Lead Business Relationship Manager

Job Summary

The Lead Business Relationship Manager (BRM) oversees the BRM practice within IT Services. The Lead BRM serves as a pivotal partner and advisor to various business units, focusing on aligning IT solutions with the university's strategic objectives to deliver maximum value. This role is essential in bridging the gap between business partners and technology solution providers, ensuring that IT initiatives are closely aligned with business strategies. The role requires flexibility in performing duties outside of the primary responsibilities to support evolving business needs.

About the Role

This role is hybrid and in the office a minimum of three days a week to facilitate collaboration and teamwork. In-office presence is an essential part of our on-campus culture and allows for engaging directly with staff and students, sharing ideas, and contributing to a dynamic work environment. Being on-site allows for stronger connections, more effective problem-solving, and enhanced team synergy, all of which are key to achieving our collective goals and driving success.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Relationship Building (30%)
• Team Leadership and Mentorship (25%)
• Advisory Role in Technology Strategy (20%)
• Promotion of Business Value (15%)
• Collaboration with Product/Service Managers (10%)

Requirements

• Knowledge and skills required for this position are normally obtained through a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, management information systems, project management, or a related field and eight years of managing a business relationship, solutions consulting, project management, or equivalent practice preferred—other relevant experience considered.
• Six to eight years of project and relationship management-related experience focusing on strategic business engagement.

Qualifications

• Analytical and Creative Thinking: Strong analytical skills to critically evaluate information and contribute innovative ideas that add business value and enhance solution creation.
• Stakeholder Management and Conflict Resolution: Ability to manage stakeholder expectations, resolve conflicts, and influence decision-making processes to align IT services with business needs.
• Effective Communication: Excellent communication skills to articulate IT capabilities and solutions to business constituents, ensuring they understand available services and self-service options.
• Broad Business and IT Perspective: A comprehensive understanding of both business and IT landscapes, with the ability to bridge the gap and ensure alignment between the two.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Strong leadership skills to guide and mentor a team of BRMs, fostering a collaborative and strategic approach to relationship management.
• Technical Knowledge and Orchestration: Familiarity with technical areas such as risk management, architecture, and testing, with the ability to orchestrate the delivery of this knowledge to business areas.
• Product Management Understanding: Knowledge of product management concepts and the ability to collaborate effectively with product/service managers to align solutions with business needs.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: A flexible and adaptive style to navigate diverse organizational environments and evolving business needs, ensuring the delivery of optimal value.
• Negotiation and Influence: Strong negotiation skills to influence stakeholders and secure necessary resources and support for IT initiatives.
• Emotional Intelligence: High emotional intelligence to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and build strong, trusting relationships with business partners.
• Strategic Visioning: Ability to develop and communicate a clear strategic vision that aligns IT initiatives with long-term business goals.
• Project Management Expertise: Advanced project management skills to oversee complex IT projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Cultural Awareness: Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work effectively in diverse, global environments.
• Innovation and Creativity: A strong inclination towards innovation, encouraging the exploration of new technologies and approaches to solve business challenges.
• Crisis Management: Ability to manage and resolve crises effectively, maintaining business continuity and minimizing impact on operations.
• Networking and Relationship Building: Proficiency in building and maintaining a network of contacts within the industry to stay informed about trends and opportunities.

Skills

• Strong analytical and creative thinking skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and conflict resolution abilities.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A broad business and IT perspective.
• Leadership and mentoring skills.
• Technical knowledge and orchestration skills.
• Product management understanding and collaboration skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Negotiation and influence skills.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic visioning and planning skills.
• Advanced project management skills.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Innovation and creativity.
• Crisis management and problem-solving skills.
• Networking and relationship building skills.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule, including occasional availability outside of traditional working hours to address urgent business needs.
• Hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of three days a week in the office to facilitate collaboration and teamwork.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the IT Services department.

Pay

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of three days a week in the office to facilitate collaboration and teamwork.