Roles and responsibilities:
The Head - Projects will lead and oversee all major project initiatives for the largest retail company in India. This role is crucial in ensuring the seamless execution of high-impact projects that align with the company’s strategic objectives and drive business growth. The Head - Projects will be responsible for managing multiple projects, from conception through to successful implementation, with a focus on operational excellence and innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
- Project Vision and Strategy: Develop and implement the strategic vision for all projects, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall business objectives and growth plans.
- Senior Leadership Collaboration: Work closely with senior executives / board to define project scopes, objectives, and deliverables. Provide insights and recommendations on project direction and strategy.
Project Planning and Execution:
- Project Oversight: Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of large-scale projects, ensuring they meet established goals, timelines, and budgets.
- Resource Management: Allocate and manage resources efficiently, including internal teams, external vendors, and contractors. Ensure optimal performance and coordination across all project activities.
- Milestone Achievement: Ensure that project milestones are achieved on schedule and within budget, addressing any deviations or issues promptly.
Team Leadership and Development:
- Leadership: Lead and mentor project managers and teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Provide guidance and support to ensure project success.
- Talent Development: Identify and develop future leaders within the project management team, promoting professional growth and skill enhancement.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Stakeholder Relations: Act as the primary point of contact for key stakeholders, including internal departments, external partners, and vendors. Ensure effective communication and alignment on project goals and expectations.
- Customer Focus: Ensure that projects align with customer needs and enhance the overall customer experience across retail operations.
Financial Management:
- Budget Oversight: Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring financial targets are met and expenditures are controlled. Conduct regular financial reviews and provide detailed reports to senior management.
- Cost Optimization: Identify and implement cost-saving measures without compromising on quality or project outcomes.
Risk and Issue Management:
- Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Implement risk management processes to address challenges and uncertainties.
- Problem Resolution: Proactively resolve project-related issues, ensuring minimal impact on project timelines and deliverables.
- Innovation and Improvement:
- Drive Innovation: Lead initiatives to integrate innovative solutions and technologies into projects, enhancing operational efficiency and retail performance.
- Continuous Improvement: Evaluate project processes and outcomes, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing best practices.
Compliance and Quality Assurance:
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all projects comply with relevant regulations, standards, and company policies.
- Quality Control: Implement quality assurance measures to ensure that project deliverables meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
Candidate Requirements:
1. Experience and Expertise:
- Extensive Experience: 15-20 years of experience in project management, with a proven track record of successfully leading large-scale and complex projects in the retail sector.
- Retail Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the retail industry, including operational dynamics, supply chain management, and customer experience.
2. Educational Qualifications:
- Degree Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field from a reputable institution.
- Certifications: PMP (Project Management Professional) or other relevant project management certifications are highly preferred.
3. Skills and Competencies:
- Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute project strategies that align with the company’s long-term goals and objectives.
- Project Management Expertise: Proven expertise in managing all aspects of project lifecycles, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closing.
- Resource and Budget Management: Strong experience in resource allocation, budget development, cost control, and financial reporting.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional skills in managing relationships with senior executives, internal teams, external partners, and other key stakeholders.
- Risk Management: Proficient in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks to ensure successful project outcomes.
- Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Ability to drive innovation and implement best practices to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
4. Leadership and Team Management:
- Leadership Skills: Proven leadership capabilities with experience in leading and mentoring large teams. Ability to foster a high-performance culture.
- Team Development: Experience in identifying and developing future leaders, and promoting professional growth within the project management team.
5. Personal Attributes:
- Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic mindset with the ability to align project goals with broader business objectives and market trends.
- Problem-Solving: Excellent problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to addressing and resolving project challenges.
- Adaptability: Ability to work effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and changing demands.
6. Technology and Tools Proficiency:
- Project Management Tools: Proficiency in using project management software and tools to track progress, manage resources, and report on project status.
- Digital Savvy: Familiarity with digital technologies and innovations relevant to retail operations and customer engagement.
7. Regional and Market Knowledge:
- Understanding of Indian Market: In-depth knowledge of the Indian retail market, including regional differences, consumer behavior, and industry trends.
- Pan-India Experience: Experience in managing projects across multiple states in India, with an understanding of local market dynamics and challenges.
8. Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Effective Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with various stakeholders.