Data and AI Project Manager

Data and AI Project Manager

Location: Hybrid, Chicago, IL or Milwaukee, WI area

Employment type: Full-time

Travel: Up to 50% to client sites

Reports to: Data and AI Service Delivery Lead

About Kagool

Kagool is a global, platform-agnostic systems integrator and product company specializing in ERP, data and analytics, integration, and AI. We are a Microsoft solutions partner, an SAP Partner, and a Databricks and Oracle partner, and we bring industry-focused solutions and our own intellectual property to help clients deliver on their business transformation goals.

As a trusted advisor, we help clients unify, automate and modernize their data and operations to increase efficiency, reduce costs and improve their customers' experience. Our global teams deliver expert services and industry-focused cloud solutions.

The Role

As a Data and AI Project Manager, you will manage the full lifecycle of complex client projects. You will lead and deliver one or more projects or programs using recognized methodologies, including Agile, through multi-disciplined, highly skilled onshore and offshore teams.

You will make sure delivery aligns with Kagool's strategy, commitments and standards. You will work closely with senior U.S.-based client stakeholders to build trusted relationships, manage expectations, and identify and establish new workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Identify, mitigate and manage delivery risks, and bring stability and predictability to the program.
• Grow Kagool's footprint within the client account by identifying new opportunities and workstreams.
• Develop and maintain a detailed project plan covering business objectives and scope, governance, risk and issue control, schedule, resourcing, milestones, change control, and sponsor and stakeholder management.
• Lead the migration from legacy on-premises data warehouse and BI platforms to a modern cloud data and AI stack, including coexistence, cutover and decommissioning planning.
• Plan and schedule complex software delivery across multiple workstreams, including business rollout of a solution template.
• Own all aspects of delivery: scope, cost, timeline, risks and issues.
• Work with the Data and AI Service Delivery Lead to build estimates for agreed scope, structure them on the most suitable commercial model, and present them to the client.
• Track and report project financials, including budget, burn and forecast, against the current estimate.
• Manage SOWs, change requests and other commercial processes with robust change control.
• Maintain a real-time view of project status and priorities, and adapt as business priorities change.
• Partner with line managers to ensure projects are staffed with people who have the right skills and experience.
• Secure customer sign-off on milestones and deliverables.
• Contribute project management content to new business pitches and proposals.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience, including significant experience delivering programs for U.S.-based clients and stakeholders.
• 5+ years as a Project Manager delivering complex data, AI, cloud or enterprise technology programs.
• PMP certification (PRINCE2 or equivalent also considered).
• Hands-on experience delivering Microsoft and Databricks data and AI solutions.
• Proven experience managing onshore/offshore delivery models.
• Experience managing project financials, SOWs and change orders.
• Excellent communication skills with senior client stakeholders, delivery teams, vendors and management.
• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, Azure Data Fundamentals and Azure AI Fundamentals, or equivalent experience.
• Expertise in legacy on-premises data warehouse and BI solutions (e.g., SQL Server, SSIS/SSAS/SSRS, Oracle, Teradata, SAP BW, Informatica, Cognos, BusinessObjects, MicroStrategy).
• Experience with enterprise-scale data and analytics platforms, especially Azure.
• Agile certification (e.g., PMI-ACP, CSM or SAFe).
• Background in SAP or ERP-related data programs.

Work Authorization

Kagool can provide visa sponsorship for qualified candidates. Candidates who are already authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship will be at an advantage.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kagool is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on request.