Principal Project Manager

IFS•Itasca, IL

12h•$133,600 - $178,100•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Project Manager plans, leads, executes, monitors, controls, and closes IFS projects. This role is accountable for the project scope, team, resources, and overall success, serving as a focal point of expertise to realize customer value and generate revenue for IFS. The position requires strong project management and IFS methodology expertise, and the ability to build trust with customers and IFS teams while driving decisions, engagement, and motivation. The role also maintains oversight of short- and long-term revenue realization and project KPIs. The Principal Project Manager leads enterprise-level strategies and large, complex projects and programs; establishes project governance, financial controls, forecasting, and risk management; and provides executive reporting and strategic insights. The role oversees contract interpretation, change requests, project quality, and adherence to the IFS Implementation Methodology. It sets service-delivery direction and best practices, supports executive stakeholder engagement, and coordinates Project Managers, Solution Architects, Leads, sales, customer success, consulting teams, and other functions. The position contributes to IFS Global Consulting Strategy by improving methodologies, tools, processes, and project management practices across local, regional, and global teams. It mentors project managers and future leaders, develops high-performing teams, and influences cross-functional improvements. The role also identifies and pursues business opportunities beyond initial contract scope, including success offerings, additional licenses, and managed services, and provides customer-informed feedback on IFS services and products. It provides thought leadership on ERP architecture, integrations, implementation practices, and product advancements, and leads high-level workshops and executive meetings.

Requirements

University degree in a technical discipline, MBA, or equivalent professional qualification.
5–10 years of experience in project management.
Prior experience managing ERP implementation projects, preferably full lifecycle implementations.
Experience working with C-level stakeholders (Principal to Senior Principal).
Fluency in English and the local language, both verbal and written.

Nice To Haves

Solid knowledge of IFS Software.
Participation in implementation of IFS products.
Specific industry knowledge from 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, with accountability for project scope, teams, resources, and outcomes.
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 lead large, complex projects and programs.
Establish project governance, financial controls, forecasting, and risk management; provide executive reporting and strategic insights.
Manage risks proactively and define strategic oversight of change requests to limit disruption and maximize value.
Ensure project quality and adherence to the IFS Implementation Methodology; define service-delivery direction and best practices.
Lead cross-functional teams and coordinate Project Managers, Solution Architects, Leads, sales, customer success, consulting, and other teams.
Engage executives and stakeholders, resolve executive-level conflicts, and build high-level customer and internal relationships.
Drive customer value realization, revenue generation, project KPIs, and commercial success in collaboration with Sales.
Identify and develop opportunities beyond initial contract scope, including success offerings, additional licenses, and managed services.
Champion upsell strategies, including through Sales Performance Incentive Fund (SPIFF), and recommend value-added solutions based on customer insights.
Mentor and coach Project Managers and develop future project leaders; foster a collaborative, accountable, results-driven team culture.
Contribute to IFS Global Consulting Strategy and improve methodologies, tools, processes, and project management practices across the organization.
Lead cross-functional process improvement initiatives to refine methodologies, streamline workflows, and improve operational efficiency.
Advise IFS Global Consulting Management, R&D, and Unified Support, and leverage global capabilities and best practices.
Provide customer-informed feedback to improve IFS service and product offerings.
Provide thought leadership on ERP architecture, integrations, implementation methodologies, and project management practices.
Stay current with product advancements and shape their use in projects.
Lead high-level workshops and executive meetings to align stakeholders and drive strategy.
Champion IFS values and a culture of excellence and collaboration.