Overview

Title: Head of Project Management Location: Chicago, IL (4 days a week in office) A leading global financial markets infrastructure organization is seeking a Head of Project Management to transform and lead its enterprise-wide project management function.This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for building a centralized project management organization, driving enterprise portfolio governance, and partnering with executive leadership to improve execution, transparency, and strategic delivery across a global, regulated business.The organization operates critical trading, clearing, and market infrastructure technology supporting institutional financial markets worldwide.Location: Chicago (4 days/week in office) The Opportunity The Head of Project Management will lead the evolution of the enterprise PM function by bringing together project management professionals currently embedded across multiple business units into a coordinated Center of Excellence.This individual will oversee enterprise portfolio governance, executive reporting, organizational transformation, resource planning, and delivery excellence while partnering closely with executive leadership across technology, operations, product, risk, and business functions.This role requires someone equally comfortable defining enterprise strategy and driving execution of complex initiatives. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Organizational Transformation Design and implement an enterprise-wide project management operating modelBuild and lead a centralized PM Center of ExcellenceDefine governance structures, career development frameworks, and operating standardsLead organizational change while maintaining successful delivery throughout the transitionMentor and develop project managers through structured performance management and succession planningFoster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement Enterprise Program Delivery Lead large-scale strategic programs from planning through executionPartner with senior business leaders to prioritize initiatives and align execution with business strategyEstablish governance frameworks and KPI-driven portfolio reportingImprove visibility, consistency, and execution across enterprise initiatives PM Methodology & Governance Standardize project management practices across technology, operations, infrastructure, and business teamsBuild enterprise portfolio visibility and executive reporting capabilitiesImprove decision-making, prioritization, resource planning, and escalation processesDrive continuous improvement through modern project management tools, AI, and best practices Financial & Resource Management Partner with finance and business leaders on program budgetingDevelop enterprise resource planning and capacity management frameworksMonitor delivery health, benefits realization, and executive-level KPIsOptimize resource allocation across strategic initiatives Executive & Cross-Functional Leadership Act as the primary project management partner for executive leadershipCollaborate across technology, operations, product, risk, compliance, and business functionsBalance enterprise governance with regional and regulatory requirements across global entities Risk & Controls Identify and manage delivery risks, dependencies, and issuesEnsure programs meet regulatory, operational, and internal governance requirementsDrive proactive risk management and effective escalation processes Desired Background Experience leading enterprise-scale project portfolios within financial services, capital markets, exchanges, fintech, or other highly regulated industriesProven success leading organizational transformation, PMO modernization, or project management consolidation initiativesStrong people leadership experience in matrixed organizationsExecutive-level communication and stakeholder management skillsExperience translating enterprise strategy into measurable executionStrong knowledge of project governance, portfolio ma