Senior Project Lead, Control Functions Technology

Description and Requirements
Role Value Proposition:
MetLife's Control Functions Technology (CFT) organization is evolving to enable MetLife's New Frontier strategy. We are a global team focused on delivering innovative technology solutions for Risk, Audit, and Compliance functions. Our mission is to create transformative, contemporary solutions that empower leaders and employees to focus on what matters most-our customers.
The Senior Project Lead is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving the successful delivery of complex, cross-functional technology initiatives within Corporate Functions Technology (CFT). This position requires expert management of interdependent workstreams, global alignment, and proactive resolution of technical and operational dependencies to safeguard project integrity and timelines. Reporting directly to the department head, this role oversees strategic prioritization, drives Agile adoption, creates executive-level presentations, and facilitates stakeholder engagement across multiple business units.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional projects ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and objectives.
• Develop and deliver executive-level presentations, strategy decks, and accomplishment reports for senior leadership.
• Create and maintain strategic roadmaps, priorities, and project plans supporting business transformation.
• Manage vendor relationships, conduct quarterly reviews, and oversee spend and contract performance.
• Build and maintain effective communication between IT project teams, management, and external partners.
• Host project meetings, capture/distribute meeting minutes, and maintain project documentation.
• Identify and manage risk indicators across teams, proactively mitigating risks and escalating issues.
• Track and report on project schedules, budgets, and financial health; manage change requests.
• Foster a positive team environment, lead in a matrix organization, and champion collaboration.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in project delivery using best practices and industry standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business, or related field.
• 5-8+ years of experience in IT Project/Program Management within large, complex organizations.
• Executive Communication: Expertise in developing and presenting executive-level materials, including strategy decks and accomplishment reports.
• Strategic Planning: Ability to create and execute strategic roadmaps and priorities for complex initiatives.
• Vendor Management: Proven experience coordinating with vendors and service providers, managing relationships, and overseeing spend and performance.
• Risk Management: Advanced skills in identifying, tracking, and mitigating risk indicators across teams and projects.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives and collaborating across business units.
• Project Management: Strong proficiency in project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder management.
• Team Building: Ability to foster a positive, high-performing team environment and lead in a matrix organization.
• Systems Development Life Cycle: Deep understanding of SDLC and formal project management methodologies.
• Change Management: Expertise in managing change requests and driving organizational transformation.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical skills to address complex challenges and deliver strategic solutions.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Business, Technology, or related discipline.
• PMP, PgMP, or Agile certifications (SAFe, CSM).
• Experience in Risk, Audit, or Compliance technology (GRC tools, regulatory systems).
• Familiarity with ITIL and service management frameworks.
• Financial services or insurance industry experience.

At MetLife, we're leading the global transformation of an industry we've long defined. United in purpose, diverse in perspective, we're dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our customers.
Location Expectation: This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in office.
The expected salary range for this position is $101,300 - $135,000. This role may also be eligible for annual short-term incentive compensation. All incentives and benefits are subject to the applicable plan terms.
Benefits We Offer
Our U.S. benefits address holistic well-being with programs for physical and mental health, financial wellness, and support for families. We offer a comprehensive health plan that includes medical/prescription drug and vision, dental insurance, and no-cost short- and long-term disability. We also provide company-paid life insurance and legal services, a retirement pension funded entirely by MetLife and 401(k) with employer matching, group discounts on voluntary insurance products including auto and home, pet, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance, as well as Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and digital mental health programs, parental leave, volunteer time off, tuition assistance and much more!
About MetLife
Recognized on Fortune magazine's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies", Fortune World's 25 Best Workplaces™, as well as the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®, MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world's leading financial services companies; providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to individual and institutional customers. With operations in more than 40 markets, we hold leading positions in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Our purpose is simple - to help our colleagues, customers, communities, and the world at large create a more confident future. United by purpose and guided by our core values - Win Together, Do the Right Thing, Deliver Impact Over Activity, and Think Ahead - we're inspired to transform the next century in financial services. At MetLife, it's #AllTogetherPossible . Join us!
MetLife is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regards to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status (although applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States), uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law ("protected characteristics").
If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at [email protected]. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application process.
MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.
$101,300 - $135,000
#BI-Hybrid