Strategic Program Manager

PeoplesBank•Holyoke, MA

About The Position

Welcome to PeoplesBank! We are the largest mutually chartered bank in Western Mass and Northern Connecticut, we are proud to lead the way in green values, sustainable energy financing, and charitable giving. Our commitment to operating in the best interest of our customers is matched by our dedication to fostering an inclusive and engaging work environment. We offer excellent compensation, workplace flexibility, and a competitive benefits package to our associates. Our award-winning culture has earned us recognition as the Best Place to Work and Best Local Bank. Join our team of dedicated and innovative individuals and be a part of our dynamic, successful organization. Let's make a difference together! Summary: The Strategic Program Manager leads high‑impact, cross‑functional programs that advance the organization’s strategic goals. This role is responsible for developing program strategies, defining objectives and success metrics, and overseeing end‑to‑end program execution. Serving as a key liaison between executive leadership, stakeholders, and project teams, the Strategic Program Manager ensures initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. The position requires strong strategic thinking, exceptional communication, and the ability to influence without direct authority. The Strategic Program Manager drives alignment across departments, manages program budgets and resources, and uses data‑driven insights to evaluate performance and support executive decision‑making. This role is ideal for a collaborative leader experienced in managing complex, enterprise‑level programs in fast-paced, regulated environments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
7+ years of experience in program or project management, preferably in strategic or enterprise-level initiatives.
Experience in financial services or regulated industries preferred
Leadership & Influence: Ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture, anticipate challenges, and align programs with organizational goals.
Time Management/Prioritization; Ability to set timelines and deliver/meet deadlines
Willingness/Interest in learning new functions
Ability to manage ambiguity and drive change in complex environments
Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Strong understanding of business strategy, operations, and change management.
Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional programs in a fast-paced environment.
Understanding of Banking Operations; Knowledge of process and transactions within Banking
Collaborative; Strong Relationship Management
Communication skills; ability to convey information effectively
Comfortable questioning process and offering ideas; Process Improvement Mindset
Proficient with Microsoft Office; Project Management tools (Smartsheet, MS Project or similar platforms)
Advanced Excel or Power BI skills, Agile tools, familiarity with CRM systems,
Ability to create executive level PowerPoint presentations.

Nice To Haves

PMP, PgMP, or similar certification is a plus

Responsibilities

Lead the preparation of program business case, proposals and business plan.
Define program objectives, scope, and success metrics in alignment with organizational strategy.
Develop comprehensive program plans, including governance framework, timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
Engage Continuous Process Improvement when necessary to perform workflow analysis and root cause for problem resolution.
Partner with the PMO department to coordinate multiple projects under the program umbrella, ensuring interdependencies are managed effectively.
Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation plans to ensure successful delivery.
Influence senior leadership and facilitate decision-making to resolve and escalate issues within the program.
Serve as the primary point of contact for program stakeholders, providing regular updates and managing expectations.
Facilitate communication across departments to ensure alignment and collaboration.
Manage program budgets, track expenditures, and ensure cost efficiency.
Forecast resource needs and manage vendor relationships, as required.
Optimize resource utilization across projects to maximize impact.
Work closely with the Business Performance and Analytics department to establish KPIs and dashboards to track program performance.
Prepare executive-level reports and presentations on program status, outcomes, and recommendations.
Develop executive-level dashboards and provide actionable insights to inform strategic decisions.
Completes all yearly compliance training and testing and complies with bank, federal, and state regulations.
Other related duties may be assigned