Lead Project Manager

This is a high-impact Lead Project Manager role stepping in as a trusted successor to a retiring leader, with immediate ownership of visible, enterprise-level initiatives!

You will be driving complex architecture and deployment projects in a hybrid environment that is actively evolving toward Agile delivery. If you thrive on hands-on execution, clear decision-making, and leading major programs, this role puts you at the center of meaningful, business-critical work from day one!

Job Description

The Lead Project Manager plans, executes, and delivers highly complex software-related projects within strict deadlines. This role ensures requirements are complete, coordinates internal teams and external consultants, and delivers projects on schedule. The position also defines and coordinates test plans and validation scenarios, and provides oversight and mentorship to other Project Managers within the IT department.

Principal Responsibilities and Duties

• Establish project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with senior leadership and a broad range of business and IT stakeholders.
• Manage and implement projects and programs across all phases using established best practices.
• Develop detailed project plans and supporting communication documents.
• Communicate project expectations clearly and consistently to team members and stakeholders.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with customer or sponsor expectations.
• Manage multiple partners and third-party vendors, ensuring alignment with project goals and business outcomes.
• Negotiate with department leaders to secure required internal resources.
• Identify and manage project dependencies and critical path activities.
• Plan and schedule project timelines and milestones using appropriate tools.
• Track project milestones, deliverables, and overall progress.
• Prepare and deliver status reports and requirements documentation.
• Proactively manage changes in scope, identify risks or potential issues, and develop contingency plans.
• Define and communicate project success criteria throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct project post-implementation reviews and develop recommendations to identify successes and areas for improvement.
• Develop and promote best practices, tools, and standards for project execution and management.
• Actively manage project risks and issues and respond quickly when issues arise.
• Create templates and standards to track timelines, milestones, resources, and costs.
• Manage multiple large-scale projects with budgets exceeding one million dollars.
• Lead complex, multi-vendor initiatives with multiple workstreams, including requirements, development, and quality assurance.
• Partner closely with business owners to minimize operational risk and disruption.
• Serve as a lead and mentor to other Project Managers within the IT department.

Skills and Abilities Required

• Strong experience with project management tools such as Microsoft Project.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with business diagramming tools such as Microsoft Visio.
• Working knowledge of relational databases, including Microsoft SQL Server.
• Technical proficiency with common enterprise software platforms.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to adapt to shifting priorities.
• Proven ability to gain cooperation from senior leadership, clients, and cross functional teams.
• Ability to navigate organizational dynamics and bring projects to successful completion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Experience researching project related issues and solutions.
• Customer focused mindset.
• Ability to prioritize and execute effectively in high pressure environments.

Minimum Preparation and Training Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field with an emphasis on management information systems, or equivalent work experience.
• Seven years of direct experience in project management, including process development and execution.
• Project management certification preferred, including PMP or Agile certification.