Senior Director - Growth Initiatives

Additional InformationSenior Director - Growth InitiativesJob Number24077908Job CategoryInformation TechnologyLocationMarriott International HQ, 7750 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland, United StatesScheduleFull-TimeLocated Remotely?YRelocation?NPosition TypeManagementJOB SUMMARY:Provides leadership for the development, implementation, and operations of software/technology integrations to support all current and future growth initiatives including but not limited to mergers, acquisitions, and Marriott Growth Platform (MGP). This role will be responsible for engineering strategy, planning, software quality, and management of new integration initiatives.This role will also be responsible for driving collaboration with and supporting technology teams across the Core Platforms and CTO organizations.This position manages day-to-day relationships with executive leadership, stakeholders, providers, and information technology teams to drive seamless integration of new software products and platforms into Marriott's technology ecosystem. Key responsibilities include developing a strategy for replicable integration, defining integration patterns, guiding orchestration, ensuring scalability and alignment with strategic goals laid out for Marriott Growth Platform and Travel Innovation Platform (TIP). It also entails continuous optimization of system integration processes by promoting pluggability and future-proofing Marriott's technology ecosystem. Implementing and managing continuous improvement programs to drive operational excellence and safeguard business continuity. Ensuring steady improvement of application and technology platform quality, consistency, and security. Establishing and leading a Quality Engineering Center of Excellence catering to all engineering teams across the CTO organization. Developing and maintaining run standards through management of day-to-day application/platform performance through SLAs and other metrics. Working with service providers to address day-to-day issues and priorities.CANDIDATE PROFILEEducation and ExperienceRequired:10+ years of software technology leadership experience, executing various approaches of Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) (e.g., Agile and Waterfall)Five years recent experience as a primary point of accountability for one or more business functions catering to multiple customer groupsDemonstrated expertise of industry application platforms, trends, and best practicesDirect management of cross functional, sourced, or matrixed teamsExperience with and knowledge of IT outsourcing activities in a managed services environmentSeasoned technology leader well versed in IT strategy, with a good grasp of customer experienceProduct development and integrationBest practices in technology standards and processesDirect management of complex budgets in direct and indirect costsPreferred:Experience in travel and hospitality software technology systems/productsHands-on experience in innovation initiativesProven executive experience in strategic planning and budgeting within one or more business groupsExperience with and knowledge of IT outsourcing activities in a managed services environmentStrong process management, negotiating, influencing and problem resolution skillsProven ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environmentExperience in business systems and process planningKnowledge of business environment, service requirements and hospitality cultureDemonstrated ability to assess customer/client needs, creatively approach solutions, and decide/influence appropriate courses of actionAbility to understand and communicate the lifecycle of technologies and applications and to translate into business strategies for the client organizationsSolid understanding of IT financial structures and ability to manage to corporate financial processes and standards - including drivers of process costsStrong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical ideas in easy-to-understand business termsAbility to accomplish results through others, particularly by establishing relationships, effective controls and leading in a managed service environmentCORE WORK ACTIVITIESManaging Day-To-Day Relationships with IT Teams, Discipline Partners and Service ProvidersManages application development projects in partnership with IT teams, discipline partners, and service providersManages software engineering teams that design, build and maintain technology products across portfolio of services and applicationsProvides overall project management of business projects/portfoliosDefines and oversees effective reporting to the key IT and discipline partnersLeads project reviews with Technology Products teams and business stakeholders on application development projectsManages day-to day relationships with all IT teams (e.g., Security, Infrastructure, Shared Platforms, Products) to promote the delivery of services that meet or exceed the client expectationsMonitors all projects for alignment with defined business case processDrives timely resolution of escalated service delivery problems and minimizes the impact of any client service delivery issuesDefines, manages, and improves service level reporting for application developmentProvides early warning to the appropriate Technology Product and Business leaders and team regarding degraded or missed service levelsLeads application development and maintenance of service provider project management standards and toolsParticipates in client portfolio and demand management processes, and engages service providers to ensure client satisfactionWorks with application development service providersEnsures the service provider(s) performs the services agreed to by the master services agreement in a manner that is consistent with both the spirit and the letter of the agreementWorks with all IT teams to progress the service providers services