Project Delivery Office (PDO) Initiatives Leader

RS&H

About The Position

The PDO Initiatives Leader is a senior-level, highly visible role responsible for the strategic oversight and successful delivery of multiple, large-scale, and complex initiatives within the Project Delivery Office (PDO). This role requires advanced initiative management expertise, cross-functional coordination, and the ability to influence strategic outcomes across the organization. The Initiatives Leader applies advanced techniques, often extending established practices, and makes decisions with significant organizational impact. This position is heavily stakeholder-facing and plays a critical role in aligning PDO initiatives with enterprise goals and delivering measurable value.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Planning, or a related field is required; Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in project or initiative management, including at least 8 years leading large, complex, cross-functional initiatives.
Active professional licensure required (e.g., PE, AIA).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and enterprise project/program management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Smartsheet).
Requires strong attention to detail, commitment to follow through, and ability to work independently following general direction and oversight from senior leadership. Also requires the ability to multi-task, prioritize workload, set priorities, and manage multiple projects and assignments.
Must have strong verbal and written communication, as well as strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to relate to and understand people in a courteous and professional manner.
Must possess the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships, demonstrate professional courage, and guide and influence others.
Must have knowledge of the firm goals and strategies, professional demeanor, and ethical standards to serve as the primary source of strategic information concerning PDO initiatives and the firm.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze data trends.
Experience with process mapping and improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).

Nice To Haves

PMP, PgMP, or equivalent project/program management certification.
Experience in a centralized project delivery function (e.g., PMO, PDO).
Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or change management (e.g., Prosci).
Familiarity with enterprise portfolio management systems and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

Strategic Initiative Delivery and Oversight:
Oversee and ensure the delivery of high-quality initiative outcomes that conform to the needs and expectations of internal stakeholders, driving exceptional organizational impact.
Implement necessary management techniques required to fulfill delivery responsibilities for specific, complex strategic initiatives.
Apply sound and diverse knowledge of project and initiative management principles and practices to make independent decisions and coordinate cross-functional teams on most initiative-related issues.
Ensure initiatives are aligned with enterprise strategy, risk posture, and performance metrics.
Comprehensive Initiative Planning and Management:
Develop detailed scopes of work and schedules for complex initiatives, clearly communicating the initiative plan and objectives to all relevant internal teams and stakeholders.
Direct initiative teams through all phases of multiple, large, and complex initiatives to achieve desired results within established schedules.
Provide overall technical direction and coordination for initiative teams, ensuring alignment with PDO standards and best practices.
Establish initiative governance structures and performance tracking mechanisms
High-Level Stakeholder Engagement and Negotiation:
Serve as the primary point of contact for key internal stakeholders and a central liaison with initiative teams throughout the duration of the initiative, providing regular, strategic status updates.
Negotiate initiative scope and resource needs with internal stakeholders and departments.
Recommend alternative solutions, often requiring innovation, if initiative objectives cannot be achieved or if critical internal requirements cannot be met.
Facilitate executive-level communications and decision-making processes.
Driving Organizational Improvement:
Identifies problems with the internal production and delivery processes utilized in organization, and leads efforts, in collaboration with key stakeholders, to affect improvements.
Oversees and ensures a high-value stakeholder experience to support the successful adoption and sustained impact of PDO initiatives across the organization.
Lead change management strategies to support the successful adoption and long-term sustainability of PDO initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure readiness, communication, and training plans are in place.
Champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the PDO.
Team Leadership and Development (as applicable):
May manage a small team of PDO professionals, creating an engaging and empowering work environment, communicating clear expectations, and providing effective performance feedback through regular meetings, recognition, rewards, coaching, and, when needed, disciplinary action.
Other Duties:
Performs all other duties as assigned.