Consultant, Project Portfolio Management (PPM)

Integrated Project Management Company•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Consultant in IPM’s national Project Portfolio Management (PPM) practice, you will work with IPM engagement leads and client teams to strengthen how organizations plan, prioritize, and deliver their portfolios. Depending on client needs and maturity, you may support current-state assessments and improvement roadmaps; work hands-on in client PMOs managing portfolio reporting, governance cadences, resource tracking, and steering committee materials; or help build and roll out processes, templates, and tools while coaching project teams through new ways of working. The role focuses on enterprise and functional PMOs, particularly for new product development, strategic initiatives, and business execution. It offers exposure to clients and industries while developing consulting and portfolio management expertise. The work does not include managing IT systems implementations or infrastructure projects, application development, cybersecurity, or technology operations. IPM is a project and portfolio management consulting firm headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Boston, Parsippany, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Its clients span multiple sectors, including pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, consumer products, industrial products, and healthcare. The position uses a hybrid work environment, with a minimum of three office days per week; office days and locations may vary based on project schedules, meetings, and client requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; a science or engineering discipline or related field is preferred.
At least 7 years of professional experience, with growth into roles of greater responsibility.
At least 3 years managing projects or programs, or supporting a PMO or portfolio function.
Consulting mindset and ability to assess current practices and recommend improvements.
High attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
Familiarity with PMO or portfolio maturity models and ability to adapt approaches to each client’s maturity level.
Experience supporting or coaching project teams.
Hands-on experience with PPM and reporting tools such as Smartsheet, Planisware, or Planview.
Interest in applying AI to PMO and reporting work.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to new situations.
Authorization to work for any employer in the U.S.; the company is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Relevant project management certifications, such as Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
A science or engineering discipline, or related field, for the bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Support current-state assessments of PMO and portfolio frameworks, including stakeholder interviews, data gathering, and analysis.
Analyze findings to identify root causes of issues and inefficiencies.
Contribute to future-state recommendations and improvement roadmaps.
Build and implement processes, governance, templates, and tools.
Support day-to-day PMO operations, including portfolio reporting, steering committee materials, and resource tracking.
Apply industry best-practice methodologies and tools, such as Smartsheet.
Coach and support project managers and PMO staff as they adopt new practices.
Identify and help apply AI opportunities within PMO and portfolio functions.
Contribute to proposals and client materials.

Benefits

100% employer-paid health insurance for employees and 80% paid health insurance for dependents.
401(k) matching.
Performance bonus.
Relocation assistance.
Tuition reimbursement.
Paid vacation, holidays, personal time, and sick time.
Training and professional development opportunities.
Promotion from within.
Culture-building and team-building events.
Collaborative support from managers, internal teams, and Centers of Excellence.