Michael Gruenes Email & Phone Number

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Exceptional record of achievement in the management and execution of information technology project portfolios and programs specializing in Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software. Strong ability to formulate technology strategies and roadmaps, develop process improvement initiatives, and design and implement enterprise-level systems. Effective at selecting and deploying technology platforms and identifying areas for cost reduction. Excel at building, mentoring, and leading top-performing teams. Experienced at building strong business and IT relationships across the enterprise and driving long term value.

St. Paul, Mn

Promoted to oversee the development and implementation of an organizational structure to provide business technology services to the Controller & Treasury, Corporate Actuarial, Audit, and Tax departments of this $5.1B insurance and financial planning services company. Directed a team of 11 direct and indirect reports responsible for project management, business analysis, software administration, system implementation and improvement, and process optimization relating to the PeopleSoft Financials ERP platform and other applications. Led the creation of best practices and SLAs. Managed relationships with corporate Controller, Treasury, Compliance, Legal, Tax, and Audit departments. Created strategic plans and roadmaps. Evaluated business processes and identified areas for improvement. Led project prioritization and portfolio management processes. Managed RFP/RFQ process.Highlights:• Saved $1.6M in software licensing and maintenance fees by re-negotiating contracts with key vendors.• Created a technology roadmap that expanded the use of PeopleSoft to include Procurement, Accounts Payable, and eProcurement.• Worked cross functionally to spearhead a project to evaluate, select, and procure a software platform to manage regulatory compliance programs across the enterprise.• Oversaw the planning and management of multiple software selection and implementation efforts.• Identified 22 process improvement areas by conducting a comprehensive business process mapping initiative.• Fostered new relationships and expanded the project management and business analysis services to include Corporate Compliance, Medical, and Legal departments.• Led the organizational design effort to merge 2 technology support departments to increase efficiency. Created and delivered presentations to senior management. Partnered with HR, Controller, and Treasury areas.• Managed the evaluation, purchase, and implementation of in-app learning content software for systems training.

St. Paul, Mn

Selected to direct project management for software development initiatives, including the development of a new insurance billing and administration system. Supervised a staff of 9. Responsible for complete project management, business analysis and software testing life cycles. Facilitated the conversion of 394 clients to the new insurance administration system.Enabled $10M in revenue by implementing marketing and administrative changes to support new information privacy requirements and ensure the continuation of marketing programs for 40 clients.Advised product line business units on new products and solutions to meet changing needs and streamline workflow. Developed and implemented IT project governance and portfolio management process.

St. Paul, Mn

Established project management, business analysis and quality assurance roles and services within the Financial Institution Group division and effectively led a team of business analyst and quality assurance associates.Established and managed a project portfolio management processes for tactical and maintenance projects for the Financial Institution Group.Managed key divisional projects.Consulted with business and I.T. management to develop technology solutions to business challenges. Established processes to increase inbound marketing lead volumes by more than 200% and client participation by 150% through data exchange with clients.

St. Paul, Mn

Established a client data exchange function for the Financial Institution Group including new processes and templates.Implemented electronic data exchange relationships with clients in support of new marketing and administration programs.

St. Paul, Mn

Accountable for the effective processing of new insurance applications for the Financial Services Division. Effectively led and directed a team of application entry clerks. Identified, defined and implemented process and system changes to improve turnaround times and quality levels.Key point of contact for regulators and clients.

St. Paul, Mn

Monitored quality and performance standards for internal direct response marketing functions and external printing vendor performance. Developed and implemented procedure and tool improvements.