SM Energy is seeking a strategic and delivery-oriented BIO Manager of Project Execution to lead enterprise initiatives and ensure successful delivery of cross-functional projects across the organization. This role is responsible for translating strategic priorities into execution, driving alignment across teams, and ensuring initiatives are delivered efficiently, effectively, and with measurable business value. Delivery is achieved through leadership of a team of project and program managers, enabling consistent execution across a portfolio of initiatives while strengthening the team’s capabilities through coaching and mentorship.

Reporting to the Director of the Business Improvement Office (BIO), this role is accountable for project delivery, data governance, AI program execution, and driving change management to support adoption of new processes, systems, and ways of working across the organization. The position partners closely with BIO Strategy Manager to intake and execute inbound initiatives based on executive priorities, ensuring continuity from intake through delivery.

The BIO Manager of Project Execution demonstrates a rare ability strategically connect dots across complex, cross-functional initiatives, coupled with strong business acumen and exceptional communication skills, leveraging a broad organizational network to drive alignment and deliver results.

This role also serves as a people leader, managing a team of project and program managers and fostering a high-performing delivery organization. A significant focus of the role is on coaching, mentorship, and team development, as well as proactively removing roadblocks, enabling decision-making, and empowering the team to navigate ambiguity and deliver results.

Operating at both a strategic and tactical level, this role oversees project execution, facilitates and upholds governance structures, and influences stakeholders across IT, Operations, and leadership to drive enterprise-wide results.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

Lead the BIO Execution vertical, overseeing delivery of enterprise initiatives partnering with IT, Operations, Data, AAET, and Infrastructure
Deliver a portfolio of initiatives through leadership of project and program managers, ensuring alignment, prioritization, and quality execution
Partner with the BIO Strategy & Portfolio Manager to intake, prioritize, and execute initiatives aligned with executive priorities
Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to project and program managers, building a high-performing delivery organization
Work with business stakeholders to build and maintain project governance frameworks, standards, and communication cadence across initiatives
Drive data governance efforts, including defining ownership, improving data quality, and establishing accountability structures
Support execution of AI and data-driven initiatives, ensuring alignment with business priorities and delivery readiness
Lead change management efforts across initiatives, ensuring adoption of new processes, systems, and ways of working to achieve intended business outcomes
Identify and manage cross-project dependencies, risks, and resource constraints across a portfolio of work
Proactively remove roadblocks and resolve issues to maintain delivery momentum
Proactively manage and resolve conflicts across stakeholders, priorities, and teams to maintain alignment and delivery momentum
Facilitate alignment across stakeholders and functions, driving clarity in ambiguous or evolving environments
Translate complex technical and operational initiatives into clear, actionable insights for leadership and project teams
Drive adoption and change management to ensure solutions are effectively implemented and deliver sustained value
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across project teams
Ensure initiatives deliver measurable business outcomes by tracking value realization and holding teams accountable beyond project completion
Support M&A integration and stabilization efforts, ensuring continuity of operations and alignment of systems, processes, and teams
Communicate effectively (written and verbal) across all levels of the organization
Other duties as assigned

General Knowledge and Skills

Key Competencies:

Strategic Thinking
Connects enterprise strategy to execution by aligning initiatives to business priorities and ensuring delivery drives measurable outcomes.
Managing Ambiguity
Brings clarity and structure to complex, evolving environments and enables teams to move forward without complete information.
Program & Execution Leadership
Leads multiple concurrent initiatives through others while maintaining alignment, prioritization, and delivery momentum.
Stakeholder Influence
Builds alignment across technical and business stakeholders, including executive leadership, without direct authority.
People Leadership & Development
Develops and mentors project and program managers, strengthening execution discipline and team capability.
Conflict Management
Effectively navigates conflict across stakeholders, competing priorities, and organizational dynamics, driving resolution while maintaining strong working relationships.
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Makes sound decisions with incomplete information while balancing risk, cost, and organizational priorities.
Business Acumen
Possesses strong understanding of business operations and industry drivers. Uses this knowledge to guide prioritization and maximize value delivered by AI technology initiatives.

Technology and Delivery Knowledge

Strong understanding of enterprise systems, data platforms/architecture, and field applications
Experience delivering initiatives involving:
- System implementations and integrations
- Data governance frameworks
- AI / advanced analytics initiatives Familiarity with tools such as WellView, SiteView, ProCount, and enterprise reporting platforms (e.g., Denodo, Power BI)
Experience operating within Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid delivery models
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, and project management tools (Planner, ADO, SmartSheets, etc.)
Ability to translate technical concepts into business context to drive alignment and adoption

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field required.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is preferred.
Program or portfolio management experience preferred.
Experience or coursework related to data analytics, AI, or machine learning technologies preferred.

Typical Experience

8+ years of experience in project, program, or portfolio management within upstream oil & gas
Proven people leadership experience, including leading and developing high performing teams
Experience leading cross functional initiatives, data governance efforts, and/or M&A integrations preferred

SM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com).

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

BIO Execution Manager