Senior Project Manager - Business Transformation (OCI)

The Port Authority of NY & NJ; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking a Project Manager to support process improvement across the agency, reporting to the Director of the Office of Continuous Improvement (OCI). You will lead teams on projects that enhance operations, customer experience, and explore AI-enabled innovations.

Responsibilities include shaping a transformation pipeline, applying structured problem-solving, coaching Lean practitioners, and driving value realization with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technology, Business, or related field.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent is required.
• Two years of experience applying continuous improvement methodologies.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in business, operations, or project management.

Responsibilities

• Partner with department leaders to shape and maintain a prioritized transformation pipeline.
• Lead cross-functional project teams using DMAIC, root cause analysis, Gemba and design thinking.
• Coach teams in Lean and continuous improvement to reduce waste and improve performance.
• Identify and drive AI, automation, and emerging technology opportunities to improve processes.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and document current and future state solutions.
• Establish, track, analyze, and report on initiative performance, risks, and value realization.
• Support implementation and change adoption by engaging stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Lean Six Sigma certification

Job description

About the Role

OCI is responsible for implementing the agency’s continuous improvement framework and methodology to transform business processes, enhance customer experience, and foster innovation. Reporting to the Director of the Office of Continuous Improvement (OCI), the Project Manager, will support process improvement and transformation initiatives across the agency. This individual will lead and coach teams on projects that enhance business operations, strengthen customer experience, and explore opportunities to apply emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

Responsibilities

• Partner with department leaders to shape and maintain a prioritized pipeline of transformation initiatives aligned to strategic objectives and business priorities
• Lead and support cross-functional project teams in delivering transformation initiatives by applying structured problem-solving techniques such DMAIC, root cause analysis, Gemba and design thinking.
• Coach project teams in applying Lean and continuous improvement methodologies to simplify processes, eliminate waste and improve performance.
• Identify and drive opportunities to apply AI, automation and emerging technologies to improve business processes
• Facilitate Kaizen events and process improvement workshops to document current state and design future state solutions.
• Establish, track, analyze, and report on initiative performance, including key metrics, risks, and value realization.
• Support implementation and change adoption by engaging stakeholders and championing new ways of working.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Engineering, Technology, Business, or a related field
• Certification (Lean/Six Sigma Master Black Belt/Black Belt/ Green Belt) or equivalent required.
• Two(2)years of experience applying continuous improvement methodologies.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in business, operations, project/program management, or related fields within complex organizations.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Experience supporting enterprise-wide transformation or strategic initiatives.
• Experience in automation or AI-related projects is a plus.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to support multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to diverse stakeholders.

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation, Benefits & On-Site Collaboration Requirements:

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

Minimum: $106,392 Midpoint: $138,297 Maximum: $170,222

In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business, and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required on business needs.