Project Management Director , Operations PMO (OPMO)

Project Management Director , Operations PMO (OPMO) - New Business & Underwriting

The Opportunity

The Operations Project Management Office (OPMO) is seeking an experienced Project Management Director with experience across New Business / Underwriting end to end life cycles and a proven history of leading delivery teams of project management professionals on projects of mid to high comple xity . In this highly visible role, you will report to the Head of Operations PMO (OPMO ) and support projects led or supported from the Operations organization . You will be responsible for leading the effective coordination of resources , solutioning project escalations and delivering against our Operations KPIs through sound project delivery and leadership . You will lead and motivate your team through adversity and change while ensuring adherence to OPMO project delivery standards . This role requires extensive collaboration and communication across multiple business units within Operations and outside of Operations (technology teams, suppliers, procurement).

The Team

The OPMO oversees the execution of initiatives across Operations (Protection NB & UW, Policy Holder Services / Annuity NB, Strategy & Transformation, Shared Services & Enablement and Operations Insights & Performance Optimization ) . Our team partners closely with Distribution, Product and Legal/Compliance to deliver value through project implementation. We leverage standards put in place by the enterprise Corporate Function PMO (CFPMO) to drive consistency across our portfolio . The team is focused on driving and aligning critical programs and projects across our Operations organization , creating more visibility into this work, while enabling better prioritization, collaboration, and execution. We strive for continuous improvement and best in class service to our clients.

We are a diverse team of project managers , who enjoy solving complex business problems with proven track records of excellence in project management and the ability to quickly structure and manage work in a dynamic, complex environment.

The Impact:

As a n Operations Director of Project Management , you will :

• Direct and oversees a project delivery team with various levels of project and program managers.

• Oversees daily operation of department(s) and vendor engagements.

• Has strategic focus while developing business objectives for a department(s).

• Participates as member of the management team that contributes and influences the development of strategies, goals and metrics for the larger organization.

• Strong leadership skills with the proven ability to influence, interact and negotiate at and across all levels of large, complex, matrixed organizations.

• Manages the development of financial and resource planning needed to achieve department(s) business objectives .

• Manages available resources and resolves problems with impact beyond department(s)/organization.

• Contributes and influences the continuous improvement of project management delivery results and efficiencies and the advancement of project management capabilities, while retaining and attracting top diverse talent and driving a continuous improvement mindset.

• Strong knowledge and extensive experience in managing, coaching, mentoring and motivating various levels of project and program managers to increase abilities and leadership skills; may also manage, coach, mentor and motivate less experienced managers of project and program managers.

• Industry leading knowledge and understanding of project management best practices, tools and techniques with proven ability to apply to project deliverables, processes, communications and presentations.

• Ensure projects delivered and executed by staff are on-time, and quality goals are met within scope and budget that meet or exceed stakeholder needs and expectations through holding staff accountable.

• Understand, promote and contribute to MassMutual delivery methodologies, standards and tools. Adheres to both company policy and governmental regulations concerning department(s). Manages departmental structure, employee development, training and planning.

• Provides support for project management execution and visibility into the portfolio of work

• Builds in-depth knowledge of MassMutual business, products, systems, as well as the portfolio of projects under supervision

• Works closely with Operations Portfolio Lead to support transformation strategy and management reporting

The Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and expertise

• 3 + years of project management leadership experience

• 8+ years of project management experience

• 5+ years Direct experience across the Life, Health & Disability new business experience

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years Working knowledge of Order Entry Platforms, New Business Platforms/Workbenches, Underwriting Rules Engines and Automation / Straight Through Processing
• 5+ years Working knowledge and understanding of career and third party distribution systems
• Agile/Waterfall project management experience preferred
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies
• Proven success in delivering complex long-term projects on time, within budget, and to scope
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent preferred
• 5+ years of experience leading projects impacting the insurance industry
• 3+ years' experience within a PMO
• 10+ years of project management experience

What to Expect as Part of MassMutual and the Team

• Regular meetings with the OPMO
• Focused one-on-one meetings with your manager
• Access to mentorship opportunities
• Networking opportunities including access to Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, African American, women, LGBTQIA+, veteran and disability-focused Business Resource Groups
• Access to learning content on Degreed and other informational platforms
• Your ethics and integrity will be valued by a company with a strong and stable ethical business with industry leading pay and benefits

MassMutual is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Individual with Disability/Protected Veteran. We welcome all persons to apply. Note: Veterans are welcome to apply, regardless of their discharge status.
If you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us and share the specifics of the assistance you need.