Program Manager, Corporate Strategy

Sammons Financial Group • West Des Moines, IA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Provide expert leadership in program and portfolio facilitation within Corporate Strategy, with a focus on strategic planning, scope development, prioritization, roadmap planning, tracking, integration and implementation. Lead the day-to-day operational aspects of large strategic programs, including the planning and execution of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Capital Sourcing programs. Lead the efforts on comprehensive due diligence to evaluate acquisition targets, ensuring thorough assessment of financial, operational, and strategic items. Organize and execute detailed integration strategies to facilitate seamless transition and maximize post-merger value. Serve as a key liaison between leadership teams and program team members, stakeholders and third-parties, ensuring effective communication of strategy and vision. Maintain accountability for clear and consistent communications throughout the program. Ensure program projects are on track concerning scope, schedule, and budget by collaborating with stakeholders to negotiate trade-off decisions, thereby driving successful strategic outcomes.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' financial services industry experience Required
• High attention to detail; organized with a demonstrated ability to manage and influence multiple organizational priorities simultaneously
• Proven ability to self-prioritize work, meet deadlines, achieve goals and work in a dynamic and complex environment
• Strong leadership, negotiation and interpersonal skills; Proven ability to build effective internal and external relationships and effectively influence individuals at all levels
• Strong analytical skills, including problem solving and strategic thinking skills
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Proven ability to manage conflict resolution with leadership courage
• Demonstrated strong technical aptitude
• Proven ability to work under pressure while maintaining focus and professionalism
• Team player with strong collaboration skills including motivating and building trust among peers and senior leaders, encouraging respect and optimizing collaboration
• Must be adept at change management and leading organizational change through detailed communication plans
• Criminal background check required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science or Business Preferred
• Minimum 5 years' leadership or program management, primarily in areas of technology or acquisition integration Preferred
• Previous life and/or annuity experience strongly Preferred
• Experience with mergers, acquisition and integration strongly Preferred
• PMP and/or CAPM Preferred

Responsibilities

• Identify high-impact strategic projects in collaboration with senior leaders within Corporate Strategy, Corporate Services, IT, Legal, Compliance and business lines to identify key projects that align with organization growth goals.
• Lead program management (large and/or multiple projects) of key strategic initiatives, including M&A opportunities and capital efficiency programs, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
• Lead cross-functional teams (internal or sourced team members) from the ideation stage through implementation to achieve desired outcomes.
• Provide regular updates by communicating roadmap progress, results and risks to senior leaders, maintaining transparency and strategic alignment.
• Oversee and organize multiple project or program work streams; often directing other project resources (Project Managers) ensuring schedules and goals are met effectively and efficiently.
• Facilitate change management including communication plans, change of requirements or scope, effectively prioritizing tasks to align with strategic objectives.
• Deliver programs on time and budget by independently applying program methodologies and project standards to meet time and budgetary constraints.
• Identify and mitigate impediments to ensure program success.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with program teams and stakeholders including senior leadership, stakeholders, and vendors.
• Display a willingness to ask curious questions and effectively challenge and push stakeholders when needed.
• Track and report on program progress, presenting clear updates on status, issues, and risks to senior leaders.
• Lead organization of comprehensive due diligence to evaluate potential acquisitions.
• Develop detailed integration strategies to ensure smooth pre- and post-merger transitions, involving thorough planning and execution.
• Collaborate with departments to assess risks and impacts, facilitating research and analysis activities for informed decision-making.
• Implement performance metrics to evaluate integration success and continuously seek improvement opportunities based on feedback and industry best practices.
• Structure daily tasks to align with the overall strategic objectives of the organization.
• Commitment to embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values (Accountability, Connection, Openness, Respect and Integrity).
• As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demands.
• Participate in other initiatives and/or projects as necessary.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA & FSA options, and term life insurance.
• Competitive compensation with a performance-based incentive program tied to clear goals and individual and/or company success.
• Invest in your future with our 100% company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), plus automatic enrollment in our 401(k).
• Work–life balance that means something. Friday afternoons off year-round, generous paid time off, and paid holidays.
• Commit to your growth with paid development time, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities across industry, individual, and leadership programs.
• Make an impact beyond the workplace through volunteer time off, and our company nonprofit matching gift program, supporting the causes that matter most to you.
• An ownership culture that inspires; join a connected, values-driven workplace where employees take accountability, support one another, and are empowered to do their best work—together shaping our future shared success.

What This Job Offers

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