition, you will be eligible to participate in our comprehensive benefits program including Medical, Dental, Life and Disability Insurance, a 401K Plan, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan and more.



WHAT ELSE CAN YOU TELL ME?

Hartford Life is widely considered a company that is "on the move". We offer vision, promise and a world of possibilities.

Hartford Life is:

# 1 in Broker sold Annuities since 1993

# 1 seller of Variable Universal Life Insurance

# 2 seller of Group Disability Insurance

If you are a self-starter, have an entrepreneurial spirit, energy, and a positive attitude, this position is for you.

** NO AGENCIES PLEASE **

An Equal Opportunity Employer

"Committed to building inclusion and leveraging diversity"