As a Program Manager you play a crucial role in defining, governing and supporting strategic business transformations in both business and IT.

We define it

You lead the initiation, definition and realization of long-term strategic programs. Together with a team you help define the scope and objectives of a program based on strategy, and clarify its costs, benefits, required changes, dependencies, risks and architecture (target operating model). At Colruyt Group, the total investment in programs equals around 700 million Euro. Most programs represent an investment between 30 to 100 million Euro.

We change it

A program typically realizes multiple strategic objectives. Together with your core team, you translate these into a realistic change roadmap: defining business and IT projects and their timing, whilst taking into account their priorities and dependencies, and optimizing business benefits. By setting the pace of change, you bear in mind the organization’s change readiness. You discuss and validate the roadmap with management of different operating units. You collaborate closely with the other members of your core team, consisting of the following roles:

• Enterprise business architect

• Enterprise IT architect

• Change Manager

• IT representative

• Business representative

You coordinate the activities of the program core team. There is no hierarchy within the core team, everyone brings their specific skillset to the program. As a Program Manager, you ensure an open and goal-driven environment to enable a smooth collaboration between team members with a high team performance.

We govern it

During the lifetime of the program (typically 2 - 4 years), depending on the program scope, you define, initiate and manage the program's projects. You have a key role in leading the program overall and it is your responsibility to monitor progress, scope, budget, risks and interdependencies in an efficient and effective way.

Depending on the program, you manage a program organization of 50 to 400 coworkers, as well as one or several implementation partner(s). You create a context in which everyone involved is motivated to work towards the same goal by creating and maintaining focus, enthusiasm and momentum. You are a true advocate for the program, its approach and its purpose. You continuously deal with change and make adjustments when needed. 

Finally, during the process, you will monitor and manage the dependencies of your program with the other strategic programs of the Colruyt Group. 

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Tasks and responsibilities

The Program Manager has the following responsibilities:

• You lead the initiation, definition and realization of strategic programs. 

• You translate strategic objectives into a change roadmap that has an impact across different operating units. Roadmaps typically consist of 10 to 80 projects with 3 to 15 projects running in parallel. 

• You manage a program organization of 50 to 400 coworkers, as well as one or several implementation partner(s).  

• You are responsible for the successful delivery of the whole of the proposed change at the appropriate level of quality, on time and within budget, in accordance with the program plan and governance arrangements. You are responsible for the overall integrity and coherence of the program and manage program risks and dependencies with other programs and projects. When needed, you initiate extra activities or propose adjustments if gaps in the program are identified or issues arise. 

• You track the realization of the program's business case and report on the progress of the program at regular intervals to the business responsible. You are an active member of the program’s governance bodies. 

• You are used to working with peers in a collaborative spirit and create a context in which all stakeholders are motivated to work towards the same goal. 

Your profile:

• Knowledge and experience - You have at least 5 years of experience in structuring complex high-impact transformations and are familiar with change management. You have an understanding of implementing large business and IT change in large organizations (>5000 employees) and know how to work smoothly with implementation partners.

• Natural leadership - You are in your power when leading and you manage your team from an equal position. You quickly get a feel for the structure, operations and culture of an organization and have an understanding of how to work with people within that context.

• Coordination and management - You have good knowledge of techniques and tools for planning, monitoring and controlling programs.

• Strong communication - You actively listen to others and communicate persuasively and transparently. You know how to respectfully challenge others, deliver difficult messages and ensure progress together.

• Conceptual and structuring ability - You quickly get an integrated picture of a complex environment. You come up with an efficient and effective plan of action in any situation and achieve strategic goals by working with others.

• Adaptability - Programs are realized over a long period of time, in which you are sometimes faced with challenges. You show flexibility and make adjustments where necessary.

• Language skills - You communicate strongly in Dutch and English. This allows you to work smoothly with all your colleagues, partners and stakeholders. Knowledge of French is a plus.

Situation of the position

You are part of the Myreas Program Management team. Myreas is a Colruyt Group company: “The home of TOP Program Managers and Enterprise Architects” where strong efforts are made to personal and professional development and coaching based on a unified methodology and craftsmanship (hard and soft skills). As a result, Myreas is a unique player in the market and more than that, the exclusive strategic partner for the Colruyt Group. Within the Colruyt Group, you will be part of the Strategic Support Office and report to the CEO, Stefan Goethaert.