IT Program Manager

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City • Kansas City, MO

1d

About The Position

The IT Program Manager plans, develops and leads a portfolio of software development and / or infrastructure projects, ensuring they align with organizational goals, and delivers value through strategic program management. They are responsible for creating and managing project plans, coordinating between internal and external teams and resources, and coaches team members on best practices in Agile methodologies. Situated within the Information Technology (IT) department, IT Program Managers are responsible for coordinating various technology-related programs, ensuring seamless integration, and delivering value through efficient and effective project management. As such, this position requires a blend of technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and leadership skills. The candidate for this position must reside in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business Administration or a related academic field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years experience in technical project/program management.
• 3+ years managing 2 or more programs of moderate to complex scope.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from PMI.
• Proficient in Microsoft Product capabilities (Excel, Word, PPT, excel, etc.)
• Proficient in Project Management Software (Microsoft Project, Smartsheet)
• Demonstrated experience in collaboration tools such as Teams and Zoom.
• Experience utilizing resource management tools like Service Now PPM to manage and allocate resources efficiently across projects.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Computer science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business Administration or a related academic field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Program Management Professional (PgMP).
• Demonstrated experience leveraging software like Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and Power BI for analyzing data, creating reports, and visualizing program performance.

Responsibilities

• Program Planning and Strategy Development: Defining the scope, objectives, and deliverables for each program, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. This includes setting milestones, timelines, and identifying potential risks and mitigation plans. Planning future program activity, including consultations with project sponsors, analysis of requirements and arranging timeframes. Synthesizes the business and technical landscape into a sound project strategy and execution plan.
• Stakeholder Management: Establishing effective communication channels with stakeholders, including senior leadership, project managers, and team members. This involves regular updates on program status, managing expectations, and resolving issues that arise. Creates a communications process to ensure stakeholders are aware of status, risks, and opportunities. Cultivates trust with all program stakeholders. Interacts with senior leaders across a highly matrixed environment in both IT and business communities.
• Build Strong Relationships: Develop strong relationships with stakeholders, team members, and vendors. Ability to relate to a wide variety of people and to observe, listen, motivate and provide leadership. Trust and collaboration are key to successful program management.
• Resource Allocation: Identifying and allocating resources such as budget, personnel, and technology to various projects within the program. Ensuring optimal use of resources to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Risk Management: Provides risk management and issue/problem resolution as required. Identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them. This includes continuous monitoring and adjustment of plans as needed to handle unforeseen challenges.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Implementing performance metrics and KPIs to track program progress. Regularly review and analyze performance data to make informed decisions. Reporting on these metrics to stakeholders and adjusting strategies as needed to ensure program success. Producing program reports for department heads, directors, end users and other stakeholders.
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring that all projects within the program meet the required quality standards. This includes regular audits, reviews, and feedback loops to maintain high quality and performance. Improves delivery and operational processes to optimize performance and value over time. Oversees QA activities to ensure project deliverables meet / exceed established standards.
• Change Management: Managing the impact of changes on the program and ensuring that changes are implemented smoothly and effectively. This includes communication plans, training, and support for teams affected by changes.
• Program / Project Execution: Managing program and project teams to ensure completion on time and within budget. Manages multiple key projects with significant scope and complexity simultaneously. Taking ownership of program and project budgets and managing overall delivery of them. Drives execution of project and program deliverables. Organizes and leads matrixed teams to successfully deliver on programs. Coordinating third party contributions throughout the life cycle of the program. Prepares and delivers presentations regarding program status to key stakeholders. Synchronizes and manages cross-project interdependencies.
• Team Leadership and Development: Leading and mentoring project managers and other team members. Fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture within the team.

Benefits

• Highly competitive total rewards package, including comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits as well as a 401(k) plan that both the employee and employer contribute
• Annual incentive bonus plan based on company achievement of goals
• Time away from work including paid holidays, paid time off and volunteer time off
• Professional development courses, mentorship opportunities, and tuition reimbursement program
• Paid parental leave and adoption leave with adoption financial assistance
• Employee discount program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees