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Head of Strategy, Planning & Delivery

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MassMutual

2mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Business, Operations & Strategy
    Banking & Finance
  • Hartford

AI generated summary

  • You must have a Bachelor’s, 10+ years in financial management or strategic planning, strong analytical skills, communication skills, and familiarity with project management methodologies. An advanced degree is preferred.
  • You will oversee the SP&D framework, align projects with corporate strategy, manage resources and risks, ensure governance, provide analytics, coach leaders, and foster collaboration and talent development.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • 10+ years’ experience in financial management, strategic planning or portfolio management within a matrixed organization
  • Experience with holistic planning and prioritization cycles within a complex portfolio of high impact, cross-functional projects
  • Strong financial and analytical acumen; experience in benefit realization and tracking; understand drivers of profitability within businesses
  • Proven ability to guide decision-making, including where compromises may be necessary; tested ability to provide direct feedback
  • Strong written and verbal communication (presentation) skills; can synthesize and explain complex topics and analyses to stakeholders and coach in a simplified manner
  • Advanced degree or designation preferred: MBA, MSF, CPA or FSA or equivalent preferred
  • Familiarity with project management methodologies and financial governance and control processes

Responsibilities

  • Strategy – Own, oversee and evolve the SP&D framework for MassMutual. Ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities. Share the progress of this transformation effort with the broader organization.
  • Alignment – Ensure the portfolio of projects are aligned with the corporate strategy and furthering the financial and market goals of the organization.
  • Value Creation - Work across a matrixed organization to bridge ideas, resolve conflicts and pursue opportunities to increase profitability for the business. Aid in the assessment of the strategic value of projects and link them to business outcomes and company’s aspirations. Ensure projects achieve their long-term value expectations and partner with project sponsors to implement corrective action when needed post-implementation.
  • Resource contention – Ensure processes are in place and are effective in identifying and managing resource contentions (budget and headcount/SMEs) within and between projects.
  • Risk Management – Identify risk of execution and proactively work with stakeholders to mitigate risk and avoid value slippage.
  • Governance - Evolve and ensure adoption of SP&D practices to maintain best-in-class governance controls and financial and data integrity of the overall SP&D effort.
  • Operations - Manage review of projects through stage gates. Provide analytics and reporting on financial health, project performance and key risks to value and execution to Steering Committee and executive leaders. Ensure benefits driven by the SP&D projects are realized in the company’s general ledger.
  • Coaching - Provide senior leaders and workstream leads with coaching, insights and challenge on the tactics and pathways they need to adopt to meet their ambitious targets. Apply business and value focus, with a bias for action.
  • Collaboration - Collaborate with team and stakeholders to ensure overall SP&D goals are met. Partner with corporate finance, business finance and pricing and actuarial functions to help develop efficient and effective financial management practices.
  • Leading Others – Lead both direct and indirect reports, focused on talent development, building a diverse and inclusive team and environment, and role modeling an agile mindset through change and ambiguity. Inspire others and drive culture of continuous improvement.

FAQs

What is the primary mission of the Strategic Planning & Delivery (SP&D) team at MassMutual?

The primary mission of the SP&D team is to govern the budget, approval, and benefit realization of strategic projects, ensuring alignment with MassMutual's key strategic priorities and facilitating effective execution.

Who does the Head of SP&D report to?

The Head of SP&D reports to the Chief Risk Officer, who is also a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

What are the key responsibilities of the Head of SP&D?

Key responsibilities include owning and evolving the SP&D framework, ensuring project alignment with corporate strategy, managing resource contention, guiding risk management, overseeing governance practices, providing analytics and reporting, coaching senior leaders, and fostering collaboration across teams.

What experience is required for applying for the Head of SP&D position?

Candidates must have at least 10 years of experience in financial management, strategic planning, or portfolio management within a matrixed organization.

Is an advanced degree preferred for the Head of SP&D role?

Yes, an advanced degree or designation such as an MBA, MSF, CPA, or FSA is preferred.

What qualities are necessary for a successful Head of SP&D?

A successful Head of SP&D must be able to inclusively motivate employees, think strategically, influence senior leaders, drive change, identify value opportunities, demonstrate strong financial acumen, and execute projects to completion.

How does the SP&D function collaborate with other teams within MassMutual?

The SP&D function collaborates closely with the Corporate Functions Program Management Office (CFPMO) to view and manage project execution holistically, ensuring consistency and alignment across the company’s program governance and delivery.

What type of environment does the Head of SP&D need to foster among team members?

The Head of SP&D should foster a diverse and inclusive environment, focusing on talent development and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and agility through change and ambiguity.

What is the purpose of the steering committee in relation to SP&D projects?

The steering committee oversees the review of projects through stage gates and receives analytics and reporting on financial health, project performance, and risks related to value and execution.

How does MassMutual support equal employment opportunities?

MassMutual is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including minorities, females, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.

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MassMutual

Finance
Industry
5001-10,000
Employees

Mission & Purpose

Living mutual has always been at the core of our human existence, and it's the principle that's guided us since our founding in 1851. It's not a concept we invented, but one we champion for the simple reason that people take it for granted today. While the world would have us strive for independence, the truth is when we depend on one another, we aren't just more secure - life is happier and more fulfilling. So as we celebrate our new identity, we're reminding everyone that who we are stays the same.