Clarus Technology is an innovative pet data platform company revolutionizing the pet healthcare landscape through advanced software solutions. We leverage cutting-edge technology to provide pet owners with seamless access to partner offerings that enhance both consumer and veterinary clinic experiences. True to our name, which means to see clearly, we are a dynamic, entrepreneurial organization that is committed to improving pet health by providing trusted and transparent information, through technological innovation.
Job Summary:
Clarus Europe is seeking a Program Director to deliver strategic results through the successful management of large, complex programs and the development of a newly formed technology business. This role will focus on overseeing multiple vendors, prospects and customers, driving technology initiatives, and ensuring alignment across various projects within the organization. The Senior Program Director will be responsible for cultivating key stakeholder relationships, managing external partnerships, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope. This position will also lead teams and mentor peers in program management and vendor management best practices, as well has helping develop Clarus Europe and GTM.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead multiple concurrent projects, ensuring coordination and alignment within a larger program portfolio
- Manage and oversee relationships with multiple vendors, third-party partners and customers to deliver technology-driven initiatives
- Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships to facilitate collaborative execution of program goals
- Ensure seamless integration of project plans across internal teams and external partners, resolving competing priorities and resource constraints
- Implement strong governance and control mechanisms to track project performance and vendor deliverables
- Drive timely delivery of technical solutions by monitoring the development of requirements and tracking milestones, in particular, in the development of Clarus products and GTM.
- Execute communication strategies to keep stakeholders and teams informed with clarity and accuracy, particularly between Clarus and other JPS companies as well as other insurers.
- Mentor and coach other team members and business units on program management techniques and best practices
- Continuously align programs with the organization’s strategic goals and objectives, whilst also helping to develop these for the region.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Proven leadership in managing complex programs, including multi-vendor environments
- Expertise in vendor and partner management, including contract negotiations, performance tracking, and conflict resolution
- Strong experience in driving technology projects using both Waterfall and Agile methodologies
- Demonstrated success in aligning multiple projects, vendors and customers within a program to meet strategic business goals and delivery business outcomes.
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, particularly with external stakeholders and cross-functional teams
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with track record of working directly with senior leadership levels
- Excellent presentation skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to all levels of the organization
- Adaptability and experience in navigating dynamic, fast-paced environments
- Experience with technology-driven business transformation, in both a regulated and unregulated industries, but including insurance
- Proficient in program management and vendor management best practices
Required Experience
- Solid understanding of software development life cycle models as well as knowledge of both Agile and traditional project management principles and practices and the ability to blend them together in the right proportions to fit a project and business environment
- A proven track record of successfully implementing software or technology programs using Agile methodologies including 6+ years of experience as a Program manager managing medium to small, complex programs in a high-tech development environment with multi-function teams
- Experience overseeing multi-function programs
- Ability to oversee and run 2 or more programs at one time with the ability to work independently
- Balanced business/technical background:
- Sufficient level of technical background to provide highly credible leadership to development teams and to be able to accurately and objectively evaluate complex project risks and issues
Required Skills:
- 8 years’ relevant experience
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
- PMO or PMP Certification
- Effective interpersonal skills including mentoring, coaching, collaborating, and team building
- Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills with an ability to manage competing demands
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of business needs with the ability to establish/maintain high level of customer trust and confidence
- Proven ability to lead software development projects and ensure objectives, goals, and commitments are met
- Excellent oral and written communications skills and experience interacting with both business and IT individuals at all levels including the executive level
- Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness in solving complex problems
- Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships within the team and business
- In-depth understanding of a System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and project management processes and methodologies, including Waterfall, Iterative, and Agile
- Commitment to continuous development, with a desire to stay abreast in the area of project management best practices and tools so as to maintain a high degree of expertise in project management.
This role is developing in-line with the Clarus Europe market and business. It is a transformational as well as a traditional structured role, requiring innovation and flexibility. The desire to help develop the business and organization will be key and expected and is commensurate with the requirement.
This job description is therefore not exhaustive and suited to someone who would be interested in helping to create and deliver a dynamic technology start-up.
