Strategy Delivery, Senior Manager

Salary: 80.611 Euro - 110.840 Euro (annually incl. 8% holiday allowance)

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: IB (International Baccalaureate®) Global Centre, The Hague

Hybrid working opportunity

About the IB

If you're looking to work for a global organisation with a meaningful mission, and with colleagues all over the world, then the International Baccalaureate® (IB) may have the ideal opportunity for you! The International Baccalaureate provides world-class educational services to over 5,500 schools across 159 countries. A career at IB is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to work with an innovative world leader in education services and contribute to our 50-year mission of creating a better and more peaceful world. Apply now to join our global organisation where we empower our employees to thrive and make a difference.

About the job

The Strategy Delivery, Senior Manager is responsible for delivering at least one high-profile initiative of high visibility, risk and complexity that has multiple complex workstreams functioning as their own “projects” within a larger “program”. These types of initiatives have multiple of the following characteristics: multi-year, high cost requiring board approval and reporting, major external impacts, and high organizational risk. This role is a critical member of the Strategy Development & Delivery team within the IB, which is responsible for defining organizational strategy and outcomes, developing strategic plans to achieve these outcomes, and supporting execution to achieve desired outcomes.

Role and responsibilities

Responsible for providing the strategic partnership and end-to-end project delivery for at least one high-profile initiative of high visibility, risk and complexity that has multiple complex workstreams functioning as their own “projects” within a larger “program”. The responsibilities encompass various aspects of program strategy, planning, execution, monitoring, and control, all while managing people, resources, and risks to achieve desired outcomes. Responsibilities may vary based on the nature and scale of initiatives but typically include a combination of the following:

Strategy and Planning:

• Develop robust governance structures for the program(s) and projects within it

• Shape and influence the criteria for evaluating program/project success.

• Evaluate and ensure a comprehensive program/project plan and align with strategy/organizational goals, program objectives, scope, and deliverables.

Inter-project orchestration:

• Assume a senior role in overseeing the activities of multiple projects within the program, ensuring the seamless integration and alignment of all components

• Formulate and navigate complex inter-project dependencies at a senior level, showcasing an advanced understanding of strategic inter-project dynamics.

• Facilitate sophisticated communication and coordination among program/project team members, reflecting a senior-level ability to navigate and align diverse project objectives.

• Resolve conflicts and dependencies between projects at a senior level, emphasizing a strategic approach to achieving cohesion.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Conduct stakeholder analysis and engage with key stakeholders, including executives, clients, and team members both internally and with vendors

• Maintain effective communication with stakeholders to manage expectations and address concerns.

• Act as a primary point of contact for project or program-related escalations

Team Leadership and Management:

• Build, lead, coach and mentor a project / program team(s)

• Assign roles and responsibilities to project / program team members.

• Foster collaboration, motivation, and a positive project / program team culture.

• Create a culture of high performance, continuous learning and improvement within project / program teams.

Resource Management:

• Allocate resources effectively to support project or program goals and meet team requirements.

• Manage resource constraints and make necessary adjustments.

• Ensure efficient utilization of both human and material resources.

Risk Management:

• Identify and assess strategic risks and issues related to the program and between projects.

• Develop and implement strategic risk mitigation and contingency plans.

• Continuously monitor and address strategic risks throughout the program lifecycle.

• Work with the teams to remove gaps or obstacles that may be impeding progress

Quality Assurance:

• Establish and uphold program quality standards.

• Ensure that deliverables meet quality requirements demonstrating a commitment to excellence Implement quality control processes and standards.

• Drive adoption on the use of effective methodologies and adherence to governance, principles, standards and processes

Communication and Reporting:

• Provide regular regional status updates to senior management and stakeholders.

• Create reports and documentation to keep stakeholders informed showcasing a senior-level understanding of comprehensive reporting needs

Change Management:

• Drive the program and project deliverables tied to outcomes across the organization and program objectives.

Program Evaluation and Closure:

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for the program and team.

• Monitor and evaluate program and team performance against KPIs

About you

Experience:

• Proven track record of delivering many high priority, complex projects / strategic initiatives successfully – in the context of complex international organizations

• Experience working in a non-profit or educational environment is a plus.

• Experience working in a consultancy environment is a plus.

Qualifications:

• Educational background in business, strategy, or a related field

• Project management qualifications desirable

Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of strategic planning and project management methodologies.

• Proficiency in project management software and tools.

• Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to derive insights and drive decisions.

Soft Skills:

• Strategic Leadership: ability to inspire and mobilize initiative teams to deliver on the initiative change vision

• Change leadership: has diplomacy and influencing skills to drive change through others, and the courage to ask uncomfortable questions

• Shared leadership and co-creation: gives recognition to others and is oriented towards serving others to empower them to succeed.

• Relationship building: Able to quickly build trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders who have very different experiences, contexts and expertise

• Impact orientation: able to see the bigger picture and prioritize the most important discussions versus getting lost in details

• Complex problem solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of navigating and resolving complex issues.

• Listening skills: able to listen actively and compassionately, and receive and act on challenging, often conflicting feedback

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

• Adaptability: Quick learner with the ability to adapt to changing conditions and continuously improve processes

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• Employer pension contribution
• 25 Days annual leave, plus public holidays, with the choice to buy up to 5 days additional annual leave
• Flexible working hours
• Excellent continuous professional development
• 2.5% Flexible benefits allowance

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: We are committed to building a working environment that values respect, diversity, and compassion. The International Baccalaureate is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants.