Business Relationship Manager

Northeastern University; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University in Boston seeks a Business Relationship Manager to align IT solutions with campus objectives, bridging business units and technology providers, delivering value. The BRM will lead strategic relationships, advise on technology strategy, promote business value, and collaborate with product/service managers to translate needs into solutions.

The role is hybrid, with in-office presence three days a week to enable collaboration; occasional after-hours availability may be

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS, MIS, or related field.
• 6–8 years of project and relationship management experience.
• Ability to align IT services with business needs.
• Strong analytical and creative thinking.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Leadership and mentorship capabilities.
• Knowledge of risk management, architecture, and testing.
• Understanding of product management concepts.

Responsibilities

• Strategic relationship building with business partners to align objectives with IT.
• Advisory role in technology strategy to shape offerings.
• Promote business value within the IT community.
• Collaborate with product/service managers to translate needs into plans.

Skills

Strategic relationship building

Technology strategy advisory

Stakeholder management

Effective communication

Leadership and mentorship

Product management understanding

Adaptability and flexibility

Negotiation and influence

Crisis management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, management information systems, or related field

Job description

The Business Relationship Manager (BRM) serves as a pivotal partner and advisor to business units, focusing on aligning IT solutions with the university's strategic objectives to deliver maximum value, bridging the gap between business partners and technology solution providers, to ensure IT initiatives are closely aligned with business strategies.

The role requires flexibility in performing duties outside of the primary responsibilities to support evolving business needs. The ideal candidate must be adaptable and willing to take on additional tasks or projects as required, ensuring smooth operations across the organization. This may include stepping in to assist with cross-functional teams, handling unexpected challenges, or contributing to initiatives that support business growth and success. A proactive mindset and the ability to pivot quickly are essential for thriving in this dynamic environment.

The role is hybrid and in the office a minimum of three days a week to facilitate collaboration and teamwork. In-office presence is an essential part of our on-campus culture and allows for engaging directly with staff and students, sharing ideas, and contributing to a dynamic work environment. Being on-site allows for stronger connections, more effective problem-solving, and enhanced team synergy, all of which are key to achieving our collective goals and driving success.

Occasional availability outside of traditional working hours is required to address urgent business needs as they arise, including, but not limited to, responding to security incidents, supporting software deployments, resolving software issues or system breaks, and addressing other critical operational requirements. The ideal candidate must be proactive and adaptable, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations by promptly addressing any issues, regardless of time or day. Flexibility and a strong sense of urgency are essential for success in this position.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University is unable to work sponsor for this role, now or in the future.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and skills required for this position are normally obtained through a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, management information systems, or a related field and six to eight years of project and relationship management-related experience focusing on strategic business engagement, preferred.

Additional skills and experience:

• Analytical and Creative Thinking: Strong analytical skills to critically evaluate information and contribute innovative ideas that add business value and enhance solution creation.
• Stakeholder Management and Conflict Resolution: Ability to manage stakeholder expectations, resolve conflicts, and influence decision-making processes to align IT services with business needs.
• Effective Communication: Excellent communication skills to articulate IT capabilities and solutions to business constituents, ensuring they understand available services and self-service options.
• Broad Business and IT Perspective: A comprehensive understanding of both business and IT landscapes, with the ability to bridge the gap and ensure alignment between the two.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Strong leadership skills to guide and mentor a team of BRMs, fostering a collaborative and strategic approach to relationship management.
• Technical Knowledge and Orchestration: Familiarity with technical areas such as risk management, architecture, and testing, with the ability to orchestrate the delivery of this knowledge to business areas.
• Product Management Understanding: Knowledge of product management concepts and the ability to collaborate effectively with product/service managers to align solutions with business needs.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: A flexible and adaptive style to navigate diverse organizational environments and evolving business needs, ensuring the delivery of optimal value.
• Negotiation and Influence: Strong negotiation skills to influence stakeholders and secure necessary resources and support for IT initiatives.
• Emotional Intelligence: High emotional intelligence to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and build strong, trusting relationships with business partners.
• Strategic Visioning: Ability to develop and communicate a clear strategic vision that aligns IT initiatives with long-term business goals.
• Project Management Expertise: Advanced project management skills to oversee complex IT projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Cultural Awareness: Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work effectively in diverse, global environments.
• Innovation and Creativity: A strong inclination towards innovation, encouraging the exploration of new technologies and approaches to solve business challenges.
• Crisis Management: Ability to manage and resolve crises effectively, maintaining business continuity and minimizing impact on operations.
• Networking and Relationship Building: Proficiency in building and maintaining a network of contacts within the industry to stay informed about trends and opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1) Strategic Relationship Building, 40%

Develop and nurture strong, strategic relationships with business partners to develop comprehensive understanding of and help define objectives, strategies, and challenges. Serve as a trusted advisor and liaison between business units and IT.

2) Advisory Role in Technology Strategy, 30%

Provide strategic advice to business partners on technology trends and opportunities, helping shape their technology strategy and ensuring alignment with IT service offerings and capabilities.

3) Promotion of Business Value, 15%

Advocate for business projects and their value within the IT community, ensuring that IT leaders understand the strategic importance of these initiatives.

4) Collaboration with Product/Service Managers, 15%

Work closely with product/service managers to provide insights into business needs, enabling them to prioritize and develop plans for solutions that align with business strategies.