Project Director - Presales Practice

The Project Management function within Orange Business is undergoing a major transformation. As a Presales Practice Specialist, you'll lead the transformation of our presales project management process, ensuring efficient tracking of presales activities, delivery of high-quality RFP responses, and rapid project initiation upon winning new business. This role is central to developing a streamlined end-to-end Customer Solution Project Management Process, supported by ServiceNow SPM (Strategic Portfolio Management).

Your Mission:

• Lead an assessment of the current 'As-Is' ways of working.
• Drive continuous improvement in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Own the presales phase of the process.
• Manage Request for Proposal (RFP) procedures.
• Oversee tooling for the presales process, utilizing ServiceNow SPM Demand Management.
• Matrix-manage a team of PM presales specialists.
• Coach specialists and ensure quality control of RFP responses.
• Participate in customer solution presentations when appropriate.
• Collect pain points and implement improvements across processes, procedures, tooling, and teaming.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process Ownership: Act as the Process Owner for the presales phase of the Customer Solution Project Management process, defining governance and metrics, identifying pain points, and driving continuous improvement.
• RFP Procedures: Establish clear procedures and templates for high-quality RFP responses, ensuring consistency (e.g., labor sizing) while allowing for customer tailoring.
• ServiceNow SPM Tooling Management: Specify features for the presales element of ServiceNow SPM (Demand Management). This includes enabling collaborative bid preparation and approval, forecasting resource requirements, and facilitating rapid project initiation (converting SPM Demand to SPM Project). You'll also be responsible for testing new features and training users.
• Presales Specialist Matrix Management: Propose, validate, and build an effective team (including structure and governance) of Project Management presales specialists based in and reporting functionally to zone regions/centers.
• Coaching / Quality Control: Coach presales specialists on bid responses, ensure quality control before customer presentations, and provide technical expertise on project management methodologies and tools during the presales process.
• Customer Solution Presentations: Support the bid team in preparing and delivering compelling presentations and demonstrations of project management capabilities and tailored solutions.
• Customer Engagement: Build and maintain strong customer relationships, understanding their needs and pain points, and effectively negotiating project terms and deliverables.
• Collaboration with Sales Teams: Work closely with sales teams to develop strategies for winning and expanding business, aligning project management efforts with overall business objectives.
• Market Research: Conduct market research to identify trends, customer needs, and the competitive landscape to inform presales strategies and enhance proposal quality.
• Feedback Loop: Gather stakeholder feedback to identify areas for improvement in project management practices and presales processes, implementing best practices for future project delivery.
• Performance Metrics: Track and analyze presales process performance metrics to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

About You:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in business, Project Management, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) are preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years in project management, presales, or a related role, with a proven track record of successful project delivery and customer engagement.
• Project Management Expertise: Strong understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and tools, with a preference for experience in presales environments.
• RFP Proficiency: Proven experience in RFP response creation and management, with a focus on developing winning proposals.
• Process Improvement: Experience in defining and continuously improving processes.
• Tool Familiarity: Familiarity with ServiceNow SPM and other presales tools; proficiency in project management software (e.g., Jira, MS Project) is advantageous.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Negotiation Skills: Proven negotiation skills with the ability to manage customer expectations effectively.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess project efforts and resource allocation.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Additional Information:

• Global Opportunities: Work in multi-national teams with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and customers worldwide.
• Flexible Work Environment: Flexible working hours and hybrid work options (combining office and home).
• Professional Development: Access to training programs and upskilling/reskilling opportunities.
• Career Growth: Internal growth and mobility opportunities within Orange.
• Caring and Daring Culture: Benefit from health and well-being programs, diversity & inclusion initiatives, CSR, and employee connect events.
• Reward Programs: Participate in the Employee Referral Program and Change Maker Awards.