Description

JOB SUMMARY: Project Manager III is accountable for driving and delivering projects working independently and applying advanced project management knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques. Projects are large, complex, and potentially significant risk and may involve directing other assigned Project Managers. Project Manager III manages all aspects of the development and implementation of assigned projects from original concept through final implementation and post-project assessment. Is accountable for overall direction, coordination, monitoring, execution, implementation, and completion of assigned projects ensuring consistency with company strategy, work plan, and goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Accountable for the project management process and project management deliverables, for all assigned projects from initiation through closure. Projects will include in-house development and implementation of third-party vendor products.
• Assigned projects are typically larger, more complex, work plan initiatives, involving multiple functional areas and diverse / distributed teams. Appropriate vendor management may be required on some assigned projects.

• Define project scope, budget, timelines, and milestones that support the business goal while working collaboratively with business partners. Accountable for managing assigned projects to completion within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Proactively lead discussions (internally and with stakeholders / customers / executive leadership) to identify business requirements contributing to project scope definition and success criteria. Works with business partners to develop the content of deliverables.
• Develops detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resources plans, and status reports.
• Plan, track and manage project schedules, tasks, and actions adhering to FPI (Financial Partners Inc) project management methodology by ensuring that recognized project management processes, discipline and controls are consistently applied to projects. Proactively negotiate and issue additional project documentation as agreed to by the Project Sponsor with input from involved stakeholders.
• Promote and drive the development and adoption of FPI project management and delivery methodologies, standards, and tools

• Become a trusted advisor/leader with customers (associations)
• Lead kickoff meetings and other appropriate launch activities to support group understanding and objectives. Organize and lead check-point meetings providing regular project status updates.
• Direct day-to-day activities of projects and staff in matrixed organization
• Manage a project team that consists of a variety of resources assigned (i.e., subject matter experts, business analyst, IT (Information Technology) resources etc.) across all impacted stakeholder groups in a matrix environment.
• Create and manage all communication to key stakeholders, including the Project Sponsor and Business Product Manager, and ensure they are aware of significant changes to the project status promptly.

• Identify and investigate all project dependencies and risks, ensuring effective mitigation and contingency plans are in place, escalating where needed.
• Control change to project scope using accepted change processes and documentation.
• Document, track, measure, and report progress in achieving stated goals and ensuring quality results.
• Clearly communicate expectations to team members and stakeholders.
• Manage escalations and resolve resource and commitment conflicts, as necessary.

• Develops an understanding of the technical and business aspects of the project to effectively manage it and resources. Provides technical and analytical guidance to project team members.
• Ensures adherence to quality standards and reviews project deliverables.
• Identify opportunities for quality and process improvement resulting in improved efficiency, increased productivity, and high customer satisfaction.
• Mentor other project managers.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead, coach, and motivate project team members on a proactive basis.
• Lead in the design and implementation of new business processes and procedures as needed.

OTHER DUTIES: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with eight to ten years of increasingly responsible experience in managing a variety of complex information technology projects, preferably for an enterprise software company or in the financial services / banking industry.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification strongly preferred. Agile experience a plus.
• Proven success working with aggressive schedules and ambiguous requirements.
• Ability to make an impact, influence and achieve results with effective negotiation, problem-solving and communication skills
• Experience leading and managing large, complex projects with distributed teams. Ability to create and foster a cohesive team and promote a positive work environment for all employees.

• Experienced change agent, able to guide cross-functional teams through complex change from concept to execution.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of business needs, with the ability to establish and maintain an elevated level of customer trust and confidence.
• Proven leadership skills and experience. Demonstrated ability to persuade, encourage and motivate team members.
• Self-motivated and results oriented; able to manage multiple competing priorities and tasks effectively; able to work effectively with hard deadlines.
• Excellent communication, documentation, problem solving and analytical skills. Detail oriented.

• Ability to understand and support corporate objectives, possess strong business acumen
• Ability to think strategically across the enterprise and possess strong business acumen
• Proven ability to stay focused under pressure, demonstrating resilience in challenging situations
• Comfortable with ambiguity and ability to cope with rapid change
• Strong leadership skills - lead by example, champion change and develop a highly motivated team to consistently exceed expectations

• Good judgment- ability to determine which issues to escalate vs. to resolve independently, and provide suggestions for resolution

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Typical noise levels for an open, cubicle-styled environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position requires periods of standing, walking, and the use of computer equipment. Additional physical demands include, but may not be limited to, talking or hearing, push/pull, stooping, kneeling, reaching w/hands and arms, and lifting at least 10 pounds.

WORK AUTHORIZATION: Authorization to work in the United States is required.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATION: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.