Principal Project Manager

IFS•Itasca, IL

1d•$133,600 - $178,100•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Project Manager is accountable for the full scope, team, resources, and success of IFS projects. Acting as IFS’s focal point of project-management expertise, this role drives customer value realization and revenue generation through strong project leadership, trusted customer and team relationships, and effective application of project management practices and IFS methodologies. The role leads large, complex projects and programs from planning through closure, developing strategies aligned with business objectives and overseeing governance, financial controls, forecasting, risk, quality, contracts, and change requests. It provides executive reporting and stakeholder engagement, guides cross-functional teams, and resolves complex issues while maintaining control of short- and long-term revenue outcomes and project KPIs. The Principal Project Manager also shapes service delivery and organizational practices, mentors project managers, contributes to global consulting strategy, and drives continuous improvement across teams and business units. In partnership with Sales, customer success, consulting, and other functions, the role identifies business opportunities beyond initial contract scope, recommends value-added solutions, and supports customer growth. It provides thought leadership on ERP architecture, integrations, implementation methodologies, and product advancements, and champions IFS values and collaboration.

Requirements

University degree in a technical discipline, an MBA, or an equivalent professional qualification.
Minimum 5–10 years of project management experience.
Prior experience managing ERP implementation projects, preferably full-lifecycle projects.
Experience working with C-level stakeholders.
Fluency in English and the local language, verbally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

Solid knowledge of IFS Software.
Participation in implementation of IFS products.
Industry knowledge in target industries.
Experience delivering a broad range of IFS Consulting Services.
Experience conducting projects using an Agile methodology.
Certification in another project-management methodology, such as PRINCE2 or Project Management Professional (PMP).

Responsibilities

Plan, lead, execute, monitor, control, and close IFS projects, taking accountability for scope, team, resources, and project success.
Act as an authority on IFS contract structures and ensure best practices in contract interpretation and application.
Develop enterprise-level project strategies aligned with business objectives and long-term growth and sustainability.
Lead large-scale, complex, and high-impact projects and programs, optimizing resource allocation and project outcomes.
Establish project governance, including financial controls, forecasting, and risk management.
Provide executive reporting and strategic insights to Project Steering Groups and senior leadership.
Develop proactive risk mitigation strategies and strategically manage Change Requests.
Drive executive engagement on IFS Success Offerings and support business growth.
Lead cross-functional teams and coordinate effectively with Project Managers, Solution Architects, Leads, Sales, customer success, and consulting teams.
Set strategic direction and best practices for service delivery and ensure project quality and adherence to the IFS Implementation Methodology.
Provide thought leadership on implementation methodologies and clarify activities across project phases.
Build and maintain high-level stakeholder relationships, communicate with executives, and resolve conflicts at an executive level.
Identify and develop business opportunities beyond initial contract scope, including success offerings, license upsells, and managed services; collaborate with Sales to drive commercial success.
Use customer insights to recommend value-added solutions and provide strategic feedback to improve IFS services and products.
Mentor and coach Project Managers and future project leaders; foster a high-performance, collaborative, accountable, results-driven culture.
Contribute to IFS Global Consulting Strategy by assessing and improving methodologies, tools, processes, and practices, considering impacts across business functions.
Advise IFS Global Consulting Management, R&D, and Unified Support, and leverage global capabilities and best practices to improve delivery and outcomes.
Lead cross-functional initiatives and implement process improvements that refine methodologies, streamline workflows, and enhance operational efficiency across local, regional, and global teams.
Provide thought leadership on ERP architecture, integrations, and best practices; define project-management strategies to optimize business outcomes.
Stay current with product advancements and shape how products are used in projects.
Lead workshops and executive meetings to align stakeholders and drive strategy.
Champion IFS values, collaboration, and a culture of excellence.