Information Technology Project Manager

MBS is in urgent need of a Project Manager to oversee the implementation, management, and optimization of network infrastructure projects. This position is a Contract (6-12 months), full-time position in Schaumburg, IL.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in networking and a proven track record in managing large-scale network projects. In addition, this role will require expertise in managing network integrations and transitions during mergers and acquisitions (M&A), ensuring that network systems, tools, and processes are seamlessly aligned across organizations.

Job Title: IT Project Manager (Network)

Location: Schaumburg, IL (Remote)

Pay Range: $50-$52/ hr.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning and Execution:

• Lead and manage network-related projects from initiation through execution, ensuring timely delivery within scope, budget, and quality requirements.
• Develop comprehensive project plans that define the project scope, timelines, deliverables, resources, and risks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT, network engineers, business units, and third-party vendors, to define project objectives and ensure alignment with business goals.
• Manage project budgets, track progress against milestones, and implement corrective actions to address any deviations from the plan.

M&A Network Integration:

• Lead and manage network integration efforts during mergers, acquisitions, or other organizational changes, ensuring smooth transitions of network systems, infrastructure, and services.
• Oversee the consolidation and optimization of networking hardware, software, and processes during M&A activities, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
• Manage the migration of network infrastructure, ensuring alignment of network topologies, IP addressing schemes, and security measures across both organizations.
• Ensure that network performance, security, and reliability standards are maintained throughout the M&A process.
• Develop and execute network integration strategies, including risk assessments, timelines, and coordination with key stakeholders.

Network Infrastructure Design and Implementation:

• Oversee the design, configuration, and implementation of network infrastructure solutions to meet organizational requirements.
• Ensure that networking solutions are scalable, secure, and efficient, meeting business needs and future growth objectives.
• Collaborate with network engineering teams to ensure that all hardware, software, and security protocols are effectively implemented and meet industry standards.

Stakeholder Management and Communication:

• Communicate regularly with stakeholders, including senior management, technical teams, and business units, to provide project updates and resolve issues.
• Facilitate collaboration between various departments to address network-related challenges and ensure project success.
• Manage expectations of internal and external stakeholders during the M&A process, ensuring clear communication around network changes, risks, and timelines.

Risk and Issue Management:

• Identify potential risks and issues related to network integration and proactively address them to minimize the impact on business operations.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and action plans to resolve issues promptly and keep projects on track.
• Perform regular risk assessments during M&A integration to identify network vulnerabilities and implement necessary changes to ensure security and reliability.

Compliance and Security:

• Ensure that network projects and integrations meet compliance requirements, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX.
• Work with security teams to implement robust network security measures and protocols, ensuring the protection of data and network resources during M&A transitions.
• Monitor network activity and performance, identifying any security threats or vulnerabilities and taking corrective actions as necessary.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify areas for continuous improvement in network infrastructure and project delivery, driving process optimizations and cost efficiencies.
• Evaluate new networking technologies and solutions, recommending improvements or upgrades to enhance network performance and reliability.

Required Skills and Experience:

Technical Expertise:

• Strong understanding of network infrastructure, including LAN/WAN, cloud networking, network security, routing, switching, and network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, VPN, etc.).
• Proficiency with network management tools and technologies, including SD-WAN, firewalls, load balancers, and network monitoring platforms.
• Hands-on experience with network hardware and software implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Experience leading network integrations, migrations, and consolidations during M&A activities.

Project Management Skills:

• Proven experience managing complex network projects, including planning, resource allocation, budgeting, and risk management.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, etc.).
• Experience in managing large-scale network infrastructure projects during M&A or business transformations.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and handle competing demands in a dynamic environment.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, senior leadership, and external vendors, especially during M&A integrations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with a focus on managing expectations and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction during network transitions.

M&A Experience:

• Direct experience with network integrations during mergers and acquisitions, including aligning network architectures and systems across different organizations.
• Understanding of the challenges involved in network integrations during M&A, such as reconciling different network protocols, security standards, and configurations.

Compliance and Security Awareness:

• Knowledge of network security best practices and relevant regulatory compliance standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, PCI-DSS).
• Familiarity with network security protocols and tools, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), VPNs, and encryption.
• Ability to assess and mitigate security risks during network integrations in M&A.