Project Manager

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Change Management Project Manager is responsible for managing medium to large projects or segments of larger, complex initiatives throughout the project lifecycle. This role involves close collaboration with sponsors and systems counterparts to define project scope, develop plans, and oversee budgets. The Project Manager ensures project execution aligns with best practices, mitigates risks, resolves issues, and successfully meets deliverables.

This role requires strong leadership, stakeholder communication, and project management expertise to drive execution and deliver successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Lead cross-functional teams in defining project scope, planning, budgeting, and execution.
• Ensure adherence to project management standards and best practices to deliver projects on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Identify, mitigate, and resolve project risks and issues proactively.
• Foster alignment across business units, ensuring all participants understand project objectives.
• Utilize independent thinking and problem-solving to address challenges during project execution.
• Review business cases, requirements, functional specifications, and implementation plans for accuracy and feasibility.
• Establish and maintain clear communication channels with stakeholders and leadership.
• Oversee comprehensive testing phases, including user acceptance, regression, and parallel testing as required.
• Develop and present Change Oversight materials and project dashboards.
• Assist the Program Manager in portfolio reporting and analysis for senior leadership.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Develop a strong understanding of the project sponsor’s business strategy, vision, and priorities to achieve project goals.
• Proactively manage scope to prevent scope creep and adapt to evolving business needs.
• Collaborate and negotiate across division leaders and technology teams to align project deliverables with business objectives.
• Provide well-structured recommendations to Steering Committees, Stakeholders, and Sponsors, ensuring successful outcomes.
• Enhance the client experience by anticipating needs and implementing proactive solutions.
• Manage stakeholder expectations through regular updates, issue resolution, and transparent communication.
• Oversee the creation of product announcements and updates to client demonstration materials as needed.

Business & Data Analysis

• Lead business analysis to assess the impact of changing business needs on systems and products.
• Provide insightful analysis and data-driven recommendations for project adjustments and improvements.
• Ensure projects meet ROI expectations by tracking costs and benefits.
• Facilitate post-project reviews and document lessons learned for continuous improvement.
• Resolve critical issues that could jeopardize project success, providing strategic solutions.

Leadership & Team Development

• Mentor and coach Business Analysts and other team members, contributing to their professional development.
• Provide performance feedback and guidance for continuous growth.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation within the project team.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or equivalent work experience.
• 8 years of experience in project management or related fields.
• Financial Services industry experience with knowledge of Custody operations is strongly preferred.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong understanding of project management principles, tools, and methodologies, including:
• Business case development
• ROI analysis
• Planning & risk management
• Issues resolution
• Agile methodologies experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and reporting tools.

Soft Skills & Leadership Abilities

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to drive results.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong negotiation and mediation capabilities.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Understanding of regulatory environments and industry standards.