Senior IT Project Manager

Job Purpose and Summary

This position is responsible for managing multiple Information Technology (IT) projects from inception through implementation for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC). The incumbent manages project teams from various business and IT functional areas involving the development of new systems or major enhancements to existing systems. Work involves developing project scopes, defining project guidelines, obtaining approvals, and coordinating the resources necessary to successfully complete projects. An incumbent in this position manages and coordinates the activities of the internal and external staff associated with assigned projects. At the lower-level the incumbent is expected to independently manage moderately complex IT projects and manage small to medium sized project teams. At the senior-level the incumbent is expected to independently manage the most complex IT projects and manage large sized project teams, in addition to the lower-level work. Incumbents are expected to manage external consultants. Senior-level incumbents may supervise lower-level project managers. 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Manages and coordinates the activities of internal and/or external staff involved in multiple IT projects. Motivates and mentors members of the team and provides input for annual performance reviews.
 
Develops and maintains the project plans utilizing established project management standards, procedures, and methodologies. Coordinates with business owners and other analysts to define and refine the project scope. Develops work breakdown structures based on the project objectives and scope.

Forms project teams for assigned projects. Conducts project kick-off meetings to communicate individual roles and project expectations. Develops communication plans to convey project scope, goals, milestones, budget, risk, status, change requests and other critical issues to the business owner and the project team. Negotiates conflicts and resolves issues that arise with the project team.

Identifies, analyzes and prioritizes the elements of risk and their potential impact to a project. Monitors project milestones and other critical dates to identify and resolve potential issues that may disrupt the project schedule. Identifies ways to resolve and mitigate issues as they arise.

Determines the resources needed to carry out projects and develops budget requests. Coordinates with resource owners to fill internal resource needs and makes recommendations for resources that may need to be procured outside of the PTC. 

Develops and refines cost estimates and detailed cost baselines for projects to include physical, financial, and human capital costs. Continuously monitors the actual cost of the project versus the budget for the project including reviewing invoices and evaluating factors that may potentially cause changes to the cost. Conducts in-depth analysis of project budget discrepancies.

Develops and maintains a productive working relationship with business owners, project sponsors, vendors, and key clients. Conducts formal reviews upon project completion to confirm acceptance and satisfaction.

Conducts lessons learned sessions during and after projects to identify recommendations for improvement.
 
Uses situational awareness to anticipate and prevent accidents.
    
Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Ten (10) years of experience in information technology or project management; OR
Six (6) years of experience in information technology or project management AND a bachelor’s degree in information technology, business administration, or related field; OR
One (1) year as an IT Project Manager with the PTC.
Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted. 

Possession of a Project Management Institute (PMI) certification is preferred.

Competencies

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Position demands include frequent speaking, writing, and reading reports. Position requires frequent work at a computer utilizing business programs and PTC specific operating systems. Occasionally works outside of normal business hours for assigned work assignments.

Office environment with low levels of noise, adequate lighting, and comfortable temperature. Field environment may include exposure to moderately adverse and undesirable conditions. Physical environment is generally safe, but safety equipment or precautions must be followed in field conditions.  

Disclaimer

The information provided in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent(s) within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and working conditions required of the employee(s) assigned to this job. Management has the discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time.