As our organization continues to grow, we recognize the need to establish a PMO organization to support our innovation and growth programs. The Synergy Americas Program Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of the PMO within the Americas region. This role manages the execution of projects and programs to ensure they align with the organization's strategic goals. The Program manager plays a crucial role in standardizing project management practices, improving efficiency, and ensuring project success across Synergy Americas.

Reporting directly to the Vice President - Regional IT Business Partner, but with a responsibility for project governance across all aspects of the business, the Americas Program Manager will be instrumental in driving change throughout the organization.

Hybrid work arrangement: There is an expectation of 2-3 days onsite in Wauconda, Illinois.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Align project portfolios with the organization's strategic goals and objectives to ensure that all projects contribute to the overall business strategy.
• Establish and enforce project management standards, methodologies, and best practices across the region. This includes ensuring that projects adhere to governance frameworks, comply with organizational policies, and follow standardized procedures including KPI adherence.
• Manage and prioritize a portfolio of projects and programs, ensuring resource allocation, risk management, and project selection criteria are met.
• Implement a portfolio visibility process and ensure this is ingrained in the standard operating procedure for all regions ensuring a simple process for transparent updates on project status, including milestones achieved, risks, and issues to regional, and in some cases global, leadership.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to ensure ongoing alignment between business goals and project priorities.
• Develop detailed project plans, including scope, objectives, timelines, and resources.
• Manage project milestones and deliverables, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Lead project teams, providing clear direction and guidance.
• Communicate project status, risks, and issues effectively to stakeholders at all levels.
• Facilitate regular meetings to ensure alignment and resolve issues.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Monitor project risks and issues and take proactive measures to address them.
• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring financial targets are met.
• Ensure that all project deliverables meet the required quality standards.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of experience in project management, with a proven track record of managing complex projects.
• 2-3+ years of experience leading complex change management PMO initiatives, in a large scale or multinational organization preferred.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under pressure.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Trello).
• The ability to align project portfolios with the organization's strategic objectives.
• Highly developed interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills with experience collaborating and engaging key stakeholders to influence and achieve optimal business outcomes.
• Expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project and portfolio risks effectively.
• Ability to analyze data and produce management level reports to enable quick and accurate decision making.
• Strong external network with the ability to leverage this network for collaborative learnings.
• Financial literacy (budgeting, reporting, interpretation).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to communicate and build relationships cross-functionally.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Business Acumen
• Strategic Agility
• Priority Setting
• Managing and Measuring Work
• Drive for Results
• Influencing Skills

EDUCATION

BA/BS Degree is required.