Overview
Skills
Job Details
Solution IT Inc. is looking for a Program Director one of its clients in Denver, CO
Only locals
Job Title: Program Director
Job Description
We are seeking a seasoned and strategic program management leader to join our Professional Services team at Blue Planet, a software division of Ciena, as a Program Director in the North American region. You will serve as a senior representative of Blue Planet, overseeing complex programs and leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-value service contracts. This role demands comprehensive expertise in program management, strategic oversight, and executive leadership across the entire project lifecycle, including scope, financials, resources, risks, partner delivery, communications, quality, infrastructure, procurement, and customer relationships.
As a Program Director, you will drive organizational success by aligning programs with Blue Planet's strategic objectives, fostering strong customer and partner relationships, and mentoring project management teams. Reporting to the Director of Project / Program Management, this executive-facing role requires exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels, including C-suite stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee strategic program roadmaps, ensuring alignment with Blue Planet's business objectives and customer expectations.
- Lead the creation of comprehensive, cross-functional execution plans that balance scope, budget, schedule, and quality for multiple concurrent programs.
- Establish and maintain robust program governance frameworks, including contingency plans, risk management strategies, communication protocols, and stakeholder agreements.
- Direct and mentor cross-functional teams and program / project managers, ensuring cohesive delivery against program objectives and fostering a high-performance culture.
- Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks and issues, both internally and externally, to safeguard program success.
- Drive resolution of complex challenges by facilitating collaboration and negotiating optimal outcomes among internal teams, customers, and vendors.
- Act as the primary strategic liaison for customers, Blue Planet executives, and key partners/vendors, ensuring alignment and satisfaction.
- Mentor and develop program and project managers, fostering leadership capabilities and promoting best practices across the organization.
- Champion continuous improvement by identifying and implementing innovative processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance program delivery and business outcomes.
- Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and high-achieving program environment that inspires excellence and innovation.
- Oversee program-level financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, revenue recognition, and invoicing, ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Provide executive-level reporting on program status, risks, financials, and key milestones to senior leadership and stakeholders.
- Ensure timely execution of administrative tasks, including scope approvals, purchase order accruals, and customer invoicing.
- Represent Blue Planet in strategic customer engagements and partner negotiations.
- Perform additional duties as required to achieve program and organizational goals.
- Bachelor's degree in business management, engineering, communications, or a related field (required).
- MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of program management experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within professional services or a related field.
- PMP / PgMP certification required (extensive senior-level experience may substitute for certification).
- Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale, complex programs within a software or technology environment, preferably with tier 1 telecommunications companies with experience from a customer and / or a vendor / supplier.
- Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate commercial agreements and technical requirements into actionable program plans.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with extensive experience engaging C-level executives, business stakeholders, and technical teams.
- Advanced leadership competencies, including team building, conflict resolution, relationship management, and business acumen.
- Deep understanding of Agile methodologies, Scrum frameworks, and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) processes.
- Proficiency with program management tools such as Jira, MS Project, SharePoint, and Excel; experience with Mavenlink, Salesforce, or similar platforms is a plus.
- Strong technical aptitude, with the ability to understand and manage technical teams and complex software solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and adopt new technologies and methodologies to enhance program outcomes.
- Flexibility to work across multiple time zones and willingness to travel as needed (up to 25%).
- Fluency in English required.
Work Site: Denver, CO
Duration: 6 months
Expected Start Date: Immediate
Number of Positions: 01
Please send your responses back to
About Solution IT
Solution IT is a national IT consulting company specializing in: Technology Staffing and Oracle E-Business Solutions based in Boston, Massachusetts.