Strategic Initiatives Project Manager

This job is with State Street, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Role

Summary:

We are seeking a proactive and dynamic senior manager to join Product Office team. In this role, your primary focus will be on project management - planning and executing cross-functional initiatives - while leveraging strong business analysis skills to identify opportunities for improvement. You will lead end-to-end process transformation projects using Lean, Agile, and Design Thinking methodologies, driving tangible efficiency gains and business outcomes (not just providing operational support).

This role is about leading real change: you'll analyze business needs, craft strategic roadmaps, and then manage projects through completion to deliver measurable improvements.

Key Responsibilities
Project Management & Execution:
Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of transformation projects from start to finish. Utilize Agile (Scrum/Kanban, SAFe) practices for iterative delivery, define project scope and timelines, and ensure on-time delivery of results. Maintain project governance by documenting key decisions and proactively following up with stakeholders to keep tasks on track.

Business Analysis & Opportunity Identification:
Conduct thorough business process analysis to pinpoint inefficiencies, gaps, and improvement opportunities. Translate complex business requirements and data insights into clear transformation roadmaps and actionable project plans that align with strategic goals.

Lean & Design Thinking Leadership:
Apply Lean Six Sigma principles and BPMN techniques to streamline processes and eliminate waste. Facilitate Design Thinking workshops to foster innovation and creative problem-solving. Lead Value Stream Mapping sessions to visualize end-to-end processes and identify high-impact enhancements.

Transformation Execution:
Drive multiple improvement initiatives simultaneously, ensuring each project achieves its intended outcomes. Define success metrics (KPIs) for each initiative and track progress rigorously. Align project outcomes with the enterprise's Target Operating Model (TOM) and adjust strategies as needed to meet long-term transformation objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement &

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Collaborate with diverse teams across business, technology, and operations. Build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels to gain buy-in and support for change initiatives. Clearly communicate project goals, progress, and impacts to senior leadership and team members. Champion a culture of continuous improvement, serving as a change agent who keeps everyone aligned and motivated.

Required Skills & Experience

Key Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end project planning and execution using Agile/SAFe methodologies
Analyze business processes, identify gaps, and define transformation roadmaps
Facilitate Design Thinking workshops and Value Stream Mapping sessions
Apply Lean Six Sigma and BPMN to streamline operations
Align initiatives with enterprise Target Operating Model (TOM)
Engage stakeholders across business, tech, and operations
Communicate progress and outcomes to leadership
Foster a culture of continuous improvement
What You Bring
✔ 10-15 years in transformation/project management roles
✔ Proven Agile delivery and Lean/Design Thinking experience
✔ Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills
✔ Proficiency in JIRA, MS Project, SharePoint, MS Office
✔ AI/ML literacy and tech-savvy mindset
✔ PMP/PMI or Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt+) preferred
✔ Bachelor's degree (MBA preferred)
Success Profile
Execution-Focused | Strategic Thinker | Change Leader | Strong Communicator
Work Hours & Flexibility:
This role collaborates closely with teams and stakeholders across US Eastern Time (ET) zones, so a degree of flexibility is important. While we support a flexible and balanced work environment, you should be comfortable adjusting your schedule to ensure meaningful overlap with stakeholders across time zones, especially US - particularly during key meetings, project milestones, or critical…