Project Manager

Title: Project Manager


Location : Cleveland ,OH , Albany, NY and Buffalo, NY (Hybrid)


Duration : Contract to Hire

Job Description:


The Lead Project Manager in Core Deposits Delivery Team (Hogan, etc.) is responsible for overseeing large, high-priority projects that typically impact multiple Lines of Business (LOB) and/or functional areas, requiring significant coordination and integration of resources. This role manages projects from initial concept through final implementation, adhering to the established Standard Project Lifecycle (PLC). The Lead Project Manager collaborates with all stakeholders, including end users, vendors, and up/downstream impacted teams and applications to ensure comprehensive project engagement and success. Key responsibilities include enforcing adherence to quality standards, conducting thorough reviews of project deliverables, and providing expert guidance and support to less experienced project managers. The position requires proficiency in Deposit Product Lifecycle and organizational change management methodologies and techniques, as well as the ability to identify and recommend alternative solutions when necessary. The Lead Project Manager establishes and maintains trusted advisor relationships with stakeholders, delivers effective presentations to all levels of management, and reports directly to the Core Deposits Domain Portfolio Lead.

Primary Job Responsibilities:


The Lead Project Manager is responsible for overseeing one or more mid to large, high-impact projects usually impacting multiple Lines of Business (LOB) and/or functional areas and often require considerable resources and high levels of functional integration within a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This role may require the direction of third-party resources and/or virtual teams, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.


Takes projects from original concept through final implementation using standard Project Management, Change Management and Risk Management methodologies and concepts.


Sets expectations for diverse project stakeholders through planning activities and maintains transparency via communication & reporting channels. Establishes and maintains a strong collaborative trusted advisor relationship.


Works with business leader to define scope; manages project scope, scope changes, objectives, requirements, deliverables, and value proposition that support the diverse business goals and interests of multiple stakeholders


Develops integrated project plan; identifies and manages project dependencies and critical paths; and tracks/reports project checkpoints as well as status while adhering to project policy standards; ensures potential impacts to external client experience are addressed in project solution/plan.


Understand various project delivery methodologies such as waterfall, agile, etc. Feels comfortable coordinating with all types of projects


Leads communication planning, execution and reporting with project team members; liaises with key stakeholders.


Develop change management planning, design and implementation including communication and training.


Identifies, tracks, escalates and resolves issue conflicts; performs impact analysis and prioritization; manages dependencies and track/monitors; and escalates risk with corrective/mitigating actions.


Partners to drive business case development; performs project initiation activities; and administers project checkpoints to drive delivery and mitigate/resolve bottlenecks.


Responsible for gathering estimates from resources needed to achieve project goals; tracks utilization; determines and assesses need for additional staff and/or vendors; may support on/off-boarding; and monitors/manages performance for vendor labor resources.


Responsible for, consolidates, and continuously manages the overall project financials; including the forecasting and budgeting as required by project and company standards. Independently facilitates and executes budgetary requests.


Additionally, the Lead Project Manager conducts lessons-learned reviews to inform future project success and oversees the execution of vendor contracts, ensuring strict adherence to contractual provisions.

QUALIFICATIONS Education/Certifications: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience.


Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification or equivalent preferred.


Experience: 5+ years of project management experience.

Competencies and Skills: These are Must haves


Operates independently and demonstrates key leadership competencies, including the ability to organize tasks, motivate teams, and guide others toward achieving shared project objectives and successful execution.


Exhibits advanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to analyze and address complex project challenges; proactively initiates planning and execution of assigned responsibilities, consistently meeting established targets for project budget, schedule, scope, and risk management.


Possesses a strong understanding of the organization's business model and effectively evaluates the impact of projects on overall business strategy.


Displays exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, enabling clear and effective communication with stakeholders at all levels.


Communicates the project's future state vision and articulates its strategic business impact to both internal and external partners.


Assesses the strengths and developmental needs of team members; actively seeks and incorporates feedback from management and peers to foster continuous personal and professional growth.


Identifies and evaluates project risks and issues, performs impact analysis and prioritization, and manages resolution processes; provides timely and accurate reporting on risk and issue status and their potential impact.