Director Program Management

The Program Director leads the successful delivery and fulfillment of assigned program(s) and/or custom products to Pearson customers adhering to the principles of the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Typically, a Program Director will have the responsibilities of multiple assessment programs or a very large complex program. This includes the coordinated management of multiple related projects, and in many cases, ongoing operations which are directed toward a common objective. They are also responsible for managing program staff activities, who support delivery of the program(s). The Program Director is accountable for meeting the cost, quality, and schedule expectations of the program(s) and achieving outstanding customer satisfaction. This position reports to the Portfolio Vice President in School Assessment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Customer Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with internal resources and external customers. Be responsive and timely in responding to questions, concerns and requests
• Serve as primary customer contact and responsible for outstanding customer satisfaction. Use customer engagement model to bring experts to the table.
• Regularly engage customer to understand their assessment program vision or needs and identify ways Pearson can support their success

Program Management

• Direct the Program Delivery Team(s) for completion of the project management plan, requirements documentation, risk management plan, project schedule, communication plan, staffing plan, procurement plan and other documentation required to effectively manage program deliverables
• Assign individual responsibilities of core team. Provide leadership, including the ability to manage, train, develop and motivate team members
• Interface and lead cross-functional teams, along with Client Services, when dealing with escalated issues and critical program-related events
• Oversight of schedule development to ensure timely completion and final delivery of the contracted solution
• Obtain costs and developing pricing estimates for scope changes using accepted Pearson practices
• Prepare and present internal and external reports on program status, risks and other program related issues
• Promote the development of project metrics and analyze metrics to monitor project performance
• Develop and implement process improvement initiatives in order to promote quality and cost reduction
• Perform other duties as assigned

Business Development

• Identify and lead business growth opportunities and scope increases for assigned program(s)

People Management

• Lead, mentor and grow program management teams and individuals.
• Act as a strong team player, embracing ownership, accountability and responsibility for the team’s work.

Financial Management

• Manage program financials to meet revenue/margin plan, explaining trends and differences from original plan
• Report on financial status and accurately estimate/forecast program activities and budgets, and control costs while maintaining quality
• Create and manage strategic program plan and include tactical plans to drive strategy

Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree required or commensurate experience. Master’s Degree preferred.
• PMP certification preferred or demonstrate an understanding and application of Project Management Institute (PMI) principles
• People management experience in the areas of leadership, mentoring, professional development, performance management, and team/relationship building with employees at all levels
• Significant experience with customer service, program/project management, and business development preferred
• Excellent analytical, financial, strategic planning and execution skills.
• Demonstrate ability to manage multiple, conflicting priorities
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including listening, negotiation, facilitation and the ability to develop and deliver presentations
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, as well as awareness of KeyedIn scheduling tool
• Some travel required

Compensation at Pearson is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. As required by the Colorado, California, Washington State, New York State and New York City laws, the pay range for this position is as follows:

Minimum full-time salary range is between $120,000 - $140,000.

This position is eligible to participate in a sales incentive plan, and information on benefits offered is here.

What to expect from Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing ppsmhr@pearson.com.

Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.

Job: PROJECT/PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT

Organization: Assessment & Qualifications

Schedule: FULL\_TIME

Req ID: 11281

\#location