Senior Director, IT Portfolio Manager

What part will you play If youre looking for a place where you can make a meaningful difference youve found it.

The work we do at Markel gives people the confidence to move forward and seize opportunities and youll find your fit amongst our global community of optimists and problem-solvers. Were always pushing each other to go further because we believe that when we realize our potential we can help others reach theirs. Join us and play your part in something special! The Senior Director IT Portfolio Manager is responsible for all aspects of the divisions information technology strategy and associated systems. This includes the direct management of dedicated delivery resources as well as oversight of all aspects of technology support and operations pertaining to the division business functions. This role drives overall technology strategy and directs the planning and implementation of technology related business solutions in support of business application in order to improve cost effectiveness service quality and business development.

The Senior Director IT Portfolio Manager will oversee the strategic planning execution and governance of the project portfolio for the Core Technology Services (CTS) organization. Reporting directly to the CTO this role ensures that CTS initiatives align with organizational priorities optimizes resource allocation and delivers business value through disciplined portfolio management. The role is responsible for efficiently delivering key initiatives and maintaining transparent communication across all organizational levels including executive leadership. The Senior Director IT Portfolio Manager will lead the strategic planning execution oversight and governance of the project portfolio for the Core Technology Services (CTS) organization. This role is pivotal in ensuring that technology investments are aligned with enterprise priorities delivered efficiently and communicated transparently across all levels of the organizationincluding executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Portfolio Leadership & Governance

• Lead the development and execution of the CTS portfolio strategy in alignment with business goals and the CTOs technology vision.
• Define and manage IT portfolio governance processes standards and metrics to ensure consistency transparency and accountability.
• Establish and maintain a centralized IT portfolio management function for CTS.
• Lead portfolio planning prioritization and resource alignment across Agile and Waterfall initiatives.
• Drive quarterly business reviews (QBRs) portfolio reviews and executive reporting rhythms.

Executive Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with senior business and IT leaders to prioritize initiatives and align project investments with strategic objectives.
• Act as a liaison between executive leadership technology teams finance and business units to drive portfolio transparency and value realization.
• Serve as a key liaison between CTS and business/IT executives.
• Deliver clear concise updates on portfolio health risks and dependencies.
• Develop and execute a communications strategy for internal stakeholders and partners.

Methodology & Delivery Oversight

• Define and enforce consistent project delivery methodologies (Agile Waterfall hybrid).
• Monitor and report on the health performance risks and ROI of the IT project portfolio ensuring that portfolio decisions are informed by data-driven insights and financial analysis where appropriate.
• Partner with PMO and Agile CoEs to ensure delivery excellence and continuous improvement; continuous improvement initiatives in portfolio management practices tools and methodologies.

Team Leadership

• Manage a team of Project Managers Release Train Engineers and Scrum Masters fostering a culture of accountability transparency and collaboration and innovation.
• Provide coaching performance management and career development support.

Strategic Alignment

• Collaborate with Enterprise Architecture Finance and Business Units to ensure portfolio investments support long-term business goals.
• Influence investment decisions through data-driven insights and scenario planning.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree in Information Technology Business Administration or related field required
• 15 years of experience in IT with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles overseeing enterprise portfolios programs or PMOs; PMP. Agile and/or SAFe certifications a plus.
• IT portfolio program or project management with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with C-level stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of Agile (SAFe preferred) and Waterfall methodologies.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure software development digital transformation and enterprise architecture.
• Experience in a federated or matrixed global organization preferably in insurance or financial services.

• Strong analytical organizational and change management skills.
• Exceptional leadership strategic thinking analytical organizational communication and change management skills.
• Ability to travel 10-15% required

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP SAFe or similar certifications.
• Familiarity with tools like Jira Align ServiceNow or Clarity PPM.
• Experience managing portfolios in a hybrid delivery environment.

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US Work Authorization

US Work Authorization required. Markel does not provide visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future.