Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Alira Health; Lazio; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Alira Health is seeking a Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives to lead the PMO and drive cross-functional, high-impact projects aligned with corporate strategy. You will partner with the COO and executive leadership to translate strategy into actionable programs and oversee governance, process improvements, and portfolio delivery.

Ideal candidate brings 6–7+ years of PM experience, international exposure (US/EU), and a proven ability to lead complex initiatives across multiple offices, with a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Healthcare, Finance, or Life Sciences.
• 6–7+ years PM experience, incl 3+ years leading cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record in large-scale operational projects and initiatives.
• Strong expertise in strategic planning, process optimization, and portfolio management.
• Experience with senior leadership, including COO or C-suite executives.
• Familiarity with international operations (US/EU).

Responsibilities

• Oversee budgets for corporate projects and track KPIs.
• Lead PMO project portfolio across offices and geographies.
• Implement governance frameworks and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate on M&A integrations and strategic alignment.
• Design client governance frameworks and monitor satisfaction.
• Prepare reports and dashboards; present to senior leadership.
• Mentor PMO team and foster a growth-focused culture.
• Drive process optimization and innovative PMO practices.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Portfolio management

Strategic planning

Process optimization

AI tools integration

English proficiency

Italian language

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Lean Six Sigma

PMO governance tools

Job description

Join our global team dedicated to innovation and initiative, where physical walls and different time zones don’t limit, but encourage, collaboration. Where all contributions and new ideas are explored with an open mind and work is driven by our shared values: be courageous, be accountable, be honest, be inclusive and elevate others.

Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives

The Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives in the PMO provides strategic leadership and oversight for Alira Health’s Project Management Office as well as related corporate initiatives. This individual ensures the delivery of high-impact projects and M&A integrations aligned with corporate strategy, while driving operational excellence and process improvement. Working closely with the COO, this position plays a pivotal role in translating strategic goals into actionable operational plans, overseeing the PMO, and driving cross-functional alignment. This role serves as a bridge between the COO and the project teams, contributing to both execution and operational governance. Thus, it requires strong experience in cross‑functional team leadership, project portfolio management, and collaboration with senior leadership. The Senior Manager, PMO is a key player in advancing Alira Health’s operational strategy and delivering transformative projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operations Financial Performance:Support the COO in overseeing operational budgets for corporate projects, ensuring alignment with financial targets and strategic priorities.Track and analyze project‑level financial performance, providing regular updates on cost, resource allocation, and potential risks.Monitor operational KPIs tied to project delivery and PMO effectiveness.
• Strategy Execution and Project Portfolio Management:Collaborate with the COO and senior leadership to break down strategic goals into manageable operational plans.Lead the implementation of large‑scale corporate initiatives within the PMO Project Portfolio, ensuring alignment with Alira Health’s strategic objectives.Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to integrate M&A initiatives and operational improvements into the company’s broader strategy.
• Operations Governance, Process Optimization, and Innovation:Implement and oversee governance frameworks for project execution, ensuring accountability, efficiency, and clear decision‑making processes.Partner with global operational leaders to standardize project management practices across offices.Drive compliance with regulatory requirements and internal governance standards for all corporate projects.
• Client Governance:Assist in designing and implementing client governance frameworks to improve alignment between business operations and client needs.Collaborate with operations teams to monitor and enhance client satisfaction through effective project delivery.
• Stakeholder and Communication Management:Act as a key liaison between the PMO, COO, and other senior leaders, ensuring clarity in communication around strategic goals and project status.Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, and dashboards that provide insights into project performance and operational efficiency.Represent the PMO in leadership meetings, sharing updates and driving actionable discussions.
• Team Management and Development:Provide leadership to PMO team members, mentoring and developing their skills to create a high‑performing team.Foster a feedback‑driven culture that prioritizes accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.Define and oversee the professional development pathways for PMO team members, promoting career growth and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Process Optimization, and Innovation:Lead initiatives to enhance PMO processes and methodologies, leveraging best practices from lean and agile frameworks.Oversee the portfolio of projects managed by the PMO, ensuring they align with Alira Health’s strategic priorities and deliver measurable outcomes.Identify and implement innovative tools and technologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness within the PMO.

DESIRED QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Business, Healthcare, Finance, or Life Sciences.
• 6-7+ years of project management experience, including 3+ years leading cross‑functional project teams in a global environment.
• Proven track record in overseeing large‑scale operational projects and initiatives.
• Strong expertise in strategic planning, process optimization, and portfolio management.
• Experience working directly with senior leadership, including COO or C‑suite executives.
• Familiarity with international operations, particularly in US and EU markets.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCES & SOFT SKILLS

• Technical competencies:Expertise in project portfolio management tools and methodologies.
• Expertise in Process Improvement Methodologies (such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other process improvement frameworks).
• Proficiency in financial performance tracking and operational KPI analysis.
• Advanced understanding of change management principles and governance frameworks.
• Strong capabilities in reporting and performance monitoring systems.
• Advanced proficiency in standard AI tools and experience incorporating AI tools into tasks, projects, and general management workflows. Proven ability to redesign business processes by combining domain expertise, automation, and generative AI technologies, with a focus on reducing manual effort, improving scalability, and increasing the leverage of senior professionals.
• Advanced business English proficiency (written and verbal).
• Additional languages such as Spanish, Italian, or German are a plus
• Soft Skills:Exceptional leadership and team management abilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with an ability to work across functions and geographies.
• Experience working in international teams, preferably between the EU and US.
• Strategic thinking with a focus on execution and results.
• Adaptability and an innovation‑driven mindset with the ability to tackle unstructured challenges.
• High emotional intelligence and mentoring skills, fostering collaboration and accountability
• Adaptability and willingness to learn in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Feedback‑oriented with the ability to develop a growth‑focused team culture based on candid and honest feedback. LanguagesEnglishEducation

LanguagesEnglishEducationBachelor of Science (BS): Business Administration/Management, Bachelor of Science (BS): Finance, Bachelor of Science (BS): Health Administration, Bachelor of Science (BS): Life Sciences

Contract TypeRegularSalary RangeThe final offer will be determined within the applicable location‑specific range and will depend on the candidate’s confirmed work location, relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and role scope.

EUR 40,000-60,000SummaryLocation: Barcelona; Verona; Milan; BolognaType: Full time