Christopher E. Polk MBA, PMP
Florence, SC ******************@*****.*** 856-***-****
Program/Project Manager
A results-oriented Program Management leader with over two decades of experience spearheading complex IT initiatives, particularly within procurement and supply chain. Demonstrates a strong ability to translate business needs into effective digital solutions. Possesses extensive expertise in Agile development, fostering strong stakeholder relationships, and leading high-performing teams. Consistently achieves measurable results, including improved operational efficiency, strict regulatory adherence, and on-time, on-budget project delivery.
Skills
Program Management
Goal Oriented & Critical Thinker
Networking & Interpersonal Skills
Expert Risk Analysis
MS Office & Project
Public Trust
Oracle Procurement
Leadership & Mentorship
Exceptional Communicator
Power BI
Process Improvement
Strategic Planning
Time Management
Capable Multi-tasker
Jira & Smart Sheets
Education & Professional Development
Master of Business Administration Francis Marion University December 2022
Master of Project Management Liberty University December 2025
Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts Walnut Hill College June 2019
PMP Project Management Institute April 2023
(CSM) Certified Scrum Master Scrum Alliance May 2023
CSPO) Certified Scrum Product Owner (Scrum Alliance) August 2024
Six Sigma Green Belt Six Sigma August 2024
Fac-C Professional Defense Acquisition University April 2022
Fac-PM II Defense Acquisition University September 2024
Digital Marketing & E-commerce Google
Certified Strategic Planner (CSP) May 2022
Certified Budget and Cost Control October 2018
Experience Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs
December 2021 – Present
Project Management Office (Contracting Officer 1102 Series)
Drive strategic IT projects within procurement and supply chain, aligning them with overarching business objectives.
Orchestrate comprehensive project plans, encompassing timelines, budgets, and robust risk management.
Champion Agile development methodologies, defining clear roadmaps and measurable milestones.
Partner with business leaders to translate needs into effective IT solutions. Proactively mitigate risks and remove obstacles to ensure project success.
Delivers transparent progress updates and performance insights to stakeholders and executive management.
Assume ownership and accountability for assigned programs to ensure execution met the program expectations and schedules while meeting the organization’s financial objectives.
Heading negotiations and secures adjustments to cost, schedule, scope, and performance metrics for construction contracts, ensuring all modifications are meticulously documented in precise contract modification documents.
Implement Lean Six Sigma processes to reduce project cycle times by 25%, directly boosting program satisfaction and aligning with strategic PMO objectives.
Conduct rigorous feasibility analyses and documentation, adhering to risk management and strategic alignment standards, optimizing project outcomes against set cost constraints.
NCR Aloha POS Systems
September 2016 – November 2019
Project Manager Point of Sale Systems Integration and Implementation
Led product and software development lifecycles for customer-centric procurement and retail solutions, utilizing Agile frameworks.
Directed Agile project lifecycles, achieving a 20% improvement in delivery efficiency and a 35% increase in stakeholder satisfaction.
Applied SAFe principles to optimize system design and enhance operational agility.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time and within-budget implementation of POS systems.
Managed product and software development life cycles for customer-specific packages, sourced potential clients across restaurant, retail, and hospitality sectors for POS systems, and provided regular project status updates to stakeholders.
Compiled, maintained, and coordinated responsive management tracking processes to ensure the availability of resources and information to meet established milestones and data calls.
Directed Agile project lifecycles for customer-specific POS system implementations, increasing project delivery efficiency by 20% and stakeholder satisfaction by 35%.
Assist the Network Operations Center (NOC) support staff in composing accurate, informative, and timely network outage notifications, maintenance window notifications, and other customer correspondence.
Evaluated fielding processes to identify critical problems that may affect the accomplishment of project plans.
Mercedes-Benz Gmbh (Stuttgart, Germany)
September 2015 – August 2016
Project Manager AMG Technology Product and Development
Performed in-depth research and analysis of program needs and challenges, driving strategic planning and preparation to strengthen long-term organizational planning, budgeting, accounting, and operational support.
Led the Product Development Futures Group, delivering regular reports and monthly briefings to AMG Shareholders.
Proactively identified and mitigated potential project risks using PMI-aligned strategies, developing contingency plans to ensure successful project execution.
Managed comprehensive risk assessments and quality assurance processes, achieving 98% compliance with internal and external standards and safeguarding project integrity through proactive risk mitigation.
Produced technical reports, information papers, executive summaries, and formal briefings for executive leadership.
Provided strategic program adjustment recommendations to optimize the balance between funding, schedule, performance, and supportability.
U.S. Army
(Supporting USAG Warner Barracks & USAG Vicenza Deldin Program/ Project Management Office)
September 2009 – July 2015
Program Manager Program Management Office PMO
Provided strategic leadership to cross-functional teams, overseeing $30M budgets across international operations.
Drove accelerated project timelines and optimized resource allocation, resulting in enhanced project delivery.
Developed compliant Statements of Work (SOWs) for procurement initiatives, adhering to all regulatory requirements.
Managed a diverse team of 130 professionals and oversaw the logistical and budgetary needs of over 500 personnel across international sites, including Afghanistan, Germany, and Italy, ensuring high efficiency and safety in fast-paced environments.
Coordinated with Contract support in developing Statements of Work and other contract-led developmental testing documents.
Supports the full spectrum of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) cycle.
Provides budgetary and programmatic support. A balanced skill set that includes relevant experience, business/programmatic skills, and the ability to achieve mission objectives quickly and efficiently.
U.S. Army
(Supporting USAG Baumholder & Warner Barracks Program/ Project Management Office)
February 2003 – July 2009
Project Manager Deputy Brigade Engineer
Drove the successful delivery of critical infrastructure projects by leading teams of 50+ across multiple locations.
Managed a $500M asset portfolio while strictly adhering to procurement regulations.
Developed and implemented detailed project plans, including schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies, to ensure projects were completed on time and within scope.
Managed 50+ personnel across three levels and oversaw $500M in critical assets, effectively leading diverse teams to ensure project success and operational efficiency across various geographical locations.
Expert in managing large-scale international programs and projects, such as the operationalization of the Haditha Dam and the reconstruction of Baghdad International Airport, skillfully coordinating logistics, procurement, and construction to achieve strategic objectives.
Developed Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for various construction projects within the Vertical Construction Portfolio.
Adept at strategically planning and executing complex operations to safely transport over $1B worth of equipment across countries without loss or injury while managing project budgets to ensure financial compliance and resource utilization under challenging conditions.
Demonstrated strong capability in implementing process improvements and maintaining rigorous standards using Six Sigma methodologies, significantly enhancing contract lifecycle processes, reducing project timelines, and improving client satisfaction in high-value projects.