SVP, Technology Portfolio Management & Transformation (Remote)

We believe in the power and joy of learning

At Cengage Group, our employees have a direct impact in helping students around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose – driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Our culture values diversity, engagement, and discovery

Our business is driven by our strong culture, and we know that creating an inclusive and diverse workplace is absolutely essential to the success of our company and our learners, as well as our individual well-being. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives in everything we do, and strive to ensure employees of all levels and backgrounds feel empowered to voice their ideas and bring their authentic selves to work. We achieve these priorities through inclusive programs, benefits, and initiatives that are integrated into the fabric of how we work every day. To learn more, please see https://www.cengagegroup.com/about/inclusion-and-diversity/.

As a Senior Vice President of Technology Portfolio Management & Transformation, you will drive critical initiatives and lead the transformation efforts to ensure the Product Technology & Innovation (PT&I) organization's success in the constantly evolving digital world. You will be responsible for developing and implementing transformation strategies, driving innovation, and enhancing operational efficiency. You will also play a critical role in supervising and leading the PT&I organization's portfolio of projects, programs, and initiatives and the innovation team including AI resources focused on customer-facing product and new capabilities. You will be responsible for aligning project portfolios with strategic objectives, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring the successful delivery of projects that drive business value.    

What you will do here:  

Org Transformation    

• Transformation Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive transformation strategy aligned with the organization's goals and objectives. Identify areas for improvement, lead through change, and ensure successful implementation of transformation initiatives.

• Change Management: Develop and implement change management programs to ensure smooth adoption of new processes, technologies, and organizational structures. Champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across the organization.

• Operational Excellence: Drive operational efficiency by identifying and implementing process improvements, automation, and optimization initiatives. Streamline workflows, eliminate redundancies, and enhance productivity across departments. 

• Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including executives, general managers, and external partners, to align transformation initiatives with business objectives. Build strong relationships and effectively communicate the vision and benefits of transformation efforts.   

Enterprise Portfolio Management   

• Strategic Portfolio Alignment: Align the organization's portfolio of projects, programs, and initiatives with its strategic objectives and vision. Establish a clear understanding of business goals and work closely with executive leadership to prioritize and select projects that contribute to the organization's strategic outcomes.

• Portfolio Optimization and Resource Allocation: Optimize the allocation of resources (financial, human, and technological) across the project portfolio. Analyze resource availability and demand, identify gaps, and make informed decisions on resource allocation to increase efficiency and ensure successful project execution.

• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Establish mechanisms to monitor and measure the performance of projects and initiatives within the portfolio. Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress, identify issues, and report on project status to executive leadership and stakeholders.   

Product AI and Innovation   

• Product AI Strategy: Develop and execute a strategic plan for AI technology integration into our customer-facing products in line with the company’s goals and vision. Communicate complex AI concepts to a diverse range of internal stakeholders, facilitating understanding and strategic alignment.

• Lead the Innovation Team: Lead, manage, and mentor full-stack development teams in creating AI-driven educational products, emphasizing innovation and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including learning design, content architecture, and other departments, to ensure cohesive product development.

• Develop AI Capabilities: Develop internal talent and ensure the team has the necessary skills and capabilities to deliver successful AI project outcomes. Stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in AI and educational technology, and apply this knowledge to our product strategy.   

Leadership and Communications   

• Talent Development: Build an impactful transformation and enterprise portfolio management team by attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to team members, fostering a culture of learning and growth.

• Metrics and Reporting: Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and establish metrics to measure the success of transformation initiatives. Regularly report progress to executive leadership and stakeholders.   

What you’ll need for this role:   

• 15 years of relevant experience leading and developing large high performing technology organizations

• 10 years of experience as a leader in driving transformation initiatives within a technology organization.

• Solid understanding of emerging technologies, digital trends, and their impact on business operations.

• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading large-scale transformation projects and achieving measurable results.

• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex challenges and lead through change.

• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire teams at all levels of the organization.

• Strong business insight and the ability to align transformation efforts with organizational goals and objectives.

• Experience in change management, risk management, and operational excellence.   

Cengage Group does not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason.  

Cengage Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at accommodations.ta@cengage.com or you may call us at +1 (617) 289-7917.

About Cengage Group

Cengage Group, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Compensation

At Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees. Click here to learn more about our Total Rewards Philosophy.

The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location.  Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range.

$227,100.00 - $363,400.00 USD