Project Manager

Description On-site in Irving, TX Our client seeks a Project Manager to plan, execute, and deliver strategic AI‑driven cost optimization initiatives within the Tax organization. The role leads complex cross‑functional programs centered on Data Processing and Data Moat architecture and Agentic AI solutions, ensuring quality delivery in a fast‑evolving technical environment. Due to client requirements, applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance. Rate: $70.00 to $75.00/hr. w2 JN-052026-107139 Responsibilities Document project objectives and manage delivery of outcomes aligned to AI‑driven cost savings initiatives across Tax platforms. Lead end‑to‑end project execution including planning, tracking, and coordination across Data Engineering, AI/ML, and product teams. Organize and facilitate project planning sessions, daily stand‑ups, and sprint ceremonies; contribute to retrospectives and continuous improvement initiatives. Establish and manage project governance, including steering committees, status reporting, and escalation frameworks for leadership stakeholders. Report on project milestones, timelines, budget, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment to delivery targets. Identify, assess, and mitigate risks unique to AI programs, including data freshness, model accuracy and hallucination risks, API latency, and downstream dependencies. Design contingency plans to address potential disruptions to the critical path, particularly within Data Moat and AI model pipelines. Conduct routine alignment sessions with engineering, data science, and business stakeholders to ensure roadmap cohesion across interconnected systems. Act as the connective layer across Engineering, Data Science, Product, and Executive Leadership, mapping dependencies and preventing cross‑team friction or rework. Lead governance across the AI lifecycle from data ingestion to model development, deployment, and monitoring while enforcing disciplined scope management and MVP delivery. Oversee and monitor data ingestion pipelines and data quality to ensure integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of external and internal data sources. Identify early indicators of data degradation or pipeline failure and mobilize resources to mitigate downstream impact. Ensure Agile best practices are followed, including collaboration, prioritization, accountability, and transparency across delivery teams. Produce project plans, effort estimates, and forecasts aligned to SDLC methodologies including Agile, Iterative, and Waterfall where applicable. Monitor and communicate project status, risks, and key decisions through concise executive‑level summaries. Translate complex technical challenges into clear, actionable insights for leadership to enable informed decision‑making. Interface with business analysts, technical leads, and leadership to determine resource requirements and resolve delivery challenges. Support project teams in driving deliverables and maintaining momentum across multiple workstreams. Experience Requirements Proven experience leading complex, multi‑track technical projects within AI/ML, data platforms, or enterprise software environments. Background in Agile project management with ability to drive delivery in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments. Experience managing AI/ML or data‑centric initiatives, including exposure to data pipelines, model lifecycle, or advanced analytics platforms. Expertise in anticipatory risk management with proactive mitigation of technical and operational bottlenecks. Experience working across cross‑functional teams with strong dependency management skills. Familiarity with data ingestion, data quality, and data governance concepts with ability to identify risks early. Experience enforcing MVP scope discipline while balancing speed, quality, and business outcomes in AI‑driven projects. Ability to communicate complex technical issues in concise executive‑level messaging. PMP and/or Six Sigma certification preferred. BA/BS in a relevant field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. Understanding of SDLC methodologies including Agile, Iterative, and Waterfall. Ability to produce project tracking documentation, metrics, and reporting frameworks. Experience in conflict resolution and stakeholder alignment. Process‑oriented mindset with emphasis on measurement, feedback, and continuous improvement. Ability to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment with competing priorities. Organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple workstreams. Leadership presence with ability to drive high‑performance teams. Written and verbal communication skills across technical and business audiences. Self‑starter with ownership mentality and ability to operate with minimal supervision. Flexibility to support critical project timelines and evolving business needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr