PMO Lead

Great people. Greater business impact.
About CAI

CAI Software builds digital work execution platforms and software solutions that help manufacturing businesses operate with greater clarity and control. Our people bring structure to complexity by replacing fragmented, paper-based processes with connected digital workflows that improve visibility, compliance, and decision‑making in real industrial environments. With 45+ years of experience and a presence across 10+ countries, CAI combines deep industry understanding with practical technology.

Our team consists of ~800 employees worldwide who work across 15 core industries and support 5,000+ customers, guided by sound judgment, long‑term thinking, and outcomes that endure.

CAI Software is organized into three business units – Graphic Communications, Process Manufacturing, and Discrete Manufacturing – aligned to the markets we serve. This structure allows our teams to stay close to customer needs while operating with the scale and support of a global software company.

This role is part of our Graphic Communications business unit, which serves the global print and packaging industry with ERP and production software designed for commercial printers, packaging manufacturers, promotional and transactional print providers, sign and display manufacturers, and in‑plant print operations. Our solutions help customers manage complex production environments, improve operational visibility, and deliver high‑quality products efficiently and profitably.

The PMO Lead is responsible for establishing and enforcing project delivery standards, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring predictable, high‑quality execution across all customer engagements. This role centralizes project management functions, directly manages Project Managers, and acts as the operational bridge between Sales, Delivery, and Customer Success.

The PMO Lead ensures that projects are properly scoped, resourced, initiated, governed, and delivered on time, on budget, and to customer expectations.

Project Governance & Delivery Excellence

• Enforce standardized project delivery methodology (phases, gates, deliverables)
• Ensure all projects follow defined governance (status reporting, risk management, change control)
• Monitor project health across scope, schedule, budget, and quality
• Lead escalation management and recovery plans for at‑risk projects
• Drive consistency in project execution across regions and teams

Resource Management & Utilization

• Own project manager allocation and capacity planning across all engagements
• Partner with regional/resource managers to optimize consultant and solution architect utilization
• Ensure work is assigned promptly
• Balance workload across teams to maximize billable utilization and minimize bench time
• Provide visibility into capacity gaps and hiring needs

Project Intake & Kickoff Process

• Establish a structured intake process from Sales to Services
• Ensure all projects meet entry criteria before kickoff (SOW, defined Scope, budget, timeline)
• Enforce a formal Sales‑to‑Services handoff process
• Ensure projects are kicked off quickly and correctly
• Drive customer alignment on timelines, resource commitment, and delivery expectations

Financial & Operational Performance

• Track and report on key metrics:
  • Utilization rates
  • Project margin / profitability
  • Revenue forecast vs. actuals
  • Milestone completion and billing
• Ensure timely milestone completion and revenue recognition
• Identify and address revenue loss (scope creep, under utilization, delays)

Team Leadership & Development

• Directly manage Project Managers (hiring, coaching, performance management)
• Establish PM best practices, playbooks, and training programs
• Mentor PMs on customer management, delivery rigor, and financial accountability
• Drive accountability and performance standards across the PM team

Cross‑Functional Alignment

• Partner with Sales to ensure realistic scoping and delivery expectations
• Collaborate with Product on escalations, enhancements, and delivery dependencies
• Work with Customer Success to ensure smooth transitions post go‑live
• Act as the central point of coordination…