HR Project Manager

Wabtec•Chicago, IL

7h•$91,100 - $129,800•Hybrid

About The Position

The Wabtec HR Project Management Office (PMO) is responsible for the management of key and strategic HR portfolio initiatives, which include cross-functional programs aimed at driving efficiencies within M&A activity with continuous improvement capabilities, the Wabtec employee experience, global end-to-end operations, and technical excellence. The HR PMO team brings together the broader HR strategy, delivering transformational initiatives and driving consistent project governance and risk mitigation. We break down silos, maintain accountability, and deploy our resources with intention. The HR Project Manager will perform a combination of M&A and/or HR Enterprise project management responsibilities across the Wabtec global HR footprint. They will manage the project life cycle for a single HR project or a portfolio. The HR Project Manager not only possesses a certain level of technical proficiency but is also a persuasive communicator and strategic thinker capable of driving transformational change and engaging stakeholders at all levels. This position also has a unique opportunity to participate in building and improving the Wabtec HR PMO.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years’ experience in leading multiple large-scale projects with collaboration from various partners.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
Deep project management skills including creating and leading tools that drive clarity and accountability.
Prior experience leading enterprise projects including budget development and oversight.
Capability to quickly develop a deep understanding of the business.
Sound decision making based on using data and analytics to understand trends as well as impact of actions to the business for all decisions made.
Results Oriented: Ability to deliver on results – keeping customer needs aligned.
Ability to influence autonomously.
Experience developing and dissecting processes to drive operational efficiency.
Ability to cultivate strategic partnerships and communicate effectively at all levels of the Enterprise both written and verbal.

Nice To Haves

PMP, PMI-ACP, or other relevant certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

Work with multiple project methodologies (waterfall, agile, hybrid) and support the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Wabtec HR project management methodologies and best practices to build the department’s skills and abilities.
Define the appropriate standards of governance and ownership of project delivery lifecycles that align with industry’s best practices.
Develop tools and resources to adaptably manage a portfolio of transformational projects with predictable consistency, efficiency, and success.
Build and maintain a PMO intake process that includes facilitating high-level discovery/requirements gathering sessions in scoping new projects.
Craft compelling narratives through dynamic visualizations—including charts, graphs, and PowerPoint presentations—that effectively communicate complex data and insights, helping to secure stakeholder buy-in for transformational projects.
Oversee projects from initial concept to final implementation and post-project evaluation.
Create detailed project and implementation plans focused on engagement and buy-in, integrating cross-functional teams and aligning with overall strategic objectives to ensure successful execution across diverse environments.
Work closely with cross functional partners to drive visibility, awareness, understanding of change impact, efficiency, effectiveness, cost, and compliance for assigned HR projects.
Act as the bridge between HR process owners and other Wabtec support functions to ensure alignment with business needs.
Maintains communication with governing bodies and key stakeholders.
Clearly and promptly communicates project expectations to team members and stakeholders.
Manage scope, timeline, budget, stakeholder communication, and resources across cross-functional teams.
Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that articulate project goals, benefits, and progress to all levels of the organization.
Manages resource allocation and organizes tasks.
Prepares and submits project budget proposals, recommending adjustments when needed.
Plans and schedules project timelines and milestones using the appropriate tools.
Monitors and reports on project progress, RAID logs, analyzes results, defines project deliverables, and predicts future trends.
Proactively manages changes in project scope, identifies potential risks, and develops contingency plans.
Facilitate training, workshops, or change management initiatives to support project implementation.
Anticipate risks, uncover inefficiencies, own challenges and complex issues; implement contingency plans and corrective actions using critical thinking and creative problem-solving, and drive results without compromising deadlines or client satisfaction.
Participate in the due diligence and early integration phases of M&A activities for Wabtec divisions across the world.
Play a crucial role in managing the integration project plan for acquired companies (merger partners) and optimizing business processes to achieve strategic objectives.
Understand Wabtec’s business development’s team comprehensive due diligence plan, including coordination of data collection, analysis, and risk assessment, and translate that into actionable tasks from relevant HR stakeholders.
Participate in due diligence process along with other key HR points of contact for merger partner, deal broker, and buyer’s deal team - coordinating meetings, follow up tasks, and critical items to get to deal close.
Share due diligence findings to HR senior management and stakeholders via HR PMO identified collaboration tools.
Produce onsite due diligence meetings and meeting materials as required.
Collaborate with numerous functional leaders to develop a detailed integration plan that aligns with the organization's strategic goals and enhances overall operational efficiency.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external, throughout the M&A process.
Collaborate with process owners to design and implement standardized and streamlined processes post-acquisition.
Run calls & meetings to promote good communication and accountability among functional teams executing post-close integration activities - including technology integration, workforce alignment, process optimization, and cultural adoption.
Communicate project progress, risks, mitigation steps, and outcomes to senior leadership, executive teams, and relevant functional areas.
Monitor and manage integration project timelines, milestones, and budgets.
Address challenges and roadblocks that arise during the early part of the integration process, ensuring swift resolution.
Identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiencies within the organization and acquired entities.
Continuously monitor and assess the effectiveness of integration processes, advocating for adjustments as needed.
Partner with HR Shared Services and Lean leaders across Wabtec to identify, prioritize, and implement improvement initiatives that enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
Implement Lean methodologies to streamline HR operations and support the development of a culture focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.