Director, Project Management Office

About the Job

Hello, potential PriceSmart candidate. We’re on a mission to hire the very best and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and has access to equal opportunity. We realize the greatest contributions to the company can come from anywhere in the organization, and we know that the next one could be yours! We are looking for a Director, Project Management Office (PMO), which will assist in the creation of a PMO at PriceSmart and oversee multiple projects in support of the project portfolio at PriceSmart Inc. You will ensure success through proper portfolio management, process standardization, prioritization, resourcing, planning, execution monitoring, risk management, team development/coaching, and communications. In addition, you will lead/manage a complex multi work stream program within the portfolio from conception to completion in collaboration with functional departments to successfully develop and assure implementation, definition and diffusion of objectives, strategies, actions (tactics) plans, and its execution. This position reports to the EVP and Chief of Staff with dotted line reporting to the Head of Technology.

What's unique about this job (What you’ll do)

• Establish and maintain executive stakeholder relationships on expectations, and communications, both internal and external to the organization. Influence executive stakeholders and drive change across the functions and regions regarding policies and strategies.
• Execute program plans (quality, risk, communication, staffing, etc.) and communicate program status and data in order to maintain accurate and current program information for the use of stakeholders.
• Work with business stakeholders to gather requirements, write technical specification documentation.
• Manage Portfolio strategic alignment, prioritization, and integrated project list to ensure business and Technical Services is focused on highest priorities to maximize returns with effective capacity management. Define process for interim strategic alignment to address shifts in roadmaps.
• Create new roadmap process, including selection of a new PMO software tool to track all internal and external resource allocations by project.
• Define standards on PM performance, analyze PM skills and capabilities, develop training plans, measure, monitor and coach PM performance to the highest standards. Develop a robust talent development and succession planning in alignment with functional growth strategies. Coordinate training programs and ensure skill building (PM training & certification) for Project Managers & targeted groups and provide coaching.
• Manage strategic to enterprise-wide programs and/or portfolios.
• Direct/coach project/program managers/work stream leads with overall responsibility of developing systems, planning, staffing, budgeting, managing expense priorities.
• Ensure use of standardized/efficient processes, Agile systems, playbooks, metrics, change management and common language. Provide flexible alternatives in methodology and process to assure streamlined and successful execution of projects.
• Develop a high-level integrated milestone plan for the program and manages program change in accordance with the change management plan to control scope, quality, schedule, cost, and contracts.
• Facilitate monthly project review meetings with leadership teams.
• Obtain approval for the program and actively manage program benefits and issues in partnership with business partner.
• Elevate maturity level specifically in the multiple areas of project management (e.g., governance, resource management and project management knowledge) and lead by demonstrating culture and values.
• Manage inter-dependencies and coordination across projects to ensure that information relating to project deliverables, risks and issues are effectively communicated between stakeholders and that key performance indicators are established and monitored.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Facilitate the creation and approval of complex business cases within the program and coordinate the sharing of resources among projects.

Bring your passion and expertise (Who you are)

• Meets deadlines, prioritizes appropriately, copes well with change, and maintains composure under pressure.
• Ability to effectively manage large capital projects, including budget, development, and implementation.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Must be available for off-hours support.
• Independent, self-motivated, team player.
• Detail oriented and organized; ability to multitask.
• Superior Managerial skills: ability to motivate and coach staff for optimal productivity.
• Retail knowledge/retail background/understanding of retail store operations preferred.
• Able to effectively communicate with all levels of staff and management.
• Strong communication skills including ability to work in a team environment, give honest, direct feedback and is a solid verbal and written communicator.
• Strong project management skills: ability to reprioritize projects frequently and familiarity/proficiency with relevant technical tools and software.

Education and/or Experience

• Process and data engineering experience within a major ERP or PLM manufacturing environment.
• Introducing Agile techniques to the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to direct/coach teams and provide feedback, including responsibility for all employability actions including, hire/deselect authority and partnering with HR on all aspects of employee relations.
• Excellent understanding and work experience with portfolio budgets and project financial management.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the following areas: Managing global, strategic, large scale, and complex projects with a proven track record of delivering impact.
• Expert understanding and knowledge of procedures, while looking beyond existing methodologies and own discipline, to define and resolve complex problems relevant to developing the strategy on enterprise-wide projects and charting the course of overall programs.
• Managing, guiding and mentoring project managers.
• Proven expertise in usage and implementation of project management systems.
• Managing a major transformational change program, developing and exercising sound change management and communication plans.
• Bachelor's Degree required.

Language Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations (preferred but not required)

• PMP Certification or equivalent experience.
• Change Management Certified or equivalent experience.
• Six Sigma - Green belt or equivalent experience.

Some important intangibles

You feel connected to our mission and values: Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Passion, Community and Continuous Improvement

You are a self-starter who doesn’t need direct supervision to motivate you for success

You enjoy sharing your quirkiness and talents with your coworkers

Enjoy working hard

Full of energy for the things one sees as challenging

The ability to remain calm when dealing with unforeseen constraints.

The above description is designed to state the general nature and level of work performed in the function. It is not intended to contain or be construed as an exhaustive inventory of all job duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. A complete job description may be made available to you through the hiring process.

Benefits & Perks – We take care of our people

We believe taking care of our people is the right thing to do. This is what we can offer for all your hard work:

• Beyond competitive pay
• Fun events – Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday
• Life Insurance
• Calm Meditation App
• ...and more!
• Education Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance
• BenefitsHub for Employee Discounts
• Employee recognition
• 401K Contributions
• Supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth
• Medical, Dental and Vision plans
• LTD
• PriceSmart Membership Card
• Employee Assistance Program

Our Commitment

We not only embrace and celebrate the diversity of our membership base and communities, but also strive to achieve the same in our employees. At PriceSmart, we are committed to equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or any other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Get to know us

PriceSmart was founded with a purpose: to inspire and impact the lives and businesses of our Members, our employees and our communities through the ethical delivery of the best quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

Throughout the years, we have constantly asked ourselves how we can do more and have a greater impact. We want to prove that we are a company that can grow, be profitable and do good in the world, and we have learned that it takes a great organizational culture to achieve that goal.

At PriceSmart, you can look forward to company events, anniversaries celebrating our employees with more than 20, or 30 years of tenure, volunteering and learning opportunities, and just great company filled with curious, kind folks. Dreaming up and sharing ideas aren’t responsibilities reserved for certain teams or leaders; the challenge of building our own culture is on all of our shoulders. That sense of community and belonging keeps us excited to walk through the door every day, wherever that door may be, in any of our 13 countries.