Principal, Project Management

Job Description:

Pricinpal, Project Management

JOB PURPOSE: Under the direction of the Senior Director, EPMO, the Principal, Project Manager is responsible for leading large, complex cross-functional initiatives with significant business impact. This role partners with senior corporate leaders, business stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and external parties to define objectives and expected outcomes, establish the framework for successful execution, drive cross-functional alignment and accountability, proactively manage risks and issues, and oversee delivery from initiation through implementation and closeout. The role ensures initiatives are executed effectively, deliver intended business value, and adhere to EPMO standards and governance practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead multiple, concurrent and varied initiatives from conception through planning, execution, implementation and closeout. Define and manage scope, schedules, resources, project artifacts, governance and implementation plans across business and technology teams.
• Drive successful initiative execution by establishing clear plans, identifying and managing dependencies and critical path activities, proactively addressing resource and capacity constraints, and ensuring milestones and commitments are met.
• Proactively identify and manage risks, issues, assumptions and dependencies, facilitating timely resolution and escalation when needed. Anticipate challenges, challenge assumptions and develop balanced solutions that protect organizational interests, timelines, quality and intended outcomes.
• Drive alignment to business outcomes and value by partnering with Program/Project Leads, Product, Finance and business stakeholders to establish objectives, financial expectations, KPIs, success measures and expected benefits. Monitor performance and proactively surface gaps that may impact value realization.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration across Product, Engineering, Operations and Business teams to support successful delivery and adoption of technology and operational transformations.
• Build trusted partnerships and influence across the organization by establishing credibility, navigating competing priorities, fostering collaboration and accountability, and influencing stakeholders toward alignment and timely decisions that advance project objectives and business outcomes.
• Promote execution excellence and adherence to EPMO standards by applying EPMO governance, project management methodologies and organizational standards appropriately to each initiative. Identify opportunities to improve delivery practices, share lessons learned and contribute to the continuous evolution of EPMO standards, tools and processes.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and lead multiple projects concurrently, while maintaining focus on key deliverables, outcomes and deadlines.
• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic project environment with aggressive deadlines, shifting priorities and ambiguity, using sound judgment to make timely decisions and adapt plans as needed.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction and as part of a cross-functional team. Self-motivated, resourceful, adaptable and accountable for delivering results.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust, influence stakeholders and create alignment across multiple functional areas to drive change and achieve corporate objectives, particularly in environments where direct authority is limited.
• Strong knowledge of Project and Program Management methodologies, with experience working in Agile and Waterfall environments. Knowledge of Product Management practices preferred.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of retail principles, with the ability to connect project execution to business objectives, customer needs and expected outcomes.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex issues, facilitate decisions and negotiate balanced solutions.
• Minimum of 5 years of related Project, Program and/or Product Management experience, including experience leading complex IT and/or business initiatives with cross-functional teams.
• Experience leading projects with significant budgets and/or large, cross-functional teams preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification highly desired.
• Proficiency with project management, collaboration and productivity tools, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, SharePoint, Jira, Visio and/or comparable platforms.

Upbound Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.