Vice President, Enterprise Project Management

The Vice President of the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, execution, and delivery of complex programs across the corporate portfolio. This visionary leader requires exceptional portfolio management skills, a deep understanding of business operations, and the ability to drive cross-functional teams towards achieving organizational goals. The VP will lead the enterprise project management practice, establishing rigorous standards for the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), methodology consistency, and the optimization of project management toolsets.

Key job responsibilities include:

Strategic Governance: Champion enterprise-wide project management standards and methodologies. Drive consensus across executive leadership to ensure a unified approach to the SDLC and PMO tooling.

Portfolio Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive portfolio management strategy that aligns the organization's overall business objectives and growth plans. Ensure that all programs are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of program managers, project managers, and project coordinators, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities. Cultivate a culture of collaboration, high-performance, and continuous development within the program management team.

Operational Excellence: Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of multiple programs simultaneously, ensuring each program delivers on time, within scope, and within budget. Utilize best practices and methodologies to manage program risks and issues effectively.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams, including product development, marketing, finance, and operations, to ensure seamless program execution and alignment with business priorities. Serve as a primary liaison for program-related inquiries and issues among various stakeholders by establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, and vendors.

Performance Analytics: Monitor program performance metrics and provide regular updates to executive leadership on program status, risks, and opportunities. Develop and present comprehensive program reports and dashboards to facilitate data-driven decision-making.

Process Optimization: Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the program management function, identifying areas for process optimization and implementing best practices. Stay current with industry trends and advancements in program management methodologies.

Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards in all program activities. Implement and enforce robust governance frameworks to maintain program integrity and accountability.

Financial Stewardship: Manage program budgets, including forecasting, tracking, and reporting on financial performance. Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize resource allocation to maximize program efficiency and effectiveness.

Change Orchestration: Lead the development and execution of change management plans to support program implementation and adoption. Ensure all stakeholders are adequately prepared for program changes and that transition plans are effectively communicated and executed.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Onsite in Chicago office.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI ACP), Certified Insurance Project Manager (CIPM) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is preferred.
• Behavioral Skills: Effective Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Attention to Detail, Decision Making
• Technical/Functional Skills: Agile Methodology, Financial Management, Lean Principles, Project Management Tools, Project Scope Development, Business Planning, Business Portfolio Management, Software Design Lifecycle, Software Project Management, Strategy Implementation

Ryan Specialty is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building and sustaining a diverse workforce throughout the organization. Our vision is an inclusive and equitable workplace where all employees are valued for and evaluated on their performance and contributions. Differences in race, creed, color, religious beliefs, physical or mental capabilities, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and many other characteristics bring together varied perspectives and add value to the service we provide our clients, trading partners, and communities. This policy extends to all aspects of our employment practices, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, discipline, firing, promoting, transferring, compensation, benefits, training, leaves of absence, and other terms, conditions, and benefits of employment.