Project Manager, Operational Excellence

About Mastercard Foundation

Mastercard Foundation is a global foundation based in Toronto, Canada with several offices in Africa. Our programs promote financial inclusion and advance education and learning in Africa, primarily for young people, and in Canada for Indigenous youth. The Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. From inception, the Foundation was designed to be a separate entity and independent from Mastercard. Our policies, operations, and funding decisions are made by our President and Board of Directors.  

The Foundation believes that youth employment is key to unlocking prosperity, both for youth and their societies. Enabling young women and men from disadvantaged communities to secure dignified and fulfilling work will ensure inclusive development and economic growth in Africa.  

Values are timeless, they transcend and rise above all. They guide everything we do, as employees of the Foundation.  We share a common vision of a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. We make mistakes, we reflect, and we grow so that we can impact our world – it’s why we are here. We are ambitious and driven. We encourage you to bring your bold ideas, curiosity, and expertise to your work. We laugh at ourselves and with each other. We are a team. Our journey together makes our impact even more meaningful.  

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AT THE FOUNDATION

Operational Excellence (OE) is a team within the Foundation with a mandate to continuously improve how we work across the Foundation by ensuring that our operational processes are: simple; relevant; efficient; and effective.  The team will serve as a Centre of Excellence for best practices in project management, process improvement and procurement.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the lead in Operational Excellence, the Project Manager will be a key member of the OE team and will support the team’s project management needs specifically in relation to our enterprise transformation workstreams.  The Project Manager may be assigned to other projects as required. S/he manages multiple complex, multi-track projects or workstreams to an acceptable level of risk by balancing scope, time, cost and quality while maintaining a positive environment that promotes high performance. S/he uses advanced problem-solving skills, analytical skills, solid verbal and written communication skills, excellent relationship building skills to effectively work with the senior leadership team. S/he must have a solid understanding of project management tools and approaches to manage complex, cross-functional projects and have the flexibility to work with dynamic teams to deliver balanced integrated solutions.

Specific Responsibilities

• Manages projects or workstreams of high priority and complexity; may manage multiple projects or workstreams concurrently.
• Develops and manages integrated plans and associated communication documents to report on progress; provides frequent verbal and written progress reports on the status of projects; and provides action plans or recommendations on deployment to stakeholders.
• Develops, maintains and monitors deliverables to track milestones and deliverables, ensuring successful delivery within the constraints of scope, schedule, cost and quality.
• Liaises and develops trusted adviser relationships with the senior management team, internal teams and external partners.
• Supports stakeholders to coordinate project delivery, change management and internal communication strategies through the lifecycle.
• Proactively manages changes in scope, time and cost, devising contingency plans to control outcomes for critical path deliverables.
• Works with stakeholders to identify, document, assess, and monitor all project dependencies, risks, issues, and required decisions.
• Conducts status reviews, identifies deviations to work plan and implements corrective action.
• Develops and presents material for review and informational purposes using excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Communicates with a cross-functional working group, emphasizing interdependencies and shared overall objectives.
• Works with the manager and the team to contribute knowledge and best practices to help build an internal Project Management Centre of Excellence.
• Demonstrates exceptional tactical and critical thinking.
• Upholds the importance of core values and organizational culture.
• Dynamic, agile and flexible to be responsive to the changing nature of the Foundation.
• Is ready to roll up sleeves and get into the details.
• Performs cross-functional activities and/or other duties, as required.

Qualifications

• University degree, preferably in business administration or a related field is required; Master’s Degree is an asset.
• Project Management certification is required.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant business operations project management experience and success in leading and managing complex projects in an official PM capacity, demonstrating PMO methodologies for planning, risk management and reporting.
• Ability to build relationships and influence across all stakeholders through strong interpersonal skills and consensus building.
• Superior ability to analyze and define problems, evaluate alternatives, find solutions, and make decisions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior management and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to develop relationships with key stakeholders to establish trust, credibility and respect.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a hands-on manner.
• Ability to prioritize and effectively anticipate and respond to issues as they arise.
• Detail-oriented with a demonstrated ability to consistently and effectively produce high quality work.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into meaningful information.
• Strong problem solving, critical thinking and negotiating skills.
• Excellent writing, presentation and facilitation skills.
• Exceptional judgment; able to differentiate between ‘the urgent’ and ‘the important’.
• Team player and self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to execute a range of job duties and changing priorities.
• Professional maturity, sensitivity with different cultures and impeccable integrity
• Advanced knowledge of MS Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Project, Visio and Excel).

TO APPLY

Please email your resume along with a cover letter explaining your interest in the position to robin.barrett@wardhowell.ca, indicating “Project Manager, Operational Excellence” in the subject line of your email. We appreciate your interest and advise that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly.

The Mastercard Foundation values the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the Foundation and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. We appreciate your interest and advise that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly.

Completion of satisfactory business references, background checks (criminal and credit) and proof of education are essential conditions of employment.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please contact the People and Culture Department. We will work with you to provide a positive recruitment experience in a confidential manner.