Morgan Stanley

Executive Director, Technology Strategy, Governance, and Optimization

Morgan Stanley$195K — $275K *
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in technology strategy or governance within a large enterprise
  • Strong influence with senior executives and capability to navigate complex stakeholder environments
  • Solid understanding of finance, software lifecycle, and workforce planning processes
  • Ability to distill large volumes of information into strategic recommendations
  • Exceptional communication skills, aimed at diverse audiences including executives and technical teams
  • Proven analytical skills translating data into actionable insights
  • Record of leading high-priority initiatives while balancing strategic goals.

Responsibilities

  • Lead strategic governance and optimization efforts across Technology with business alignment
  • Own and develop AI Consumption Governance and Tech Analytics Platforms
  • Create executive narratives and update materials for senior leadership forums
  • Identify and rectify structural inefficiencies to enhance governance and accountability
  • Collaborate with Finance to ensure robust governance of technology investments
  • Streamline software and vendor management practices for efficiency
  • Drive SDLC and AI initiatives by defining performance metrics and evaluating benefits
  • Translate complex data into recommendations for executive action.

Benefits

  • Collaborative environment that fosters innovation and strategic thinking
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Engagement with leadership across multiple functions to influence key decisions
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools to enhance processes
  • Involvement in high-impact transformation projects that shape the organization.
Full Job Description

This role provides senior leadership across Technology strategy, governance, and optimization initiatives, with accountability for shaping enterprise priorities, influencing executive decision-making, and driving measurable business outcomes. The position leads complex, cross-functional efforts spanning cost and investment optimization, tracking and transparency; portfolio, software and vendor governance; and executive reporting. The role sets broader strategic direction, sponsors enterprise-wide change translating ambiguity into actionable plans and serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on transformation, governance, and investment decisions.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead enterprise-level strategy and governance initiatives across Technology, including cost allocation, software onboarding, vendor governance, modernization, and workforce strategy, with clear alignment to business and control objectives.

  • Build/Product Ownership of AI Consumption Governance and Tech Analytics Platforms

  • Shape senior executive narratives, business cases, governance updates, dashboards, and decision materials for leadership forums such as Tech COO, OpCo, and related steering committees.

  • Drive transformation by identifying structural inefficiencies, clarifying ownership and decision rights, and designing target-state operating and governance models that improve transparency, accountability, and execution.

  • Partner with senior Technology and Finance stakeholders to strengthen the rigor, traceability, and governance of technology costs, productivity measurement, and investment prioritization and transparency.

  • Optimize software and vendor spend and governance practices by evaluating processes and identifying and executing opportunities to drive efficiencies.

  • Enable SDLC optimization and AI/Automation initiatives by defining measurement frameworks, evaluating strategic benefits, and communicating implications to senior stakeholders.

  • Translate complex qualitative and quantitative information into practical recommendations that inform executive action, prioritization, and resource deployment.

Required Capabilities

  • Significant experience in technology strategy, COO, finance, risk, governance, or business management roles within a complex enterprise environment.

  • Demonstrated ability to operate credibly with senior executives and influence decisions across complex, matrixed stakeholder groups.

  • Strong understanding of technology practices, governance, financial management, workforce planning, software lifecycle processes, and enterprise operating models.

  • Ability to synthesize large volumes of qualitative and quantitative information into structured recommendations, executive-ready communications, and strategic choices.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to frame messages for senior leadership, technical teams, and control functions.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience translating data into business insight and action.

  • Proven ability to lead multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously while maintaining strategic perspective and execution discipline.

  • Demonstrated ability to enterprise influence, strategic sponsorship of transformation agendas, and a track record of shaping direction, governance, and investment choices at scale.

Key Stakeholder Relationships
This role works closely with Technology COO leadership, Divisional Technology teams, Finance partners, risk and control functions, procurement and supplier management teams and HR stakeholders. Success in the role depends on the ability to build credibility across functions, connect strategic priorities to measurable outcomes, and drive alignment on complex, cross-organizational topics.

Ideal Profile
The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and executive communication skills with a strong understanding of how technology, finance, governance, and organizational priorities intersect. Success requires the ability to shape strategic direction, independent leadership, strong judgment, and the ability to move complex initiatives from ambiguity to execution. 

About Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley Investment Management are active managers of capital, working to outperform the market and deliver results for their clients. Morgan Stanley Investment Management's long-tenured professionals apply their experience and expertise across public and private markets, in single-sector, multi-asset and custom solutions.

Morgan Stanley Careers

Joining Morgan Stanley today means becoming part of a global team dedicated to strengthening communities, pioneering innovation, and fostering diversity. As a leading global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley offers unparalleled job opportunities, career growth, and a culture of leadership that together create an exceptional employment experience. Work You’ll Do At Morgan Stanley, you will collaborate with knowledgeable professionals to drive innovation and deliver solutions in financial services. Our team is composed of diverse, talented individuals who bring their unique skills and perspectives to work every day, setting the standard for leadership in the global market. Morgan Stanley is not just a company; it's a place where ambitious, creative, and skilled individuals can build a rewarding career. Here, you can experience the benefits of a vibrant culture dedicated to professional growth and diversity training. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with Morgan Stanley’s internship programs. These positions offer invaluable industry insights and professional experience to students and recent graduates. Interns at Morgan Stanley gain hands-on experience, working alongside seasoned experts in a dynamic, supportive environment. Innovation and Professional Growth We believe in the power of innovation to solve complex problems and encourage our team to think differently and act boldly. Morgan Stanley supports your career development through comprehensive training, development programs, and leadership workshops, ensuring that every employee has the tools they need to succeed. Join Our Team Explore the various job opportunities at Morgan Stanley, from entry-level positions to executive roles. We are hiring individuals who are passionate about finance and eager to contribute to a team that values integrity, excellence, and a forward-thinking mindset. Enhance your skills through our networking events, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing professional development. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest from Morgan Stanley Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Tailor your preferences to receive updates about new postings, career tips, and exclusive insights from our team leaders. Apply Now Ready to take the next step in your career? Search open positions that match your skills and interests on the Morgan Stanley Jobs portal. Prepare your resume, refine your interview techniques, and join a company that values innovation and leadership. At Morgan Stanley, we’re not just building careers—we’re developing leaders. Discover how far your talents can take you by joining our team today.
Learn more about Morgan Stanley
Size
77,000 employees
Market Cap
$144.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$10.9 billion
Founded
1935
5 Year Trend
+10%
Revenue
$52 billion
NASDAQ

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