Director, Project Management Office

Overview

As Director, Project Management Office at PowerPlan, you'll take ownership of a portfolio of up to 150 concurrent enterprise software engagements for energy and utility customers, with the authority to independently assess project health, challenge unsupported forecasts, and require corrective-action plans wherever the evidence calls for it.

You'll harden the operating model, build trust in Certinia as the system of record, resolve the cross-functional friction points that quietly sink engagements, and develop the PM Managers and their teams so predictable execution becomes the norm. This is an executive operator role with real decision-making authority — you'll be in the reviews and recoveries alongside the team, not directing from a distance.

Responsibilities

Success will be measured by how fast you can build a portfolio-health baseline leadership actually trusts, and by whether the PMO becomes a system of consistent governance and trustworthy data instead of a collection of individually managed projects.

• Build an evidence-based baseline of portfolio health across all active engagements, getting into the field rather than relying on desk reviews.
• Harden delivery standards, stage gates, and governance rhythms so they're applied consistently — while actively retiring low-value process.
• Make Certinia PSA the real, single system of record, eliminating the shadow spreadsheets that let a different version of the truth circulate.
• Map and fix where delivery breaks down against Sales, Product, Engineering, Support, and Finance, starting with the highest-friction handoffs.
• Coach PM Managers and their teams from inside live engagement reviews and recoveries, not from behind a desk.
• Identify and accelerate high-potential leaders toward succession, so predictable execution doesn't depend on any one person.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive PMO leadership experience in project-driven organizations, including a demonstrated PMO turnaround or capability transformation.
• Proven track record both leading Project Managers and being one, with appropriate certifications (PMP, PgMP).
• Proven track record managing a portfolio of concurrent enterprise software or Professional Services engagements, with accountability for customer, revenue, margin, and delivery outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose systemic delivery problems rather than treating symptoms one engagement at a time.
• Experience running a PMO — establishing delivery governance, stage gates, and evidence-based health-rating standards, without adding unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Demonstrated success developing Project Managers and Program Managers, including coaching through a layer of PM Managers.
• Ability to build and sustain cross-functional partnerships with Sales, Product, Engineering, Support, and Finance.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred

• Direct hands-on experience with Certinia PSA (formerly FinancialForce).
• Experience running a PMO through a merger, acquisition, or rapid-scale period.

PowerPlan is an EOE

Applicant and Candidate Privacy Notice

Please note that this is a hybrid role that involves a combination of onsite work from our corporate office as well as work from home. While we strive to accommodate flexible working arrangements when sensible, there will be times when onsite work is required. This could include scheduled office days, team meetings, client meetings, or special events.