EPMO Project Mgr III/IV

Excellus BCBS•De Witt, AR

1d•$62,400 - $176,935•Remote

About The Position

Under the guidance of the assigned EPMO leader, the EPMO Project Manager is responsible for managing and delivering application, operations, ongoing program, and/or business projects for the Excellus Health Plan. This role involves managing projects from initiation through close-out, including planning, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting on project activities. The Project Manager will also manage project economics, scope, requirements, and change management needs, while identifying and coordinating the appropriate blend of talent and resources. They will formulate contingency plans, produce work plans, monitor and report on problem resolution, and escalate issues as needed. Regular communication with management, sponsors, and project teams is essential, as is establishing metrics for measuring key project criteria. The role requires staying current on emerging technologies and project management techniques, monitoring and evaluating performance quality, and fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Matrix management of cross-functional suppliers, including internal IT, outsource partners, contractors, and third-party consultants, is a key aspect of the role. The Project Manager will also advise on and justify the use of current technologies, negotiate with and act as a liaison between functional partners, users, and suppliers. For Level III, responsibilities include representing Managers and Directors in meetings, coaching cross-functional teams, serving as a Change Leader, mentoring new Project Managers, assisting with the coordination of multiple PMs on larger projects, and defining project scope in relation to strategic goals. Level IV responsibilities include managing multiple projects targeting a defined business outcome, managing changes in business strategy, and maintaining an enterprise-wide focus. This level also involves managing large-scale, highly visible, strategic enterprise projects, acting as a resource for other project managers, providing guidance and support, building professional relationships, and developing project management best practices. They will also provide governance for project artifacts, act as a Subject Matter Expert in various project management areas, and may support EPMO Leadership with interviewing, onboarding, and performance reviews. Program-level reporting and contributing to methodology and process improvements are also key functions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration or relevant field (or four additional years related work experience in lieu of degree).
Three (3) years related work experience (Level I).
Five (5) years related work experience (Level II).
Eight (8) years related work experience (Level III).
Ten (10) years related work experience (Level IV).
Technically competent with various software programs such as MS Project, Word, OneNote, Excel and PowerPoint.
General knowledge of multiple project methodologies: Waterfall, Agile, SDLC, etc.
Maintains awareness of project management methodologies, processes and deliverables.
Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Ability to react to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently.
Ability to be flexible during times of change.
Persuasive, encouraging, and motivating.
Strong all-around soft skills and high level of proficiency using written and oral communication skills.
Adept at conducting research when project-related issues occur.
Effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
Strong follow-up skills.
Self-motivated; ability to take initiative and ownership.
Writes and speaks fluently on all aspects of work.
Demonstrated problem solving skills.
Supports and believes in the Lifetime Way values and culture.
PMP certification preferred, 3 years of Project Management experience can be substituted in lieu of certification (Level II).
PMP certification preferred, 5 years of Project Management experience can be substituted in lieu of certification (Level III).
PMP certification preferred, 7 years of Project Management experience can be substituted in lieu of certification (Level IV).
Demonstrated experience in multiple project methodologies - waterfall, Agile, SDLC, etc.
Demonstrated leadership skills.
Demonstrated skills in developing and achieving project scope, costs, and schedule.
Demonstrated skills in forming and fostering high performance, cross-functional teams.
Communicates effectively with users/customers, and colleagues 2-3 levels up/down and across a range of disciplines, and all levels of management.
Experience drafting concise and informative communication pieces at the Departmental and/or Organizational level.
Experience with Quality principles and tools.
Very strong analytical and business process development skills.
Demonstrated competence in project leadership tasks.
Ability to maintain poise and composure under pressure and in difficult situations.
Experience in drafting both internal and external communications to convey project findings and status.
Demonstrated experience managing teams executing under multi-phased and multi-deployment project schedules.
Demonstrated experience communicating with senior management in various formats, informal discussions, written reports, scheduled meetings and executive level presentations.
Knowledge and experience working in information technology, healthcare, health insurance and/or similar industry.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and teams, working constructively and professionally with external vendors/clients and all levels of management across the Health Plan.
Demonstrated proficiency in problem-solving tools/techniques.
Demonstrated experience with project design, development, evaluation, and governance processes required to manage multiple disparate projects across the organization (large and small).
Detailed knowledge of information technology infrastructure and systems preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in strategic project planning, management and execution.
Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Skilled in resource management (feedback, evaluation, staffing).
Maintains knowledge of all relevant legislative and regulatory mandates and ensures that all activities follow these requirements.

