Senior Director, Project Management Office, IHFM

Many structural heart patients suffer from heart failure with limited options. Our Implantable Heart Failure Management (IHFM) team is at the forefront of addressing these unmet patient needs through pioneering technology that enables early, targeted therapeutic intervention. Our innovative solutions are not just transforming patient care but also creating a unique and exciting environment for our team members. It’s our driving force to help patients live longer and healthier lives. Join us and be part of our inspiring journey.

The Senior Director of Project and Portfolio Management leads the strategic and operational oversight of all Cordella product-and-platform-related projects within the Edwards Implantable Heart Failure Management (IHFM) organization. This role ensures the effective deployment of project management methodologies across the product lifecycle—from concept through commercialization—while aligning with corporate strategy and regulatory requirements. This role ensures alignment with corporate objectives, regulatory standards, and market needs while optimizing resource allocation, budget utilization, and portfolio value.

How you will make an impact:

• Portfolio Strategy & Governance: Lead the development and execution of the enterprise-wide product portfolio strategy, for the Cordella system including the PAP sensor, implantation components, online Patient Management platforms, at-home monitoring accessories  and apps. Establish governance frameworks for portfolio prioritization, investment decisions, and lifecycle management. Drive portfolio rationalization efforts to ensure alignment with strategic goals and market opportunities.
• Agile & Hybrid Program Management: Champion Agile methodologies for software, firmware, mobile, AI ML, and cloud-based application development. Integrate Agile practices with traditional stage-gate processes to support hybrid development models. Ensure sprint planning, backlog grooming, and iterative delivery align with regulatory and quality standards.
• Budget Management: Own the portfolio-level budget planning and forecasting process. Monitor and report on budget performance across all projects and programs. Partner with Finance to ensure accurate tracking of capital and operational expenditures.
• Resource Planning & Optimization: Lead resource capacity planning across the portfolio to ensure optimal allocation of talent and tools. Identify resource gaps and recommend hiring or outsourcing strategies. Implement tools and processes for real-time visibility into resource utilization.
• Program & Project Execution: Oversee execution of complex programs involving hardware, software, and systems integration. Ensure consistent application of stage-gate processes and design control procedures. Drive schedule management and ensure on-time delivery of milestones and product launches. Manage concurrent development cycles across multiple platforms and technologies.
• Risk Management: Lead proactive risk identification, assessment, and mitigation planning across the portfolio. Facilitate risk reviews and escalation processes to ensure timely resolution. Integrate risk management into stage-gate reviews and executive reporting.
• Verification & Validation (V&V) Oversight: Ensure robust planning and execution of V&V activities across all programs. Collaborate with Quality, Regulatory, and Engineering to align V&V with compliance and product performance requirements. Monitor V&V timelines and resource needs to avoid bottlenecks and delays.
• Manufacturing, Supply-Chain & Clinical Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Product Management to align portfolio execution with market needs and forecasts. Partner with Clinical Development and Medical Affairs to ensure clinical evidence generation is integrated into program plans. Work with Manufacturing and Supply Chain to ensure design for manufacturability, scalability, and supply readiness.
• Innovation & Technology Integration: Partner with Data Science, AI/ML, and Engineering teams to integrate advanced analytics and intelligent features into product roadmaps. Support innovation pipelines and early-stage concept development through structured project intake and evaluation. Foster a culture of experimentation, rapid prototyping, and continuous learning.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D, Regulatory, Clinical, Quality, Manufacturing, and Commercial teams to ensure integrated planning and execution. Facilitate executive-level portfolio reviews and decision-making forums. Serve as a key liaison between project teams and senior leadership.
• Team Leadership & Development:  Build and lead a high-performing team of project and portfolio managers. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Provide coaching, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
• Elevate BU maturity level specifically in the multiples areas of project management (e.g., governance, resource management and project management knowledge)
• Establish and maintain executive stakeholder relationships (e.g., BU leadership team) on expectations, and communications, both internal and external to the organization. Influence executive stakeholders and drive change across the functions and regions in regards to policies and strategies.
• Direct a team of project/program managers with overall responsibility of developing systems, planning, staffing, budgeting, managing expense priorities, recommending and implementing changes to methods through several managers. Develop a robust talent development and succession planning in alignment with functional growth strategies
• Other incidental duties

What you will need (required):

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent in related field
• Master's Degree or equivalent Preferred
• PMP, PfMP, SAFE Certified or equivalent preferred

What else we look for (preferred):

• 15+ years in medical device product development
• 10+ years in project and portfolio leadership
• Proven success in managing complex portfolios and launching regulated products
• Strong leadership skills and ability to influence change
• Demonstrated ability to direct teams and provide coaching and feedback, including responsibility for all employee actions including hire/fire authority and partnering with HR on all aspects of employee relations
• Proven expertise in usage and implementation of project management systems
• Excellent documentation and communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills including negotiating and relationship management skills with ability to drive achievement of objectives
• Deep understanding of medical device regulations and development processes. Experience within a regulated environment
• Deep understanding of Agile, hybrid, and stage-gate methodologies. Familiarity with AI/ML, cloud platforms, and digital health technologies
• Expertise in portfolio management tools and processes
• Strong financial, analytical, and resource planning skills. Ability to lead in a matrixed, global environment
• Expert understanding and knowledge of procedures while looking beyond existing methodologies and own discipline to define and resolve complex problems relevant to developing the strategy on enterprise-wide projects and charting the course of overall programs
• Expert in project and program management, including managing, guiding and mentoring project managers
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent understanding and work experience with project budgets and financial management
• Experience in facilitating change, including collaboration with management and executive stakeholders
• Ability to work with abstract ideas or situation and translate it into concrete plan and specific objectives
• Ability to interact with senior management, and others concerning matters of significance to the company
• Ability to develop relationships and leverage them to influence change
• Adhere to all company rules and requirements (e.g., pandemic protocols, Environmental Health & Safety rules) and take adequate control measures in preventing injuries to themselves and others as well as to the protection of environment and prevention of pollution under their span of influence/control.

Aligning our overall business objectives with performance, we offer competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, and a wide variety of benefits programs to address the diverse individual needs of our employees and their families.

For Illinois (IL), the base pay range for this position is $204,000 to $289,000 (highly experienced).

The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience). Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website.   

Edwards is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

COVID Vaccination Requirement

Edwards is committed to protecting our vulnerable patients and the healthcare providers who are treating them. As such, all patient-facing and in-hospital positions require COVID-19 vaccination. If hired into a covered role, as a condition of employment, you will be required to submit proof that you have been vaccinated for COVID-19, unless you request and are granted a medical or religious accommodation for exemption from the vaccination requirement. This vaccination requirement does not apply in locations where it is prohibited by law to impose vaccination.