to match client needsFacilitates team and service provider compliance with the agreementEnsures service levels meet business needsSupports the IT organizationParticipates in the creation and maintenance of IT's business strategy and planningSupports and follows defined IT Governance decision rights, standards and practicesEmphasizes accuracy and effectiveness of estimating and planning management with teamAssists all IT teams with the preparation and monitoring of business/discipline and continent IT budgetsDeveloping and Managing Application Development Standards, Processes, And ToolsWorks with the Enterprise Architecture team to facilitate consistency of service delivery across client groupsBuilds and maintains a standard set of application development tools and processes that will drive consistency and predictability throughout the SDLC for all client groups including:SDLC standard tools and processes for both waterfall and agile developmentEstimating standard tools and processes, incorporating flexibility for small and large projectsDeployment standard tools and processesMonitors projects for adherence to defined application development processesWorks with IT organization to create broader IT-related and corporate standards and policies where necessaryCommunicates important application development policy changes that affect service provider and/or Marriott operationsManaging Day-To-Day Application PerformancePartners with the product team to establish the priorities for multiple applications across the portfolioAccountable for the overall health of the application portfolioBuilds and maintains a standard set of application delivery tools and processes that will provide the right level of governance for all IT teams, and that will promote client satisfactionCo-leads development and maintenance of service provider project management standards and toolsDrives client satisfaction with Business Partnership & Planning teams through conducting project reviews, reporting metrics, and other activitiesLeads and works to minimize outages and implements recovery and contingency plans are in placeManages application delivery performance through SLAs and other key performance metricsSupports Sarbanes-Oxley, ISP, and other regulatory compliance matters with service providersMonitors and supports following defined service delivery processesCommunicates important policy changes that affect service provider and/or Client operationsProvides early warning to the appropriate Business Partnership & Planning leaders and team regarding degraded or missed service levelsParticipates in the definition of, and facilitates compliance with Service Integration standard processes and toolsOversees and monitors service provider problems, change management processes, and escalation proceduresPartners with all IT teams to progress the service providers application delivery servicesMonitors the development and enforcement of IT-related standards and policiesAddressing Day-To-Day Issues and PrioritiesActs as primary contact for managing provider incidents, problems, changes, release management, and other standard ITIL processesFacilitates timely resolution of escalated service delivery problems and minimizes the impact of any client service delivery issuesFacilitates team and service provider compliance with the agreementPromotes business and operational viability of service levelsManages process for minor enhancementsIdentifies and leads application rationalization effortsImplementing and Managing Continuous Improvement ProgramsDrives CMMi, or similar metrics to demonstrate continuous improvement and alignment with the industryLeads the continuous improvement cost reduction opportunities and trailing cost eliminationDefines, manages, and improves service level reporting for application delivery servicesMANAGEMENT COMPETENCIESLeadershipCommunication -Conveys information and ideas to others in a convincing and engaging manner through a variety of methods.Leading Through Vision and Values -Keeps the organization's vision and values at the forefront of employee decision making and action.Managing Change -Initiates and/or manages the change process and energizes it on an ongoing basis, taking steps to remove barriers or accelerate its pace; serves as role model for how to handle change by maintaining composure and performance level under pressure or when experiencing challenges.Problem Solving and Decision Making -Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; obtains and compares information from different sources to draw conclusions, develops and evaluates alternatives and solutions, solves problems, and chooses a course of action.Professional Demeanor -Exhibits behavioral styles that convey confidence and command respect from others; makes a good first impression and represents the company in alignment with its values.Strategy Development -Develops business plans by exploring and systematically evaluating opportunities with the greatest potential for producing positive results; ensures successful preparation and execution of business plans through effective planning, organizing, and on-going evaluation processes.Managing ExecutionBuilding a Successful Team- Uses an effective interpersonal style to build a cohesive team; inspires and sustains team cohesion and engagement by focusing the team on its mission and importance to the organization.Strategy Execution– Ensures successful execution across of business plans designed to maximize customer satisfaction, profitability, and market share through effective planning, organizing, and on-going evaluation processes.Driving for Results- Sets high standards of performance for self and/or others; assumes responsibility for work objectives; initiates, focuses, and monitors the efforts of self and/or others toward the accomplishment goals; proactively takes action and goes beyond what is required.Building RelationshipsCustomer Relationships- Develops and