Lead Project Manager

Job Summary:

As a Lead Project Manager at Rocket Software, you will spearhead the delivery of complex mainframe modernization projects across Rocket's extensive product suite. These projects typically range from $500k to $2M in services revenue and may involve more intricate transitions valued up to $10M. Your role will involve coordinating multi-functional, multi-vendor teams across various regions to meet challenging yet attainable deadlines, all while ensuring exceptional customer outcomes.

A solid technical background in areas such as infrastructure and application modernization, process evolution, hybrid cloud deployments, microservices architecture, or enterprise-wide DevOps is essential. You will use this expertise to set clear project objectives, create detailed delivery plans, and align with customers' business goals. Throughout the project lifecycle, you will collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including consultants, software engineers, users, sales teams, and senior leaders, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective communication.

As a valued member of the Rocket team, you will embody our core values: Empathy, Humanity, Trust, and Love, focusing on a customer-centric approach in every interaction. You will also partner with colleagues to refine best practices and methodologies, fostering an environment of innovation and continuous improvement. Ultimately, your role is crucial in delivering high-value solutions and outstanding experiences that support customers in modernizing their technology landscapes and achieving their strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the entire project lifecycle for large, high-risk, multi-region initiatives, overseeing timelines, deliverables, and quality standards.
• Establish clear project scope and objectives, efficiently managing stakeholder expectations to prevent scope creep.
• Utilize Rocket's project management framework to enhance workflows, shorten time to value, and achieve customer-focused results.
• Coordinate various project meetings, ensuring alignment between internal teams and clients.
• Serve as the primary customer liaison, building trust-based relationships grounded in Rocket's core values.
• Proactively monitor and manage project risks and challenges, ensuring momentum and positive customer experiences.

Revenue Optimization & Portfolio Management:

• Work with internal and external stakeholders to align project resources, schedules, and financials with contractual obligations.
• Maintain open communication regarding timelines and potential risks impacting delivery and costs.
• Offer financial forecasts to management, adjusting according to changes in project scope and schedules.
• Collaborate with sales teams to identify additional revenue opportunities during project execution.
• Support early qualifications for significant modernization projects to align with Rocket's strategic aims.
• Balance priorities within your customer portfolio to maximize revenue and satisfaction.

Operational Excellence & Process Transformation:

• Enhance standardized policies and procedures for high-quality project delivery.
• Analyze KPIs and project data to detect trends and improve operational efficiency.
• Utilize data-driven insights to inform decisions and recommend process improvements.
• Establish governance structures that provide stakeholders with real-time project visibility.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives reflecting Rocket's dedication to innovation and customer success.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Mentor and coach project managers to boost their leadership and delivery effectiveness.
• Guide project managers in managing escalations with a focus on problem-solving.
• Create and implement career development plans for team members.
• Promote a learning culture that encourages knowledge sharing among teams.
• Implement frameworks to support outstanding customer experiences.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with Account Executives during project delivery for ongoing communication and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with Product Development to ensure alignment with the product roadmap.
• Work closely with Customer Success Management, Product Engineering, and Delivery Engineering for seamless customer interactions.
• Facilitate effective communication between technical and business stakeholders.

Requirements:

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Project management certification preferred (e.g., PMP, PgMP); certifications in Agile methodologies are a plus.

Experience:

• 12+ years of progressive project management experience in professional services, particularly within enterprise software.
• 6+ years leading customer-facing project managers or in senior-level strategic roles.
• Proven success in driving revenue growth and business transformation through project delivery.
• Experience in cross-functional collaboration within SaaS or enterprise software environments.

Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional executive-level communication skills.
• Advanced coaching and mentoring capabilities.
• Transformational leadership that emphasizes operational excellence.
• Proficient in collaborative stakeholder management.
• Expertise in project planning and risk management.
• Strong grasp of financial management, budgeting, and performance monitoring.

Communication Requirements:

• Engage in regular communication with the CSE PMO management team and cross-functional teams.
• Provide updates on critical project milestones and revenue recognition status.

Information Security:

Information security is a collective responsibility at Rocket Software, emphasizing the importance of protecting company information and IT resources.

Diversity, Inclusion & Equity:

Rocket is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that allows every Rocketeer to thrive by being their authentic selves.

What Rocket Software Offers:

• Unlimited Vacation Time alongside paid holidays and sick leave.
• Health and Wellness coverage options for employees and their dependents.
• Life and disability coverage.
• Fidelity 401(k) with matching contributions.
• Monthly student debt benefit program.
• Tuition Reimbursement and Certificate Reimbursement opportunities.
• Leadership and skills training programs.

Rocket Software Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse environment and providing equitable opportunities for all applicants. We work diligently with individuals with physical and mental disabilities to ensure reasonable accommodations in our hiring process.