Managing Director, Strategic Projects & Initiatives (AZ Based)

Job Summary:

This high-level strategic role collaborates closely with the Chief Financial Officer, President & CEO, and Executive Committee to align and oversee the company’s strategic priorities. The Managing Director serves as the leader of the Project Management Office (“PMO”), ensuring that global initiatives are strategically aligned and effectively executed, while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement across the organization. This role operates both strategically and tactically, and presents recommendations to senior leaders and key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Oversee PMO assigned initiatives to ensure that global projects align with the company’s strategic goals and priorities.
• Lead the development of a project portfolio management process, including prioritization and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure organizational alignment and commitment to project objectives.
• Foster a culture of strategic thinking, performance, and continuous improvement (e.g., efficiencies, process improvement and artificial intelligence).

Executive Collaboration and Reporting

• Act as a strategic advisor to the President and Executive Committee, providing updates and insights on the project portfolio.
• Operate the PMO to deliver global strategic projects that meet objectives within set timelines and budgets.
• Present progress, risks, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure that global initiatives are driven by data and aligned with the company's overall mission.

Organizational Oversight

• Provide guidance and direction to project teams and associated personnel.
• Establish metrics and KPIs to measure the success and impact of strategic initiatives.
• Lead cross-departmental collaboration and ensure clarity of communication and expectations across all stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of leadership experience in corporate strategy, with a strong background in managing large-scale global initiatives.
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.  Six-Sigma a plus.
• Experience in the hospitality industry or working within globally distributed organizational structures.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organization.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Alignment
• Leadership and Team Development
• Executive Communication
• Change Management

Work Environment/Other:

• This role requires office-based work with occasional travel for meetings and stakeholder engagement.
• You must reside in AZ and be able to work out of our Headquarters office three days per week.  HQ is located at: 6201 North 24th Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85016.
• This job does not offer immigration sponsorship.

#LI-TF1

Benefits Summary for Full Time Employees (work 30 + hours per week)

Available Day One:

•    Medical/Dental/Vision

•    Vacation/Sick/Floating Holidays - accruals start

•    401K – company match and direct contribution

•    Employee discounts/Hotel discounts

•    Financial and health wellness programs

Equal Employment Opportunity

Best Western International, Inc. (the “Company”) maintains a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard race (including hair textures and hair styles associated with race), color or pigmentation, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, caste, age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, LGBTQ+ individuals, height, or weight, pregnancy status, childbirth, or related medical conditions, genetic information, uniformed service or veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, provincial, or local laws. The Company’s equal employment opportunity policy applies to all aspects of employment with the Company, including but not limited to, hiring, promotion, transfer, benefits, discipline and termination.

If you have concerns about improper conduct related to equal employment opportunity, please report your concerns immediately to your supervisor, a member of the Human Resources Department, or a member of the Executive Team. The Company will investigate all reports of improper conduct and will take appropriate action. No adverse action will be taken against anyone who, in good faith, reports such conduct, and employees, therefore, can and should raise concerns without fear of retaliation.