AVP, Project Management and Process Improvement

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Project Management and Process Improvement will lead and manage internal projects focused on improving operational efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with the organization's strategic goals. This position will oversee cross-functional teams, develop, and implement process improvement strategies, and ensure successful execution of projects to drive business growth and performance. The AVP will be a key driver in creating a culture of continuous improvement, utilizing data-driven decision-making to enhance processes across the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Leads the planning, execution, and delivery of internal projects, ensuring on time completion, within scope, and budget.
• Identifies, analyzes, and prioritizes process improvement opportunities across departments to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve overall performance.
• Collaborates with department leaders to assess current processes and develop actionable recommendations for process reengineering and optimization.
• Develops and implements project management methodologies and best practices to ensure consistency, efficiency, and quality in project execution.
• Facilitates cross-functional team collaboration, serving as a liaison between different departments to ensure alignment and communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitors project performance, using key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track progress and measure success.
• Leads process improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies to reduce inefficiencies and enhance workflows.
• Mentors and guides project management and process improvement teams, providing coaching and support to foster professional development.
• Prepares and presents project updates, reports, and recommendations to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and alignment with organizational goals.
• Stays current with industry trends and best practices in project management and process improvement, applying new insights to enhance internal operations.
• Identifies organizational development needs and provides support for ensuring development plans are in place.
• Analyzes and complies with government laws and regulations. This includes maintaining knowledge of all regulations and laws and keeping abreast of updates and changes to legislation, industry best practices and regulatory guidelines such as BSA/OFAC/AML/CTR laws, rules, and regulations.
  
  

OTHER DUTIES:

Other duties, responsibilities and activities may include and are not limited to marking projects to identify certain tasks, milestones, or project aspects for tracking filtering, project status or formatting, and assessing the training needs of various teams.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no direct reports and has supervisory responsibilities that include leading and coordinating project teams, communicating with clients and vendors, reviewing and managing vendor contracts, resources, risks, and issues to achieve successful project delivery and performance improvements.

COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, the individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Business Acumen: Understands business implications of decisions. Displays orientation to profitability. Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition. Aligns work with strategic goals.

Leadership and Team Collaboration: Guides, motivates, and develops teams while fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment. Encourages open communication, unity, and shared goals across departments.

Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving: Anticipates challenges and creates long-term plans. Analyzes situations, identifies opportunities, and formulates practical solutions that benefit short- and long-term goals.

Process Improvement Expertise: Identifies areas for optimization and implements strategies to improve efficiency and reduce errors using frameworks like Lean or Six Sigma.

Communication and Presentation Skills: Communicates clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. Adapts style to fit the context and delivers concise, compelling presentations.

Organizational and Time Management: Prioritizes tasks, manages time efficiently, and maintains an organized approach to ensure accuracy and timely completion of work.

Data-Driven Decision-Making: Leverages data to make informed, fact-based decisions, identifies trends, and mitigates risks while aligning with organizational goals. By leveraging data, individuals can mitigate risks, identify trends, and ensure decisions align with organizational goals.

Relationship Building – Understands the importance of building supportive relationships with all areas of the credit union as well as external partners.

Detail Orientation: Focuses on accuracy and precision, ensuring high-quality results and consistency by meticulously reviewing work and correcting errors.

Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. Gathers and analyzes information skillfully. Develops alternative solutions. Works well in group problem solving situations. Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Change Management: Develops workable implementation plans. Communicates changes effectively. Builds commitment and overcomes resistance. Prepares and supports those affected by change. Monitors transitions and evaluates results.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, project management, or related fields or 7-10 years of experience in project management and process improvement in the financial services industry. Credit union experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and process improvement frameworks (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) preferred but not required. Project Management Professional (PMP) or Six Sigma certification is a plus. If not certified, willingness to attain certification is encouraged.
  
  

Strong research and strategic analysis skills, including the ability to collect and evaluate data and make recommendations for improvement or corrective actions.

Ability to apply knowledge and take initiatives to build relationships with individuals at all levels both inside and outside the credit union.

Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at once, attention to detail and ability to drive execution and meet deadlines.

Excellent verbal and written skills, including the ability to read, analyze and interpret information, effectively present information and easily adapt communication style to different audiences.

Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Project Management software.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to perform under pressure and to meet deadlines. Must possess organizational skills and the ability to work independently. Must have good interpersonal skills and deal effectively and professionally with staff members.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit. Specific vision abilities required of this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.