Program Manager - Expert (HYBRID)

Job Title: Program Manager - Expert (HYBRID)

Location: Raleigh, NC

Duration: 12+ Months

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Program Manager to lead our IT Application Rationalization Program on a contractual basis. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the assessment, consolidation, and optimization of the state's application portfolio. This role involves collaborating with IT and business stakeholders to reduce redundancy, lower costs, and improve operational efficiency by identifying opportunities for application consolidation, retirement, modernization and/or contract restructuring. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and technical expertise.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership:

Develop and manage the roadmap for the IT Application Rationalization Program.

Define program objectives, scope, deliverables, and success metrics in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Lead cross-functional teams to ensure project milestones are achieved on time and within budget.

Stakeholder Management:

Partner with business and IT leaders to understand organizational goals and application usage.

Facilitate workshops and meetings with stakeholders to gather requirements and insights

Provide regular program updates to executive leadership, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

Application Portfolio Analysis:

Oversee the inventory and assessment of the current application portfolio, evaluating functionality, usage, and costs (i.e. business/technical fit assessments).

Identify redundant, outdated, or underutilized applications and recommend decommissioning or consolidation strategies.

Collaborate with IT teams to prioritize applications for modernization or replacement.

Risk and Issue Management:

Proactively identify and address risks, issues, and dependencies affecting the program.

Develop mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions.

Reporting and Metrics:

Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the rationalization program.

Create detailed status reports, dashboards, and presentations for stakeholders.

Technical Expertise:

Strong understanding of IT systems, application lifecycle management, and enterprise architecture.

Familiarity with tools and methodologies for application assessment, portfolio management, and rationalization.

Skills:

Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills.

Proficient in project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, or equivalent).

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Skills:

SkillRequired/DesiredAmountof ExperienceExperience in program or project management, with at least 3 years leading IT application rationalization initiatives or similar projects.Required5YearsProven experience managing large-scale IT transformation or modernization programs.Required5YearsAn overall knowledge and understanding of application development.Required7YearsAn overall knowledge and understanding of application architecture that serves as a strong base for tech expertise.Required7YearsDemonstrates expertise in conveying technical and functional concepts for a specific technical specialty.Required7YearsIdentifies improvements to project standards to achieve high quality services/products.Required7YearsAble to identify best practices and standards for the use of the product.Required7YearsDelivers support and design for industry specific applications that require integration with statewide systems or applications.Required7YearsProven experience with a technical specialty across large and complex implementations and systems.Required7Years