Sr Strategic Project Manager (Remote or Hybrid)

Contract Duration: 28 months / through end of 2028

About the Role

Seeking an experienced Contract IT/Technology Senior Project Manager (PM) with a background in software-focused project management, specifically in the installation, upgrade, or conversion of commercial vendor-built software (e.g., COTS) and associated vendor management. While projects follow Waterfall SDLC (design, configuration, testing, and go-live), they are not software development projects.

This PM will lead a complex, large-scale, high-dollar, multi-year GIS Utility Network Model Conversion/Implementation Project. The project is currently in a Design (Gate) Phase with a third-party vendor analyzing the current model, defining system architecture, evaluating data readiness, and establishing implementation approach and cost estimates. The PM will bring the Design Phase to a successful close, assist in business case approval, and then serve as the PM for the implementation phase.

While GIS experience is beneficial, it is not required if the candidate has relevant experience with large, complex software upgrade/conversion projects and demonstrates technical aptitude and quick learning. The candidate must be a systems thinker and critical problem solver with a proven track record of delivering enterprise software modernization projects from initiation through implementation and closeout.

Responsibilities

• Lead a complex, large-scale, multi-year software technology project through all phases, from initiation to implementation and closeout.
• Identify, plan, coordinate, and drive work across multiple IT teams, vendors, and business stakeholders.
• Create and maintain resource-loaded project schedules, including tasks, durations, owners, dependencies, milestones, critical path, baseline dates, forecast dates, and capacity/resource constraints.
• Drive execution, remove obstacles, challenge assumptions, and hold project teams and vendors accountable for commitments and delivery outcomes.
• Proactively manage risks, issues, dependencies, and escalations, navigating technical complexities and competing priorities.
• Manage third-party vendors, consulting partners, system integrators, and contract resources to achieve project objectives.
• Ensure project performance through disciplined follow-up, clear ownership assignments, decision tracking, escalation of stalled work, vendor accountability, and transparent reporting of progress.
• Organize, synthesize, and present complex technical and business information to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Work within structured project delivery methodologies, including Waterfall SDLC governance, stage-gate reviews, scope management, risk management, and executive reporting.
• Independently lead projects with minimal oversight while remaining accountable for measurable outcomes.

Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years of IT/Technology Project Management experience; ten (10)+ years preferred.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex, large-scale, high-dollar, multi-year software technology projects.
• Experience managing third-party vendors, consulting partners, system integrators, and contract resources.
• Strong risk, issue, dependency, and escalation management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project.
• Experience with Waterfall SDLC governance, stage-gate reviews, scope management, and executive reporting.
• GIS software project management experience is beneficial but not required.

Candidates with only software development or Agile Project Management experience will not be considered.

Benefits

After a qualification period, consultants receive a suite of benefits including health, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance.

Pay

$85–90/hour (W2 only).

Schedule

Remote role, with the option to be hybrid in Madison, WI if desired.