Sr. Director, Enterprise Strategic Program Lead

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students.

We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way.

We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other.

This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking “why not?” when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

What You'll Contribute

As the Senior Director, you will be responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of process management across the company. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, implement, and optimize processes, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with business objectives.
 

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement a comprehensive process management framework to standardize and optimize business processes throughout the organization.
• Lead the identification, analysis, and documentation of current and future state processes, capturing key metrics and performance indicators.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to define process improvement objectives and prioritize initiatives based on strategic goals and business impact.
• Drive process improvement initiatives by facilitating workshops, conducting root cause analysis, and employing lean and six sigma methodologies.
• Establish and maintain process governance mechanisms, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement change management strategies to drive process adoption and overcome resistance to change.
• Monitor process performance through regular measurement and analysis, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with IT teams to leverage technology solutions and automation tools to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency.
   

The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job; it is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this role.
 

What you have

Minimum: Indicate minimum education, skills and experience required.

• Strong knowledge of process improvement methodologies, such as lean, six sigma, or BPM (Business Process Management).
• Demonstrated experience in leading process transformation initiatives, driving change, and achieving measurable results.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify process gaps and develop effective solutions.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in process mapping and modeling tools, as well as business process management software.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams, providing mentorship and guidance.

Preferred: Indicate “nice to haves” regarding education, skills, and experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in process management, process improvement, or business operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
   

The Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compe