IT Project Manager III - Technology Governance Office (TGO)

Aquent is partnering with a leading global enterprise renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence in manufacturing. This organization is at the forefront of its industry, consistently pushing boundaries to deliver high-quality solutions and maintain its competitive edge. They are seeking visionary talent to join their dynamic team and contribute to their ongoing success.

The Project Manager for the Technology Governance Office (TGO) is a unique position which integrates vendor governance, delivery excellence, and business partnering to achieve reliable operations, predictable outcomes, and continuous improvement.

This position spans three primary areas of accountability:

1. Service Governance Manager for the Managed Service Provider (MSP)

Manage the governance model, business reviews, and performance management for Kohler's MSP partnership.

2. Business Solutions Manager (BSM) for Infrastructure & Operations (I&O)

Manage the I&O portfolio, and guide investment and value realization.

3. Project Manager for CrossFunctional Strategic Initiatives

Deliver key initiatives across Digital towers and business units through endtoend project leadership.

Key Responsibilities & Outcomes

Service Governance Manager - MSP

Manage the MSP partnership to ensure alignment with organizational goals, strong performance management, and clear accountability.

* Design, operate, and continuously improve a multi tiered governance model (Executive, Management, Operational).

* Oversee performance management across SLA/SLO scorecards, ensuring timely reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.

* Establish and manage experience level agreements (XLAs)

* Facilitate improvements and updates of operational handbooks with clear decision rights, escalation paths, and communication channels to reinforce trust and predictability.

* Build and manage an innovation and continuous improvement backlog with quantified value, and track and communicate benefits.

* Partner with Procurement, Legal, and Finance on SOWs, contract obligations, and compliance with governance standards.

Business Solutions Manager (BSM), I&O

Serve as the strategic business partner for the I&O tower, helping to shape demand and maintain a balanced, value driven portfolio.

* Develop and maintain capability roadmaps. Guide prioritization, sequencing, and investment readiness (business cases, resourcing, deployment approach).

* Lead recurring portfolio reviews, connecting outcomes, costs, KPIs, and realized benefits.

* Drive cross tower integration, adherence to standards, and collaboration with the PMO and delivery teams.

* Act as the Directly Responsible Individual (DRI) for minor enhancements. Evaluate incoming ideas, approve, and prioritize the backlog.

Cross Functional Project Management

Execute various strategic initiatives as assigned, providing leadership and direction to ensure successful execution and alignment with organizational objectives.

* Lead cross functional, multi tower projects from intake through closure using fit for purpose delivery methods (IPEC, Agile, Hybrid).

* Coordinate resources across Digital towers and business partners. Manage integrated schedules, critical paths, decision points, RAID logs, and escalations.

* Facilitate structured transitions to operations, including readiness checks, support models, and knowledge transfer.

* Provide clear, timely status updates and executive level communications on actions, decisions, risks, and progress.

Relationships & Contacts

* Reports to Sr Manager - IT, Technology Governance Office

* Key Partnerships:

o VP - IT Infrastructure, DevSecOps & Cloud

o Managed Service Provider leadership

o I&O managers and associates

o Digital Leadership Team

o IT leadership and associates across all levels

Qualifications & Experience

Required

* 8-10 + years of related experience

* Excellent verbal and written communication skills across all organizational levels.

* Ability to seek, accept, and incorporate feedback to drive improvement.

* Self starter comfortable in a fast paced, evolving environment.

* Strong analytical, problem solving, and prioritization skills.

* Skilled in influencing, conflict resolution, and cross functional collaboration.

* Proven experience leading cross functional IT projects using Agile, Hybrid, and Waterfall methodologies.

* Demonstrated experience in vendor governance.

* Portfolio/BSM experience connecting roadmaps, investments, and business value.

* Executive level storytelling and presentation skills and Strong personal accountability and ownership.

* Tool proficiency: Planview, ServiceNOW (Project Management), advanced Excel and PowerPoint

Preferred

* Background in Infrastructure & Operations domains (networks, compute, platform, digital workplace).

* Experience in multi-provider or MSP environments.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a HYBRID opportunity in Kohler, WI, requiring working 4 days / week onsite and 1 day remote

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