J2 Solutions is an IT projects and staffing technology services consulting firm specializing in SAP, Oracle and Microsoft enterprise applications.

This consultant will be responsible for (but not limited to) project management activities for Commercial Lines Projects and will report directly to the Director, Program Management.

 Activities include:

• Managing projects through the solution delivery life cycle
• Leading project teams
• Developing detailed work plans, schedules, effort estimates, and resource plans
• Preparing weekly status reports
• Managing project scope, issues, and change control process
• Supervision and coordination of all project activities
• Monitor and report on project status and budget
• Facilitation of communications across the project and to project stakeholders
• Ensure that the project adheres to corporate standards and guidelines
• Clarity experience a plus.

JOB SUMMARY:

Serves as an expert in project management and manages all aspects of a moderately complex information technology project or multiple, medium-scale IT projects, including project planning, execution, timing, functionality, quality, communication and cost. Executes moderately, complex information technology projects from the original concept through the final implementation as well as ensures that the projects are aligned with Nationwide standards and IT strategies. Establishes and communicates goals and directs team activity.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Manages the strategic alignment and success of moderately sized IT initiatives and projects spanning multiple business units. Prioritizes, approves and ensures the completion of new product development, design of new processes, adoption of new strategies and/or projects within time, budget and specification constraints.

2.Consults with senior leadership and manages assigned project teams to ensure project alignment with the business unit’s strategy and objectives. Supports the portfolio management decision process through the Solution Delivery Framework.

3.Creates and executes medium- to large-scale project plans that may involve multiple disciplines in the information technology field. Coordinates projects with other on-going efforts. Leads project teams in the development and implementation of detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans and status reports.

4.Provides appropriate performance feedback for project team members. Provides mentoring and coaching, where applicable, to assist project team members in achieving success.

5.Manages all activities regarding project risk and change management for medium- to large-scale IT projects. Leads or independently assesses inter-project/initiative dependencies and gauges the financial impact and risk of the project. Manages the project scope change process including the facilitation of issue/gap identification and resolution with business units, systems areas, channel managers and product managers.

6.Leads in the design, development, and implementation of business perspective work plans to determine needed tasks and resources (process, functional, product, and distribution channel) required to follow the Solution Delivery life cycle (SDLC) methods and procedures for complex projects that may span multiple business units.

7.Leads project teams in a matrix mode, containing internal and external (vendor) resources working in a distributed environment. Participates in vendor selection, and the negotiation of vendor tasks that contribute to the success of the project. Tracks, reviews and approves vendor deliverables and payments.

8.Leads the interfaces between IT projects and systems and business unit leadership to ensure collaboration and coordination between the project development staff, management, infrastructure areas, business partners, and if necessary, vendors and outside consultants. Monitors and assesses projects and communicates status to senior leadership. Ensures and manages the communication to and incorporation of feedback from customers on proposed, developing and completed projects. Crafts and implements communication plans requiring cultural change within the organization.

9.Identifies and anticipates issues that affect the successful delivery of projects. Facilitates resolution, mitigation, and appropriate escalation, up to and including senior management.

10.May consult and coach team members and less experienced project managers on Project Management best practices within the organization, including Solution Delivery and IT Value.

11.Assures proper quality standards are maintained during project execution and delivery. Defines quality standards for projects.

12.Demonstrates competency in coordinating all aspects of a medium- to large-scale project to delivery high customer satisfaction on large, complex projects.

13.Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Undergraduate studies in business, management information systems, computer science or related field. BA or equivalent is preferred. Project Management Certification is preferred.

Experience: Eight years of work experience in the information technology field. Three years of proven project leadership experience on medium size and moderately complex projects including PLC/SDLC processes, facilitation, negotiation, delegation, mentoring, etc. is preferred.

Knowledge: Must have demonstrated knowledge of project management and systems development lifecycle processes, tools, concepts and methodologies. Must have demonstrated knowledge of insurance and financial services industry, operations, customers and businesses.

Skills/Competencies: Must possess key competencies of effective program/project management such as scope, definition, time management, cost analysis and allocation, human resource management, risk assessment and management, procurement, communication and integration management. Must be able to work and manage moderately, complex programs and projects. Must have strong problem-solving skills as well as decision-making skills. Must have strong negotiation skills to interact with management and internal and external partners, and stakeholders