Project Manager - Information Systems

PMA Companies provides risk management solutions and services in the U.S., specializing in workers’ compensation, and offering property and casualty insurance. Headquartered in Blue Bell, PA, PMA has over a century of successful business experience.

The Project Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, execution, control, reporting and completion of one or more concurrent projects consistent with company strategy, principles, commitments and goals. The Project Manager will work under the supervision and direction of IS Management.

* Documents the scope and goals of the project in collaboration with business stakeholders and IS manager. * Demonstrates understanding of how the project aligns to corporate goals and objectives. * Determines the objectives and measures upon which the project will be evaluated at its completion. * Establishes alignment with internal audit department to provide appropriate project documentation. * Establishes a software quality assurance plan for the project. * Determines the optimal software development/project management methodology for completing the project (leveraging agile practices where appropriate). * Facilitates the identification of the skills and technology resources needed to accomplish project objectives; presents staffing and software/infrastructure requirements to the IS Manager. * Identifies, analyzes, prioritizes, mitigates and communicates project risks and dependencies. * Creates a detailed work plan which identifies and sequences the activities needed to successfully complete the project. * Develops a schedule for project completion that effectively allocates the resources to the activities and a project budget inclusive of all anticipated project expenses. * Plans and facilitates meetings for topics such as iteration planning, roadmap planning, feature requirements, steering committees, retrospectives, and process improvements. * Facilitates user story writing, splitting of stories and clarification. * Prepares and presents project status to the IS Manager, including issues and alternative solution options. Prepares and may present Steering Committee reports. * Documents project activities in compliance with audit requirements and software development best practices. * Monitors the progress of the project and makes adjustments as necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project. * Maintains close communication with the IS Manager, ensuring alignment of project activities and outcomes with business and technology operational goals. * Predicts project budget impact and proactively reports anticipated impacts to IS Manager. Tracks project expenses. * Maintains the project plan, tracking actuals against plan. * Reviews the quality of the work completed with the project team on a regular basis to ensure that it meets project and company standards. * Helps team resolve issues and remove roadblocks. * Provides direction and support to the project team. * Facilitates the project change control process.

* Minimum of 3 years managing multi-disciplinary Information Technology projects. * Demonstrated experience managing multiple simultaneous projects involving cross-functional product teams within budgetary and schedule constraints. * Post-secondary education in business or technical field. * Effective verbal and written communication skills with a proven ability to communicate technical terms in business language and communicate across levels of the organization. * Understanding of and experience managing all phases of the software development life cycle (including both waterfall and agile methods). * Demonstrated experience working in a structured project management office environment. * Inquisitive in nature with a desire to gain a full understanding of business and technology operations as they relate to project outcomes. * Knowledge of both theoretical and practical aspects of project management. * Knowledge of project management techniques and tools. * Proficient in project management software. * Agile methodology experience. * Demonstrated experience managing external and internal clients. * Ability to handle multiple planned and unplanned efforts, roles and responsibilities. * Demonstrated skills and experience in conflict resolution, negotiation, and presentation. * Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills. * Proficiency with MS Office tools including MS Project. * Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision. * Commercial Insurance knowledge. * ITIL training and/or experience. * Experience establishing a structured project management office. * Experience establishing IT governance processes.