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Job Description Summary:
The Principal Project Manager (Professional Services) is responsible for managing the successful delivery of Rocket software solutions to customers, driving positive customer outcomes across a global portfolio of projects, providing Rocket’s Category of One Customer Experience, and planning and managing internal initiatives.
Leading teams of Rocket PS consultants and customer teams, the Principal PM oversees large, complex professional services projects, including software technology refreshes, software product upgrades, and major business system transformations. They utilize a hybrid project methodology that blends value engineering, Waterfall, and Agile frameworks. The Principal PM ensures alignment with stakeholders on objectives, schedules, and milestones, maintains full transparency into project status, and holds team members accountable for deliverables. Serving as the primary interface to both customers and Rocket stakeholders, the Principal PM effectively interacts with diverse groups, including consultants, software engineers, end users, sales, and senior leadership. They master, follow, and contribute to the continual improvement of the Rocket delivery methodology.
In addition, the Principal Project Manager mentors less experienced project managers and team members by leveraging their extensive experience. They understand the strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations of their team members, providing personalized feedback and setting achievable goals. By sharing best practices in communication, risk management, and strategic planning, they model exemplary behavior and demonstrate real-time problem-solving techniques. The Principal PM encourages team members to take on challenging tasks, offers constructive critiques, and facilitates learning opportunities like workshops and training sessions. Through these efforts, they enhance individual skills and contribute to the organization’s overall success.
The Principal Project Manager is also responsible for revenue management of the projects they oversee, ensuring financial targets are met. They contribute to the creation and improvement of policies, templates, and processes for the PMO, enhancing overall project delivery standards. Additionally, they partner with the sales team post-sales to identify new opportunities, driving further business growth and ensuring ongoing customer satisfaction.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Accountable as Central Point of Contact
- Serve as the primary point of contact for Rocket customers throughout the entire project lifecycle, ensuring effective communication and alignment with customer expectations.
- Act as the liaison between Rocket and customer project teams, maintaining consistent engagement and providing regular updates on project status and milestones.
Advise on Best Practices and Hybrid Methodologies
- Provide expert guidance to customer project teams on industry best practices in project management, particularly in hybrid methodologies that incorporate Waterfall, Agile, and value engineering.
- Offer strategic advice to enhance project delivery, leveraging extensive knowledge and experience in hybrid frameworks.
Establish Rocket’s Hybrid Project Management Framework
- Implement Rocket’s hybrid project management framework on customer projects, ensuring alignment with Rocket’s standards and methodologies.
- Tailor the framework to fit the specific needs and contexts of customer projects, promoting efficiency and effectiveness.
Lead Project Management Ceremonies and Processes
- Facilitate key project management activities, including requirement gathering sessions, project kickoff meetings, status updates, and review meetings.
- Ensure these activities are productive, goal-oriented, and aligned with project objectives.
Ensure Clarity of Project Scope and Objectives
- Define and document the project scope and customer objectives, ensuring all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the project’s goals and deliverables.
- Continuously align project activities with the defined scope and objectives to prevent scope creep and ensure focus.
Facilitate Development of Project Strategy
- Work with customer and Rocket teams to develop a comprehensive project strategy that outlines the approach, resources, and timeline needed to achieve project goals.
- Ensure the strategy is adaptable to changes and challenges that may arise during the project lifecycle.
Develop Project Plan and Schedule
- Create detailed project plans and schedules, identifying key milestones, dependencies, and prerequisites.
- Use project management tools and techniques to track progress and make adjustments as necessary to stay on schedule.
Manage Project Budget and Monitor Margins
- Develop and manage the project budget, ensuring financial resources are allocated effectively and within agreed limits.
- Monitor project margins and implement cost control measures to maintain profitability.
Develop Policies and Procedures
- Establish and document policies and procedures that support the achievement of project objectives and ensure consistency in project delivery.
- Continuously review and improve these policies and procedures to enhance project outcomes.
Data Analysis and Trend Identification
- Analyze project data to understand trends, identify key metrics, and measure performance against benchmarks.
- Utilize data-driven insights to make informed decisions, anticipate challenges, and adjust project strategies as needed.
- Develop and maintain dashboards and reports that provide visibility into project status, financial performance, and other critical metrics.
- Ensure that data analysis and reporting are integral parts of the project management process, contributing to continuous improvement and enhanced project outcomes.
Clear Communication with Stakeholders
- Communicate effectively with both customer and Rocket teams at all levels, ensuring clarity on milestones, action items, risks, and resource requirements.
- Use various communication tools and techniques to keep all stakeholders informed and engaged.
Facilitate Conflict Resolution and Team Motivation
- Address and resolve conflicts that may arise within the project team or with customers, ensuring a collaborative and productive working environment.
- Motivate team members to meet their commitments and deliver high-quality work.
Coordinate Cross-Functional Activities
- Coordinate project activities across different organizational functions, ensuring seamless integration and cooperation.
- Manage dependencies and ensure all parts of the project are aligned and working towards common goals.
Keep Projects on Track
- Measure project progress regularly to ensure objectives are being met.
- Evaluate the cause of any deviations from the plan and determine appropriate corrective actions.
- Implement corrective actions promptly to keep the project on track.
Responsible for Multiple Products and Project Types
- Manage projects involving various Rocket products and different types of initiatives, from technology refreshes and upgrades to major business system transformations.
- Ensure a deep understanding of the specific requirements and challenges associated with each type of project to deliver successful outcomes.
Mentorship and Team Development
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior project managers and team members, fostering their professional growth and development.
- Share best practices, insights, and experiences to help build a strong and capable project management team.
- Encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement, supporting team members in acquiring new skills and certifications.
- Lead by example, demonstrating strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to inspire and motivate the team.
Drive for Excellence
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering excellence in all aspects of project management and customer service.
- Set high standards for project quality and performance, ensuring that all deliverables meet or exceed customer expectations.
- Continuously seek opportunities to improve processes, methodologies, and outcomes, fostering a culture of excellence within the team.
- Lead by example, showing dedication, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges and achieving exceptional results.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PMP, PRINCE2, CSM, VA/VE, or other related certification is strongly preferred.
- Bi-lingual in English (primary) and Italian (secondary) in highly desired.
Education:
- Bachelors or master’s degree in business, science, technology, computer science, engineering, economics, or a related discipline
- MBA or related post-graduate business degree
Travel Requirements:
<25%
Information Security:
Information security is everyone’s responsibility. A fundamental principle of information security at Rocket Software is that all individuals in the organization have a responsibility for the security and protection of company information and IT Resources over which they have control, according to their role.
Diversity, Inclusion & Equity:
At Rocket we are committed to an inclusive workplace environment, where every Rocketeer can thrive by bringing their full selves to work. Being a Rocketeer means you are part of our movement to continually drive inclusivity, diversity, and equity in our workforce.
Rocket Software Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Rocket Software Inc. is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.
Rocket is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please call: 781-577-4321 or send an email to [email protected]. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
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If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you’ll enjoy your career with us!
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