Senior Program Manager - Digital & Restaurant Technology

Senior Program Manager - Digital & Restaurant Technology

The Sr. Program Manager role provides solutions to complex, high-impact business problems from project request through implementation of key strategic initiatives/programs. This role is focused on strategic Technology Programs that impact our Operations and Digital efforts. This includes a collection of interdependent technology projects that make up a larger Program portfolio.  This role has ongoing accountability for all processes, resources, budgets, and deliverables related to projects/initiatives.  

Essential Functions of the Job

• Maintaining end-to-end ownership of multiple complex strategic initiatives/projects simultaneously and organize/prioritize them to meet the needs of Red Robin Restaurant Technology and Digital efforts (to ultimately deliver a guest centric experience).

• Scope and plan delivery of strategic programs in close collaboration with executive sponsors and stakeholders

• Resolves complex scope, budget and timeline conflicts, influencing executive-level sponsors as appropriate.

• Support business leaders during strategic business planning by gathering information required for business case development, creating project and resource plans, authoring requests for proposal, etc.

Relationship Management and Strategic Mindset

• Develop and maintains relationships with senior leaders and executives in the organization.  

• Work with Executives and VPs to gain alignment on strategy, priorities, and execution and conduct regular updates to broader leadership team

Project/Program Management Methodology

• Develop project plans (including comprehensive timelines), which include defining milestones, tasks and activities needed to achieve project goals

• Maintain a strong external perspective about how other leading-edge companies are solving similar problems and challenges. 

• Act as the point of contact for cross-functional teams involved in accordance with project timelines/schedules and drive participant engagement to gain commitment, drive decision making, and complete deliverable that advance projects forward toward completion.

• Helps to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, contributing to the development of others.

• Support the change management process working across the business to ensure change acceptance is high.

• Identify and proactively manage program risk and collaborate with Product Teams to mitigate risks across the program portfolio.

• Develop and manage deadlines, budgets, and activities across assigned program(s)

• Manage multiple programs in tandem, understanding how to juggle competing priorities.

• Exercise solid project leadership skills combined with strong business acumen and in-depth analytical skills.

Minimum Experience & Education

• Bachelors, Masters' or University Degree in a related field highly preferred; will consider candidates with equivalent combination of education, training and work experience. 5+ years relevant experience

• Experience will include leading large, complex enterprise initiatives and programs with multiple work streams focused on solutions or outcomes.

• Experience across multiple industries or functional business areas.

• Experience within Consulting, Restaurant, Hospitality, or Retail industries is strongly desired.

• Proficiency with various project management methodologies, approaches, techniques and tools.

• PMP or equivalent certification is strongly desired. Scrum or Agile certifications are also desired. 

• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills with professional staff, executives and the organization at large.

• Experience identifying, documenting and prioritizing requirements for business or technology projects.

• Solid experience driving and releasing changes impacting internal processes, products, and customers

• Professional leader who is skilled at managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Minimum Required Competencies (knowledge, skills, ability)

• Experience in custom development, API and third-party software implementations and integration projects.  Familiarity with service-oriented architecture and the software development lifecycle.

• Strong technical background ideally in the hospitality industry with knowledg