Senior Director - Project Management Office (PMO)

Role Overview The Senior Director, Project Management Office (PMO), will bring a forward-looking approach to the PMO, leveraging automation, AI, and modern delivery practices to build a high-performing, scalable delivery function. This includes evolving how work is planned, executed, and managed to increase speed, improve predictability, and strengthen the overall impact of the PMO across the business and for our customers. This role is responsible for improving delivery speed, increasing portfolio capacity, and reducing cost while maintaining and improving quality. The PMO directly impacts margin, revenue realization, and customer experience by ensuring implementations move efficiently from contract to production. AFS delivers mission-critical technology through AFSVision. This role will ensure we operate as a strategic partner to our customers during key moments of change, with the ability to anticipate risks, align stakeholders, and drive action plans that protect delivery outcomes. This is a highly visible, cross-functional role that requires strong ownership. The Senior Director will manage competing priorities across the portfolio, ensure resources are aligned to the highest-value work, and take direct accountability for delivery performance. First 12 Months: Key Priorities Reduce time from contract signature to production go-live, with a defined baseline established within the first 60 days Redesign the PMO operating model to materially increase portfolio capacity (targeting ~40% over time) by reducing non-value-added work and leveraging automation/AI—without proportional headcount growth. Reduce PMO administrative effort by at least 50 percent through automation and AI-enabled workflows Reduce total PMO-related operating cost by at least 30 percent via templating, automation, stronger intake, shorter cycles, and role clarity while also protecting quality. Implement core technology and systems required to support a scalable, data-driven PMO Replace manual reporting with automated, real-time dashboards Implement AI-driven forecasting, risk identification, and resource modeling Increase the percentage of projects delivered on time and within agreed scope. Improve delivery margin through better resource allocation and reduced rework. Safely increase the number of active projects managed per project manager without sacrificing quality for the customer through new tools, processes, and role structures. Establish consistent portfolio health definitions and operating cadence (RAG criteria, weekly reviews, and recovery plans), driving a measurable increase in “green/on-track” initiatives over time without increasing risk. What This Role Is Accountable For Enterprise Delivery Leadership Own accountability for delivery of complex client implementations and internal initiatives Lead portfolio prioritization and execution oversight Serve as escalation authority for high-risk initiatives Provide executive-level visibility into portfolio health and performance PMO Transformation and Operational Scale Redesign PMO operating model to improve speed, capacity, and cost efficiency Replace manual workflows with automated processes Implement AI-enabled capabilities for forecasting and resource allocation Establish systems and tools for scalable delivery Customer and Commercial Alignment Partner with Sales and Professional Services to ensure execution feasibility Ensure Statements of Work reflect realistic commitments Align delivery execution with financial goals Support evolution of delivery models based on performance data Leadership and Team Development Build and lead a high-performing PMO team Lead transformation and adoption of new tools and workflows Develop team capabilities in program leadership and execution Build a culture focused on outcomes, not activity Ideal Candidate Profile Experience 10+ years leading program and portfolio delivery in enterprise software or fintech Proven track record managing complex implementations Experience transforming PMO or delivery functions Experience leveraging automation and AI Experience reducing reliance on third-party delivery models Experience in revenue-impacting delivery environments Capabilities Forward-thinking leader with strong ownership mindset Ability to drive outcomes across cross-functional environments Strong prioritization and resource allocation skills Deep understanding of delivery operations Ability to identify bottlenecks and improve throughput Practical application of automation and AI in workflows Leadership & Style Experienced in leading transformational change Hands-on operator comfortable in critical programs Builds high-performing teams Focuses on eliminating non-value-added work Operates with speed and pragmatism Builds a culture focused on outcomes Strong cross-functional collaborator Decision Scope Owns prioritization across the delivery portfolio Authority to reassign resources across initiatives Authority to escalate or stop underperforming initiatives Authority to challenge work that cannot be delivered within constraints