The Special Projects and Strategic Execution Manager reports to the Sr. Vice President, Head Evaluation Systems. This position is responsible for leading cross-function projects and teams to build new products/services/enhancements, execute on short- and medium-term opportunities for growth, gather business requirements, and provide analyses that drive executive decision making. This position works closely with the SVP to deploy business operations strategies to expand and maintain Evaluations Systems status as the market leader in the teacher certification and licensure space. Specifically, this role is accountable for executing on technology solutions that facilitate teachers entering the profession and providing inputs to cross-functional projects across the organization. These responsibilities require significant collaboration with other business units and functional areas to drive successful achievement of business goals. The performance of the Special Projects and Strategic Execution Manager will be measured using high-level and function specific KPIs – in addition to the general growth of the business.

Scope

Direct responsibility for:

• Strategic Projects
• Cross-functional deliverables
• Executive data analyses and views
• Curation, management, and execution of growth opportunities

Impact of Job

This is a critical role for the Evaluation Systems business. The person occupying this role will effectively manage the “engine” of the business. It is expected that significant rigor will be applied to professionalizing and optimizing Evaluation System’s ability to execute with internal stakeholders. The ability to execute with speed and precision is, and will continue to be, a significant competitive advantage for Evaluation Systems.

Other duties as assigned by management.

This position will have its functional responsibilities conveyed over time. In addition, the position will require flexibility to work with the SVP, Head of Evaluation Systems on critical deliverables and strategy. This position will be involved in many aspects of Evaluation Systems business by virtue of the role and functional scope.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Formal education or equivalent work experience
• Requires significant project management, product management, or operational execution experience; typically, at least 5 years of relevant experience required
• Requires an outcome focused, self-starter
• Requires the development of relationships to enable trust, cooperation, and quality outcomes

Skills/knowledge/abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication, facilitation, organizational and problem-solving skills required
• Demonstrates a vision of the future and provides the leadership to achieve the desired outcomes
• Works collaboratively with senior management and peers
• Promotes a culture of “team” within his/her operating unit and among peer organizations
• Ability to act decisively when the situation demands
• Maintains an awareness of priorities and directs resources accordingly
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to determine quality or efficiency improvement opportunities through process change or automation
• Objective, open-minded, “out-of-the-box” thinker, change agent

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

70% Execution of Strategic Projects

• Work with the SVP, Head of Evaluations Systems to launch new products and services, assist in the execution of strategic projects, and achieve greater operational efficiency.
• Maintain understanding of the strategies, direction, priorities, business drivers, critical success factors and central business issues facing the business.
• Work with VPs to collaborate on future capabilities/projects.
• Work with VPs to create and align long-term strategic projects/goals.
• Work with the technology team to provide input into requirements and project direction for new products, services, and enhancements.

10% Curation of Growth Opportunities

• Identify opportunities to grow revenue and volume
• Gather and curate opportunity backlogs
• Work with Evaluation Systems VPs and other operating groups to maintain and grow the Evaluation Systems business through the execution of strategic projects.

10% Data Analysis

• Work with Evaluation Systems VPs and other operating groups to provide actionable insights and visualizations utilizing data to drive opportunities and decision making.

Compensation at Pearson is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. As required by the Colorado, California, Washington State, New York State and New York City laws, the pay range for this position is as follows:

The minimum full-time salary range is between $75,000 – $95,000.

This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, and information on benefits offered is here.

What to expect from Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [email protected].

Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.

Job: STRATEGY

Organization: Assessment & Qualifications

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Req ID: 12039

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