Project

Establishing and Leading the Analytics & Data Project Office at First National Bank

Project Performed by our Senior Partner and Head of Project Management Office – Richard Breytenbach – (Part of his portfolio) Richard has a proven track record of building and leading high-performing project management teams and driving the successful delivery of strategic initiatives. A projct where these expertise are displayed is their work within the Analytics and Data division at First National Bank (FNB), where they played a pivotal role in establishing a robust Project Office and directly managing critical data-centric projects.

Establishing a Center of Excellence: The Analytics & Data Project Office

A core responsibility was to continue the establishment and refinement of the Project Office within FNB’s Analytics and Data division. This involved laying down the fundamental principles and best practices for project management, defining efficient workflows, and implementing suitable project management software to streamline operations. By establishing this central hub, our project manager contributed to a more standardized, efficient, and transparent approach to project delivery across the division. This foundation is crucial for ensuring consistent quality and successful outcomes for all data-related initiatives.

Driving Strategic Data Initiatives

Beyond establishing the PMO framework, our project manager directly oversaw the execution of strategic projects that were critical to FNB’s data capabilities. These included:

  • The IDS GL & MIS Project: This likely involved the implementation or significant upgrade of the Integrated Data Store (IDS), General Ledger (GL), and Management Information Systems (MIS). Such a project would be fundamental to enhancing FNB’s ability to capture, process, and report on key financial and operational data, providing crucial insights for strategic decision-making.
  • The DDS (Enterprise Data Warehouse) Project: The management of the Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) project signifies a leadership role in building and maintaining FNB’s central data repository. An EDW is a cornerstone of modern data analytics, enabling the integration of data from various sources to provide a comprehensive view of the business. Leading this project would involve ensuring the scalability, reliability, and accessibility of this critical data asset.

Empowering Project Delivery Through Leadership

A key aspect of this role was the direct management and mentorship of other Project Managers within the Analytics and Data division. This involved providing guidance, support, and oversight to ensure that individual projects were aligned with the overall strategic objectives and were being managed effectively. By fostering a high-performing team of project professionals, our project manager contributed to the overall project delivery capability of the organization.

Building a High-Performing PMO Team

Furthermore, our project manager was responsible for managing the Project Office staff, including all the Project Managers within the division. This encompassed talent development, performance management, and fostering a collaborative and results-oriented team culture. Effective leadership of the PMO team is essential for ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the project management function within the Analytics and Data division.

The work within FNB’s Analytics and Data division highlights our senior project manager’s exceptional leadership skills in establishing and managing a Project Management Office, driving critical strategic data projects, and empowering a team of project professionals. Their contribution has been instrumental in building a strong foundation for FNB’s data-driven initiatives, ultimately supporting better decision-making and enhanced business outcomes.

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