Head of PMO, Transformation Office

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.

Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.

With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Lead enterprise-scale transformation. Shape the future of Wealth Management and Northern Trust.

The Transformation Office is responsible for driving enterprise-wide strategic transformation across Northern Trust, partnering with senior leaders to translate strategy into measurable, sustained business outcomes. With a significant focus on transforming Wealth Management, the team leads complex initiatives across strategy, operating model design, data and AI, technology, and change management to reimagine how we serve clients, empower employees, and drive growth. Through a combination of strategic execution, innovation, and disciplined delivery, the Transformation Office builds the capabilities, frameworks, and solutions that enable lasting impact across Wealth Management and the broader enterprise.

Build the capability. Enable the transformation.

Join the Transformation Office at an exciting stage of growth and help build a high-performing function focused on delivering enterprise-wide transformation. Reporting to the Head of Transformation Enablement, the Head of PMO will be responsible for establishing and leading the program management capability that drives the successful execution of strategic transformation initiatives across the organization.

This role will serve as the central leader for transformation governance, execution oversight, portfolio management, and delivery excellence. Working closely with executive leadership, the Head of PMO will ensure strategic priorities are translated into actionable plans, managed through rigorous governance, and delivered with measurable business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Transformation Delivery

• Partner with the Chief Transformation Officer and senior business leaders to execute the enterprise transformation agenda.
• Translate strategic objectives into integrated transformation plans, roadmaps, milestones, and measurable success metrics.
• Provide oversight and direction for a portfolio of complex, cross-functional transformation initiatives spanning business, operations, technology, data, and change management.
• Ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned to intended business outcomes.

PMO Leadership & Governance

• Build, lead, and continuously enhance the PMO function within the Transformation Office.
• Establish enterprise program management standards, methodologies, tools, and reporting frameworks.
• Implement governance processes that provide transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making.
• Oversee portfolio prioritization, resource allocation, dependency management, risk management, and escalation processes.
• Ensure robust performance tracking, benefits realization, and ROI measurement across all transformation initiatives.

Delivery Excellence

• Drive disciplined program and portfolio management practices across the transformation portfolio.
• Develop repeatable frameworks, templates, and best practices that enable consistent execution and scalability.
• Monitor program performance and proactively address risks, issues, and delivery challenges.
• Promote a culture of accountability, execution excellence, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with executive sponsors, business leaders, and functional stakeholders across the enterprise.
• Provide regular executive-level reporting on portfolio status, risks, financial performance, and business outcomes.
• Influence and align stakeholders around transformation priorities and strategic objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on program execution, governance, and delivery strategy.

Innovation & Capability Building

• Drive adoption of data, analytics, automation, and AI-enabled solutions to enhance program delivery, decision-making, and business outcomes.
• Develop organizational capabilities in program management and transformation execution.
• Foster collaboration across teams to create sustainable, enterprise-wide ways of working.

Experience & Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience leading enterprise PMOs, strategic programs, transformation offices, or large-scale change initiatives.
• Proven track record delivering complex, enterprise-wide transformation programs with measurable business results.
• Deep expertise in portfolio management, governance, program delivery, and organizational change.
• Experience leading teams of program and project management professionals.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Experience in complex, highly regulated organizations, preferably within financial services.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and strategic planning skills.
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Success Measures

• Successful delivery of enterprise transformation initiatives and strategic objectives.
• Establishment of a best-in-class PMO capability and governance framework.
• Achievement of target business outcomes, benefits realization, and return on investment.
• Increased transparency, accountability, and execution discipline across the transformation portfolio.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and adoption of transformation initiatives.

This role is ideal for an experienced PMO executive who combines strategic thinking, operational rigor, and leadership excellence to ensure the Transformation Office delivers meaningful and lasting business impact.

Salary Range:

$171,700 - 300,500 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).

Working with Us

As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.

Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com, or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.