Director, Portfolio Execution

Job Description Summary

The Portfolio Execution function is responsible for strengthening how strategic initiatives are operationalized, tracked, and executed across Operations. The leader in this role will build the CoE, including execution methodology, portfolio reporting, risk management, and ensuring business‑IT coordination. This leader establishes the standards and management frameworks that bring structure and visibility to Business Operations’ portfolio of strategic initiatives. Through disciplined execution practices, executive‑ready reporting, and proactive issue resolution, this role ensures Operations leadership has the insights needed to make timely, informed decisions and that strategic priorities translate into measurable outcomes.

• Leads the Portfolio Execution team, translating strategic initiatives into clear execution methodology, standards, and management process frameworks for Business Operations.
• Ensures strategic objectives are translated into structured execution plans with defined work‑plans, workstream ownership, team assignments, RACI accountability, and performance metrics.
• Convenes cross‑functional stakeholders to ensure alignment, drive progress, and resolve dependencies.
• Provides hands‑on execution leadership for highest‑priority or highest‑risk initiatives.
• Designs and maintains the Executive Operations Portfolio dashboards and reports, providing clear visibility into initiative health and risk exposure.
• Delivers executive‑ready insights that connect project execution to business outcomes, OKRs, and enterprise priorities.
• Conducts portfolio‑level analysis to identify trends and optimization opportunities.
• Supports Quarterly Business Reviews, Portfolio Review meetings, ELT meetings, and strategic planning with data, insights, and facilitation.
• Establishes early‑warning systems and leading indicators that identify risks before they escalate, driving timely resolution of blockers and escalation through structured problem‑solving.
• Serves as strategic liaison between Business Operations and Enterprise Information Technology (IT), ensuring IT delivery aligns to business priorities and technical execution translates into business outcomes.
• Partners with Tech Operations to jointly identify standards, reporting, and alignment with IT to deliver on core technology‑enabled initiatives.
• Synthesizes technical status into business‑focused reporting that enables executive decision‑making.
• Facilitates business‑IT alignment on priorities, sequencing, and resource allocation.
• Develops training, playbooks, and self‑service resources that build execution excellence across Business Operations.
• Conducts retrospectives and lessons‑learned sessions.
• Provides execution and quality oversight of external consulting partners who are staffed on enterprise‑priority programs to ensure value delivery and alignment with BCBSA project execution standards.
• Fosters a culture of disciplined execution, transparency, and accountability.
• Leads a team of business execution managers and subject‑matter experts to drive effective performance, foster professional growth, and create a positive work environment.
• Develops talent through coaching and mentoring.
• Builds team capability in strategic execution, performance management, business‑IT integration, and stakeholder engagement.

• Education:
  
  BS required; MS or related advanced degree preferred.
• Experience:
  
  10+ years progressive experience in leading strategy execution, program management or related fields within complex organizations.

• Strategic & Business Acumen
  • Deep understanding of how to translate strategic objectives into executable work—including decomposition of goals, workstream design, and accountability frameworks.
  • Ability to see across organizational boundaries and identify dependencies, conflicts, and optimization opportunities.
  • Strategic thinking combined with operational pragmatism—knows when to design the perfect solution vs. when to ship the minimum viable process.
  • Understanding of Business Operations in healthcare/insurance context (national programs, government markets,…