Project Manager

JOB SUMMARY: Ensure definition of complete project scope and objectives Manage the project to the established scope and objectives balancing stakeholders’ expectations concerning project cost, time, and scope. Builds and manages project plans that deliver expected results including specifying goals, strategy, scheduling, resource plans, risk and issues management, and change control for each phase of the project. Builds and maintains good relationships with IS and business management to actively manage stakeholder expectations. Establishes project budget; provides project spending forecasts against budget and maintains all project expenses. Identifies and schedules project deliverables, milestones, dependencies, and required tasks. Aligns project requirements with Staples business and IS technology strategy and vision. Engages IS and business management to identify appropriately skilled staff and arranges for recruitment or assignment of extended IS/IT and business associates to the project team. Assign duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority to project personnel. Directs and coordinates activities of project personnel to ensure project progresses on schedule and within prescribed budget Modifies schedule and budget as required. Adheres to the Staples system life cycle (SDLC) and project management standards and practices, reporting and documentation Maintains SDLC documentation in Planview. Prepares project status reports per Staples standards and keeps management, project sponsors and project stakeholders informed of project status and related issues. Coordinates and responds to request for changes from original specifications. Monitors project deliverables against technical and security standards. Obtain, through customer satisfaction and acceptance testing, project signoff of completion. Vendor Management Contract negotiation; Prepare and negotiate contracts and statements of work with vendors. Manage vendor expectations and delivery of vendor products to specification and budget using formal measurement techniques and acceptance criteria, escalate problems and issues as required to successful resolution, maintain good working relationships with vendors Contributes to continuous improvements in project management methodology and processes QUALIFICATIONS:  BS/BA in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, or Business or equivalent Masters certification in project management or PMP certification is a plus 7 years information systems management experience including at least 3 years IS project management experience Proven track record of delivering information systems projects using varied development approaches for internal and externally developed applications as well as packaged applications Significant knowledge of project management processes, methods, and standards Excellent leadership and communications skills required Experience managing a matrix team consisting of associates, contractors, and vendors with various skills and disciplines Self-starter with high energy to meet the needs of a demanding business and IS environment Skills include strong business acumen and strategic thinking to complement strong tactical execution skills Some North America or international travel may be required