Lead Project Manager

Apply now: Lead Program Manager, Remote (CST/EST hours). Start date is To be confirmed for this 6 Month Contract position.
Job Title: Lead Program Manager
Location-Type: Remote (CST/EST hours)
Start Date: To be confirmed
Duration: Contract, 6 Months (extension likely)
Compensation Range: $55-65/ hr W2
Benefits: Eligible for Health, Dental, Vision, and 401K
Visa Sponsorship: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Job Description:
The Lead Program Manager serves as the single point of contact for all aspects of complex, high-visibility project and program implementations, driving initiatives from original concept through final delivery across multiple lines of business and stakeholder levels.

Job Summary
Gather and refine project requirements, define scope and objectives, and develop detailed work plans, schedules, resource plans, and project estimates.
Lead project kickoff meetings, communicate individual roles and expectations, and ensure all team members have the tools and training needed to perform effectively.
Monitor project milestones and critical dates, identify schedule risks, develop action plans to resolve issues, and escalate to management as needed.
Manage project budgets by closely tracking forecast and actuals on a monthly basis and assessing variances to keep projects within scope, time, and cost objectives.
Coordinate cross-functional and vendor deliverables, manage interdependencies across project teams, and facilitate conflict resolution.
Create Statements of Work and Change Request documents, conducting internal reviews with Legal, Sales, and Program Management stakeholders.
Coach and mentor less experienced team members on project management skills and coach on best practices, standards, and quality objectives.

Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in a related field, specialized training, or equivalent work experience.
7 years of IT project management experience or equivalent team leadership experience.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously within a matrix organization.
Proficiency with structured methodologies including Waterfall, Iterative, Agile, and PMI methodology.
Proficiency with project and collaboration tools including Smartsheet, MS Excel, MS Teams, MS Visio, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications:
PMP Certification.
Experience working in Banking, Compliance, or Professional Services.
Experience with project financial management, including budget tracking, forecasting, and variance analysis.
Familiarity with project setup and time tracking tools such as Changepoint.