Senior Manager, Special Projects (800)

Job Purpose

Manages the planning, coordination, and execution of high-impact initiatives that advance SOPC’s strategic objectives. The role bridges strategic direction and operational delivery by managing project teams, aligning cross-functional stakeholders, and ensuring that resources are utilized effectively. Reporting to the Director, Special Projects, the position ensures initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, while embedding innovation, compliance, and continuous improvement into project practices.

Job Specific Accountabilities

Project Execution & Strategy Planning

• Translate high-level strategies into comprehensive project frameworks, ensuring initiatives directly contribute to SOPC’s mission, long-term objectives, and leadership priorities.
• Collaborate with the Director to shape project scopes, objectives, and milestones, ensuring alignment with organizational strategies while maintaining flexibility to adapt to evolving priorities.
• Supervise the end-to-end management of assigned special projects, ensuring delivery against established timelines, budgets, and quality benchmarks.
• Anticipate operational challenges and proactively implement solutions, balancing structure and agility to sustain project momentum and effectiveness.
  
  

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Continuously monitor project progress using established KPIs and performance metrics, identifying potential risks and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
• Manage the development of detailed progress reports, dashboards, and presentations for the Director, highlighting accomplishments, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
• Provide real-time updates on project status to ensure leadership is equipped with accurate and actionable insights.
  
  

Resource Optimization & Governance

• Manage allocation and utilization of project resources, including workforce, budgets, and external service providers, ensuring efficient and effective use of assets.
• Ensure all project activities are executed in compliance with organizational policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain meticulous documentation of project plans, workflows, decisions, and progress to ensure accountability and facilitate knowledge transfer.
• Actively contribute to governance processes by preparing comprehensive project reports and ensuring alignment with established guidelines.
  
  

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency within the scope of special projects.
• Apply lessons learned from completed projects to improve execution methods, ensuring continuous improvement in project management practices.
• Introduce innovative approaches and best practices to enhance the effectiveness and impact of special projects.
  
  

Operational Problem-Solving & Risk Mitigation

• Monitor project risks and proactively implement solutions to address emerging issues, ensuring minimal disruption to project timelines and objectives.
• Collaborate with relevant teams to analyze root causes of operational challenges and propose sustainable solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Escalate critical issues to the Director with comprehensive analysis and actionable recommendations for resolution.
  
  

Strategic Priorities & Organizational Goals Management

• Manage projects that directly contribute to SOPC’s strategic priorities, ensuring alignment with its mission and long-term objectives.
• Actively support the Director in achieving the broader goals of the Special Projects function by delivering operational excellence in project execution.
• Provide insights and operational feedback to leadership to ensure projects remain relevant and impactful in advancing organizational priorities.