Purpose of the Position

The IT Project Leader is responsible for daily oversight and execution of project management activities to ensure that IT projects stay on track according to schedule, scope and budget. Responsibilities include ensuring that proper project methodology is followed, creation and maintenance of detailed project plans, managing scope and risk, scheduling business and technology resources, managing allotted budget, and ensuring clear and timely communication. The successful candidate will bring IT project management experience spanning both applications and infrastructure along with experience in Product Management organizations. Responsible for understanding Simmons’ business, industry and trends, ensuring the technical solutions meet business objectives, along with overseeing delivery of IT services and projects to ensure internal client satisfaction.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Project Management: Responsible for daily execution of all project management activities, including but not limited to: project meeting scheduling and facilitation, development and management of detailed project plans with milestones and timelines, scheduling business and IS resources, maintaining project data in a portfolio system of record, issue management and risk mitigation planning, planning and execution of user acceptance testing and training, managing project budget, stakeholder communication, status reporting, and ensuring proper artifacts are produced and deliverables are met on time. Ensures that proper organizational change management is incorporated into project plans which enables better business adoption of new technology. Demonstrates a working understanding of Waterfall, Iterative and Agile Project Methodologies. Interfaces with the Business Project Management Organization and/or 3rd party software consultants to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget while meeting the business needs. Oversees planning and execution of user acceptance testing and training. Ensures business requirements are clearly documented.

Leads the organization to accomplish quality performance and deliver on expectations regarding functionality, timeliness and cost in a manner that meets or exceeds customer expectations. Counsels with the Product Managers to validate comprehensive implementation plans and work schedules. Effectively monitors the execution, control, and reporting of projects. Advises on resource changes or additions to support projects.

Works closely with IT and other teams. Provides leadership to ensure product development and support teams work collaboratively with other IT, vendor and business teams ensuring adherence to architecture and security standards, tracking metrics and continuous improvement standards.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property. May travel via car or plane to various work locations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by visiting facility.

Travel: Approximately 20% travel, including travel to Simmons facilities, one to two offsite classes or conferences per year. Must have or be able to obtain a passport.

Technical Experience: 7+ years project management experience. Knowledge of project management disciplines necessary to run projects. Fluent in use of Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office Products and JIRA. Excellent interpersonal, listening, oral and written communication skills. Excellent analytical skills, as well as accuracy and attention to details.

Industry Experience: Preference for food processing organization.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related field, or 4 years related experience.

Preferred Education: Related Master’s degree.

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.

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