sustains relationships based on an understanding of customer/stakeholder needs and actions consistent with the company's service standards.Global Mindset- Supports employees and business partners with diverse styles, abilities, motivations, and/or cultural perspectives; utilizes differences to drive innovation, engagement and enhance business results; and ensures employees are given the opportunity to contribute to their full potential.Strategic Partnerships- Develops collaborative relationships with fellow employees and business partners by making them feel valued, appreciated, and included; explores partnership opportunities with other people in and outside the organization; influences and leverages corporate and continental shared services and/or discipline leaders (e.g., HR, Sales & Marketing, Finance, Revenue Management) to achieve objectives; maintains effective external relations with government, business and industry in respective countries; performs effectively as a liaison between locations, disciplines, and corporate to ensure needed resources are received and corporate strategies are understood and executed.Generating Talent and Organizational CapabilityDeveloping Others- Plans and supports the development of others' skills and capabilities so that they can fulfill current or future job/role responsibilities more effectively; provides high visibility to individuals with potential; offers challenging assignments that build confidence and credibility and provides such individuals with a personal vision for their future.Organizational Capability- Evaluates and adapts the structure of assignments and work processes to best fit the needs and/or support the goals of an organizational unit.Learning and Applying Professional ExpertiseBusiness Acumen- Understands and utilizes business information to manage everyday operations and generate innovative solutions to approach business and administrative challenges.Technical Acumen- Understands and utilizes professional skills and knowledge in a specific functional area to conduct and manage everyday business operations and generate innovative solutions to approach function-specific work challenges.Technical Intelligence: knowledge and ability to identify technological opportunities and threats that could affect the future growth and survival of the business.Technology Life Cycle: knowledge of the Life Cycle of technologies and how applications, infrastructure, and processes relate to these timelines.Development Methodologies: knowledge of development methodologies as well as new/upcoming development methodologies.Information Security: knowledge of the security considerations relevant within the development space, including industry best practices related to information securityContinuous Learning- Actively identifies new areas for learning; regularly creates and takes advantage of learning opportunities; uses newly gained knowledge and skill on the job and learns through their application.Strategy Knowledge- Understanding and utilizing professional skills and knowledge in a specific functional area to conduct and manage business operations and generate innovative solutions to approach function-specific strategic work challenges.Basic Competencies- Fundamental competencies required for accomplishing basic work activities.Basic Computer Skills- Uses basic computer hardware and software (e.g., personal computers, word processing software, Internet browsers, etc.).Mathematical Reasoning- Adds, subtracts, multiplies, or divides quickly, correctly, and in a way that allows one to solve work-related issues.Oral Comprehension- Listens to and understands information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.Reading Comprehension- Understands written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.Writing- Communicates effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.California Applicants Only: The salary range for this position is $127,088.00 to $281,923.00 annually.Colorado Applicants Only: The salary range for this position is $127,088.00 to $256,293.00 annually.Hawaii Applicants Only:The salary range for this position is $153,776.00 to $281,923.00 annually.New York Applicants Only:The salary range for this position is $127,088.00 to $281,923.00 annually.Washington Applicants Only:The salary range for this position is $127,088.00 to $281,923.00 annually. In addition to the annual salary, the position will be eligible to receive an annual bonus and restricted stock units/stock grants. Employees will accrue 0.04616 PTO balance for every hour worked and eligible to receive minimum of 7 holidays annually.All locations offer coverage for medical, dental, vision, health care flexible spending account, dependent care flexible spending account, life insurance, disability insurance, accident insurance, adoption expense reimbursements, paid parental leave, educational assistance, 401(k) plan, stock purchase plan, discounts at Marriott properties, commuter benefits, employee assistance plan, and childcare discounts. Benefits are subject to terms and conditions, which may include rules regarding eligibility, enrollment, waiting period, contribution, benefit limits, election changes, benefit exclusions, and others.Marriott HQ is committed to a hybrid work environment that enables associates to Be connected. Headquarters-based positions are considered hybrid, for candidates within a commuting distance to Bethesda, MD; candidates outside of commuting distance to Bethesda, MD will be considered for Remote positions.The application deadline for this position is 17 days after the date of this posting, 5/3/2024.Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.Marriott International is the world's largest hotel company, with more brands, more hotels and more opportunities for associates to grow and succeed.Bewhere you can do your best work,?beginyour purpose,belongto an amazing global? team, andbecomethe best version of you.