Job Description
On behalf of our public sector client, Affinity is seeking a Senior TMO Practices Lead to lead end-to-end improvements to its project management services, combining PMI-based delivery with SAFe and Lean Portfolio Management practices. This consultant will modernize governance, embed responsible AI into TMO processes, and drive approved improvements from problem definition through adoption, capability transfer, and measurable results.
Responsibilities
Lead the end to end delivery of approved improvements
Direct the TMO Analysts and the Senior IT Resource and Development Specialist through each improvement, from problem to adoption:
▪ Understand the problem, current state and pain points across Project and Program Managers, Portfolio Directors, Finance, Procurement, Resourcing, Business Sponsors and project teams.
▪ Define the solution and propose the target process or operating model for the Manager's approval.
▪ Support the definition and implementation of the TMO roadmap.
▪ Create or update the artifacts that make it work templates, procedures, guidance, RACI, controls and dashboards.
▪ Validate with project teams and sponsors, and run the proofs of concept or pilots required.
▪ Train the TMO team and Project Managers, and embed the change in the project lifecycle and governance gates.
▪ Hand over a documented, repeatable process to the TMO team, and track adoption and results after go live.
- Use AI to accelerate delivery and make TMO processes more expedient
▪ The Lead is responsible for delivering each improvement faster and for building AI into the way the TMO operates. To do this, the Lead will understand the tools available at BC Ferries (Microsoft 365, Copilot, SharePoint, Power BI, Power Automate and PPM tooling) and integrate them with approved AI to accelerate analysis, drafting and refinement of processes, templates, training material and reporting. The Lead will also identify where AI can be embedded in TMO processes to make them more expedient, such as automated status summaries, RAID consolidation or first draft reporting, in compliance with BC Ferries data, privacy and security policies.
- Support the TMO strategy and operating model
▪ Bring SAFe and Lean Portfolio Management expertise to the design of a hybrid governance model where stage gate controls for capital projects coexist with lean portfolio practices for platform and product work.
▪ Join working sessions led by the Manager with internal stakeholders and external advisors, and turn assessment findings into roadmap options and recommendations for the Manager's decision.
- Drive the approved TMO roadmap
▪ Structure the workstreams assigned by the Manager into a sequenced backlog with milestones, owners and success measures.
▪ Drive execution, track risks and dependencies, and escalate decisions to the Manager, Transformation Office.
▪ Coach Project Coordinators and TMO Analysts on the new methods, tools and standards so the capability stays in the team after the engagement ends.
Deliverables
▪ Implemented and documented process improvements, each with target process, artifacts, RACI, training material and adoption tracking.
▪ Pilot results and adoption reports for each improvement, with recommendations for the Manager.
▪ Inventory of AI use cases applied and embedded in TMO processes, with guidance for the team.
▪ Input to the TMO operating model and hybrid governance design (PMI and SAFe), as requested by the Manager.
▪ Roadmap workstream backlog and delivery plan, with monthly progress reporting.
▪ Knowledge transfer plan and handover package at the end of the term.
Required Experience
▪ 7 or more years in project, program or portfolio delivery roles, including at least 5 years in a PMO, TMO or Portfolio Office in a lead capacity.
▪ Demonstrated experience improving or maturing Project Management processes end to end: problem definition, process and artifact design, validation, pilot, training, embedding and adoption tracking.
▪ Hands on experience working within a SAFe environment, ideally including Lean Portfolio Management practices such as portfolio kanban, epic funding and PI planning.
▪ Experience in a hybrid environment where traditional stage gate delivery and agile delivery coexist, and in reconciling the two in governance and reporting.
▪ Experience with project financial processes: budget, forecast, actuals, variance analysis and labour cost allocation.
▪ Practical experience using AI tools to support and accelerate the production of project documentation, analysis and reporting.
▪ Experience in large, complex or regulated organizations (transportation, utilities, public sector, IT or financial services or similar) is an asset.
Required Technical Skills And/or Qualifications
▪ Bachelor's degree or diploma in Business, Information Systems or a related field.
▪ PMP or equivalent project management certification.
▪ SAFe certification: SAFe Agilist (SA), SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) or SAFe Lean Portfolio Management (LPM).
▪ Strong command of PMI standards and SAFe Lean Portfolio Management, and the judgment to know when each applies.
▪ Process design and documentation: process mapping, RACI, procedures, templates and control frameworks.
▪ Portfolio reporting and analytics: KPI definition, dashboard design and data models for project health and financials.
▪ Proficiency with Microsoft 365 including SharePoint Lists, Power BI, Power Automate, Excel (advanced) and Teams.
▪ Proficiency with generative AI tools (Microsoft Copilot or equivalent), including prompt design and responsible use of AI for business documentation is an asset.
▪ Familiarity with PPM and agile tooling such as Jira, Planview or Microsoft Project.
Soft Skills
▪ Proven ability to take a problem, shape it into a solution and drive it to adoption with minimal direction.
▪ Proven ability to lead cross functional process improvements in complex organizations with multiple stakeholders and shifting priorities.
▪ Excellent organizational, communication and stakeholder management skills.
▪ Experience working with or in support of Directors and Executive sponsors.
▪ Ability to influence and secure agreement across Finance, Procurement, Project Managers and sponsors without formal authority.
▪ Pragmatic and proportional: applies just enough process for the size and risk of the work.
▪ Coaching mindset: builds capability in the team rather than doing the work alone.
▪ Service orientation: measures success by adoption and outcomes, not by documents produced.
Affinity Earn
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About Affinity
Affinity Group is a technology and business consulting and services company. We believe in creating long term relationships between clients and consultants that foster a mutually beneficial partnership. Affinity is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.
For more information on Affinity, please visit www.affinity-group.ca
Job Number: 13957
