What's the Role?

In this unique role, you’ll provide a hybrid of cross-functional consulting that incorporates aspects of IT Project Management, Business Analysis/Consulting, and Deployment Lead/Organizational Change Management expertise to meet department and cross-departmental goals. Plans, monitors and manages technology projects and coordinates across a wide range of roles and levels to deliver on established milestones.

Manages the end-to-end plan that is inclusive of all changes needed of a given set of technical products in support of initiative outcomes, while working closely with technology subject matter experts and business partners to implement. With a focus on addressing business processes and the underlying systems that support those processes, you will identify options, work to gain consensus on approach, develop requirements and related business rules, and work closely with business unit and technology subject matter experts to implement solutions for solving complex business challenges. Confident, persuasive, and persistent, you will negotiate and communicate with business clients, vendors, and field-based employees to ensure expectations are managed and critical objectives are addressed.

Uses formal processes and tools to guide resource, risks, and changes. Ensures on-time completion according to specifications and within budgeted costs and is concerned with clearly identifiable elements of larger projects. Upon solution implementation, you will drive organizational change management activities to promote adoption of the change and minimize impact to people and processes.

This role will be aligned to the Meetings Experience domain within the Digital Workplace - tasked with supporting various workstreams within both the New North program and Unified Communications space.

Responsibilities:

• Independently leads highly complex departmental project/support assignments and/or participates in cross-departmental projects with responsibility for managing scope, risk, business value, schedule and budget.
• With department and project leaders, helps define the objectives to be accomplished by the project team(s). With the team, develops the project and change plan. Directs team members to determine the best methods to achieve the projects objectives. Allocates staff and budget resources required to achieve project objectives.
• Understands the key business drivers as they relate to the projects. Adapts to the various internal procedures and cultivates meaningful relationships with business partners, ensuring that the key issues of cost, time, scope and above all, client satisfaction, can be realized.
• Maintains documentation of project plans, communications, key decisions, risks, and issues throughout entirety of project.
• In partnership with Program Management, responsible for managing project decisions, risks, and issues through the development, maintenance and revision of reports and tracking tools. Using approved methodologies and available tools to identify potential problems before they occur.
• Identifies and solves a range of problems for a variety of situations. Analyzes possible solutions and assesses each using standard procedures, developing a recommended approach.
• Conducts independent and complex business, user, and stakeholder analysis to identify the scope and nature of a business and/or system problem. Responsible for accomplishing the stated project objectives through key project management responsibilities that include building the project requirements and managing the project constraints of cost, time, and scope.
• Responsible for developing, maintaining and revising project deliverables. Responsible for gathering and delivering metrics as required by the project.
• As the project lead, and sometimes in support of a larger project or program manager lead, develops presentations and communications which incorporate a clear understanding of corporate communications theory and practice.
• Identifies alternative and more efficient options in the development and enhancements of policies and processes.
• Explains difficult or sensitive information and persuades others in a variety of situations. Effectively interact, negotiate and influence project teams and business partners to provide acceptable solutions and results.
• Acts as a liaison to facilitate an understanding and partnership between business partners and engineering teams. Manages the resources and vendors assigned to their projects by verifying progress and removing obstacles.
• Gathers and delivers day-to-day progress of a project as it relates to managing scope, schedule, cost and quality in order to support project management decisions and compliance with Company approved methodology and required deliverables.
• Develop comprehensive communication plans and craft compelling and effective language for communication pieces, including but not limited to programs, events, and projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and messaging.
• Other responsibilities may be assigned as necessary

Bring your best! What this role needs:

• Bachelor's Degree with an emphasis in, Business, Technology, Project Management or related field preferred OR a significant amount of directly related work experience beyond the minimum required for the position with PMP certification.
• Minimum 5 years of experience/knowledge in processes and technology project management to include analysis, documentation and a strong focus on communication and budgeting.
• Ability to work with general direction to scope, plan and manage cross-department or multi-department projects
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills paired with a high degree of personal initiative and motivation. Intellectual curiosity and a desire to dig into details, learn, and ask questions. Ability to self-direct/manage work with minimal direction.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage large and highly complex technology assignments.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize work and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Reputed as a team player and is supportive of group decisions and ideas. Ability to build relationships, influence without authority, and gain confidence and credibility with business clients across the company.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills applicable to lead organizational change management practices and artifact development, with the ability to build rapport within the company, field and/or outside vendors.
• Experience with project methodology through project life cycle phases & SDLC (systems development lifecycle). Working knowledge of project management / agile tooling.
• Excellent ability to effectively present information in a variety of formal settings (one-on-one, small and large group, peers, subordinates and organization leadership).
• Ability to foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement within the project team, promoting knowledge sharing and learning opportunities.

Our Benefits!

• Highly competitive compensation, including annual bonus opportunities
• Medical/Dental/Vision plans, 401(k), pension program
• Tuition reimbursement, commuter plans, and paid time off
• Extensive Professional Training Opportunities
• Excellent Work/Life Balance

#LI-hybrid

$82,670.00

$153,530.00

Northwestern Mutual pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement in the salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. At Northwestern Mutual, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Please note that the salary range listed in the posting is the standard pay structure. Positions in certain locations (such as California) may provide an increase on the standard pay structure based on the location. Please click here for additional information relating to location-based pay structures.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you work or would be working in California, Colorado, New York City, Washington or outside of a Corporate location, please click here for information pertaining to compensation and benefits.