Nice To Haves

PMP certification preferred, 3 years of Project Management experience can be substituted in lieu of certification (Level II).
PMP certification preferred, 5 years of Project Management experience can be substituted in lieu of certification (Level III).
PMP certification preferred, 7 years of Project Management experience can be substituted in lieu of certification (Level IV).
Detailed knowledge of information technology infrastructure and systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage and deliver application, operations, ongoing program, and/or business projects.
Determine project schedules, deliverables, assignments, tasks, project meetings, status reporting, communication, and action items.
Track work, tasks, and project assignments to keep projects on-time and within scope and budget.
Facilitate core team meetings and other relevant project meetings, including managing project agendas and minutes.
Create and manage documents in support of the project Change Management (CMR) process.
Perform project management duties over small tier and Enterprise projects or other initiatives.
Maintain currency on emerging project management techniques and advanced communication mechanisms.
Learn and utilize departmental tools such as Planview, Microsoft Teams, Sciquest, SNOW.
Monitor and evaluate quality of performance and product.
Act professionally and foster an environment of continuous improvement and innovative thinking.
Plan, direct, and coordinate a matrixed team’s activities to manage and implement approved scope from business case through project close-out.
Plan, schedule, monitor, and report on activities related to the project.
Determine, monitor, and review all project economics, including project costs, operational budgets, staffing requirements, project resources, and project risks.
Monitor and control project scope, requirements, and change management needs.
Identify the appropriate blend of talent and resources to meet project needs and requirements.
Formulate contingency plans to address schedule revisions, resource adjustments, funding allocations, and work requirements.
Apply appropriate tools to accurately estimate and plan the work of teams or project groups.
Produce work plans according to required standards.
Monitor and report on the progress of the resolution of high impact problems.
Escalate issues which project team is unable to resolve through appropriate channels.
Meet regularly with management, sponsors, and project teams to review project scope/progress and resolve project issues.
Establish appropriate metrics for measuring key project criteria.
Matrix manage cross-functional suppliers: internal IT, outsource partners, contractors, third-party consultants, etc., in delivering solutions.
Negotiate with and function as a liaison between functional partners, users, and suppliers.
Represent Managers and Directors of supported areas in meetings pertaining to related projects.
Coach and provide counsel to members of cross-functional teams to accomplish project objectives.
Serve as a Change Leader, developing and implementing strategies that will benefit the Health Plan.
Mentor new Project Managers on Excellus methodology, processes, tools, organizational structure.
Assist with coordination of the workload of several Level I/II and Contract PMs on larger projects.
Work with various groups across the organization to define the scope of a project and how that contributes to larger strategic goals.
Develop, propose, and negotiate project proposals, quotations, and add-ons to leadership and the customer.
Contribute suggestions and work independently to implement changes to project management methodology and processes.
Perform elevated project management duties, focusing on business outcomes and measurable business benefits.
Manage multiple projects which target one defined business outcome.
Manage changes in business strategy and priorities, and maintain an organizational/enterprise wide focus.
Meet with Project Managers regularly to discuss project related tasks, schedules, risks & issues and deliverables.
Manage large scale, highly visible, strategic enterprise projects that may transition to ongoing responsibility as ‘owner’ for end to end program management.
Function as a resource to the project team in areas of escalation & support, critical path management and as a level one escalation point of contact.
Provide project management expertise, guidance and support to other Project Managers.
Build strong professional relationships with Project Managers and leadership.
Provide supplemental training to Project Managers as needed.
Develop and communicate project management best practices.
Provide governance for project artifacts including project schedule review.
Act as a Project Management Subject Matter Expert in usage of change management, project methodology, budget management, risk management and other project processes and procedures.
Support EPMO Leadership with interviewing of new candidates; on-boarding process for new employees or contractors; providing input to staff performance reviews.
Create program level summarized status reporting as appropriate.
Engage Demand Management and Business Resource Managers as necessary for business case questions/development.
Contribute to Methodology and Process creation; comments and reviews to enhance organizational process maturity and delivery capability.
Assist with the definition, streamlining and improvement of execution and governance processes.
Identify and assist with opportunities for enhancing process uniformity.
May represent Managers and Directors of supported areas in meetings pertaining to related projects, including decision-making responsibilities, attendance at Corporate and regional committees, other meetings and workgroups.