Project Management Office (PMO) Manager

About the Role

Under the direction of the Head of the Project Management Office (PMO), this position oversees a team of Project Managers (PMs) driving high-priority projects that require considerable resources and high levels of functional integration. The role ensures consistency and transparency across all PMO-driven initiatives at the bank. Key functions include directing the strategy and direction of the PMO through executive engagement, assisting in annual budget reviews, organizing team events and trainings, and driving key process controls. The individual may also manage multiple simultaneous initiatives from discovery through completion while adhering to the company’s initiative process flow and procedural guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior executives across Retail, Commercial, Payments, Risk, and Compliance to prioritize initiatives and allocate resources.
• Lead the planning and execution of complex, multi-system delivery projects.
• Oversee budgets, timelines, vendor relationships, and cross-functional dependencies.
• Manage and mentor a team of project managers, building a high-performing culture focused on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Risk, Audit, and Compliance teams to ensure system changes meet regulatory expectations and withstand audit scrutiny.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders to strategically plan and execute deliverables.
• Manage mission-critical, complex projects to deliver results within authorized budget and approved time schedule.
• Oversee all project stages: define scope, objectives, requirements, and deliverables in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
• Ensure project scope and decisions align business line strategy with the Bank’s overall strategic plan.
• Lead sponsors, business line leaders, and project leads through all phases of project management while ensuring proper documentation standards.
• Direct the assembly of project teams, assign responsibilities, identify resources, and develop schedules for timely completion.
• Manage multiple cross-functional team projects to comply with cost, schedule, and performance using established processes.
• Oversee work with sponsors and project leaders to develop business justification, cost estimates, project plans, and schedules.
• Prepare and manage project budgets.
• Maintain and drive action items to ensure completion by team members.
• Manage and implement project changes/interventions to achieve completion; act as a liaison to expedite projects or resolve problems.
• Delegate and manage tasks of functional core team members.
• Correct project resource issues such as performance or availability problems.
• Provide leadership to clear barriers to team progress, resolve conflicts, and ensure project goals and staff assignments are realistic and achievable.
• Coordinate risk mitigation actions to protect project plans and deliverables.
• Exercise independent judgment in methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Apply appropriate management techniques given project-specific needs, risks, and differences in team member skill levels.
• Communicate regularly with business line managers, PMO members, executive sponsors, and other stakeholders regarding project status, issues, and recovery plans.
• Provide management assistance in developing sound project strategy; perform system and workflow analysis to improve productivity and alleviate bottlenecks.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of Needham Bank’s Project Management methodology.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures, applicable laws, and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act, the Patriot Act, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
• Perform additional duties as requested or needed.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience with Project or Program management.
• 1+ years of experience in banking technology, system delivery, or enterprise solutions leadership.
• Proven track record leading large-scale system implementations and/or digital transformation programs focused on banking operations, regulatory frameworks, and core banking platforms.
• Experience managing budgets, vendor contracts, cross-functional teams, and direct reports.
• Expertise in project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid models).
• Solid leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Dedication to excellence by being accountable, determined, and positive.
• Ability to perform job functions independently or with limited supervision and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to read and carry out written instructions and follow oral instructions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to deliver information logically and clearly.
• Capability to deal calmly and professionally with diverse personalities at various levels within and outside the organization, demonstrating discretion and customer service.
• Ability to handle multiple, simultaneous, and changing priorities under stress and deadlines.
• Strong listening, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn, understand, and apply new technologies, techniques, and procedures.
• Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including senior management, coworkers, and customers.
• Professional demeanor to maintain credibility with vendors and team members.
• Adherence to Needham Bank’s Core Values: Focus on Customer Relationship, Embrace Change, Work as a Team, Be an Asset to Your Community, Always Learn, and Do the Right Thing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Banking, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 5–10 years’ experience leading high-level strategic and/or complex projects.
• Experience reporting to a central project management office.
• Project Management professional certification preferred (e.g., PMP, CAPM).
• Exposure to banking operations through internships, coursework, or part-time roles.