Director, Strategic Initiatives

ARCO Companies • Downers Grove, IL

6d

About The Position

The Director, Strategic Initiatives leads enterprise portfolio execution and strategic initiatives that deliver measurable business outcomes. The role establishes and advances PMO governance, portfolio management, and execution standards, partnering with senior leadership to turn strategy into actionable priorities. As a member of the leadership team, this leader oversees Project and Program Managers, prioritizes enterprise initiatives, optimizes resources, and serves as a strategic partner to leaders across the organization.

The position oversees complex, cross-functional programs from ideation through implementation, adoption, and value realization. It also leads transformation efforts in areas such as growth, productivity, operational efficiency, and organizational effectiveness, while promoting sustainable results through change management, performance insights, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Information Technology, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in program management, PMO leadership, strategy, business transformation, operations, or related disciplines, including significant leadership experience.
• Proven experience building, transforming, or leading an enterprise PMO or strategic portfolio function.
• Ability to translate strategy into executable priorities, measurable outcomes, and sustainable business results.
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional transformation and change initiatives.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including experience with business cases, budgets, investment prioritization, and measuring financial or operational impact.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Executive presence and ability to influence and align senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience managing complex portfolios, resources, budgets, and external partners.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience with project and portfolio management tools and reporting platforms.
• Experience with organizational change management and adoption strategies.

Nice To Haves

• MBA.
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent certification.
• Experience evaluating or implementing AI, automation, data, or emerging technology solutions.
• Familiarity with Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid project methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop Project and Program Managers, fostering accountability, strategic thinking, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and mature PMO governance, standards, tools, methodologies, and operating rhythms.
• Own the demand-to-project lifecycle, including intake, qualification, prioritization, capacity planning, and resource allocation.
• Partner with executive leadership to translate strategic priorities into a focused portfolio with clear owners, milestones, KPIs, and expected outcomes.
• Oversee complex, cross-functional programs from ideation through implementation, adoption, and value realization.
• Develop portfolio reporting, KPIs, financial tracking, and health metrics to give leadership visibility into progress, risks, resources, and outcomes.
• Lead strategic transformation initiatives focused on growth, productivity, operational efficiency, organizational effectiveness, and other enterprise priorities.
• Develop business cases and investment recommendations; partner with Finance to establish benefit targets and track realized impact.
• Identify and mitigate portfolio risks, remove execution barriers, and establish accountability for milestones and outcomes.
• Partner with business and technology leaders to evaluate AI, automation, data, and emerging technology opportunities.
• Champion change management and adoption strategies to ensure new systems, processes, and operating models deliver sustainable results.
• Continuously improve PMO and transformation practices using data, performance insights, and industry best practices.

Benefits

• Industry-leading performance-based bonus program
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Traditional and Roth 401k
• Tuition reimbursement for associates
• Scholarship for associates’ children up to $28,000 per child
• 1-month paid sabbatical after every five years of employment, plus $5,000 for travel
• 1-week paid volunteer leave each year
• 100% charitable match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• 100% paid 12-week maternity leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director