Project Manager, IT Project Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager

Job#: 3017468

Job Description:

Job Title:

Project Manager

Job Location:

Columbus, OH (Hybrid)

Pay Range: $48/hr-$57/hr

Contract Length: 6 months (Contract-to-Hire)

Scope of Position

The Project Manager is responsible for leading the initiation, planning, execution, and closure phases of a large-scale Network Redesign initiative within a broader Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Modernization (CIM) program. This effort includes multiple network and security-focused work streams and requires applying project management knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to meet delivery requirements related to cost, schedule, and scope. The role supports the program's guiding principles of establishing an infrastructure that is Simple, Supportable, Secure, and Scalable.

Position Summary

The Project Manager will support the organization's IT Portfolio Management Office as part of the CIM program. The ideal candidate has experience managing enterprise technology projects, a general understanding of network technologies, and strong vendor management capabilities.

The Project Manager will guide work streams through all phases of the project lifecycle-from planning and design through build, installation, go-live, training, and transition to operations. This role ensures consistent, high-quality project delivery while balancing scope, schedule, cost, risk, quality, and stakeholder expectations.

Success in this position requires strong communication skills, the ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities. The Project Manager will also work closely with the CIM Program Manager to report status, manage risks and issues, highlight milestones, identify budget needs, and maintain clear stakeholder communication.

Duties and Responsibilities

This position operates under the supervision of an Associate Director. Work is reviewed periodically for quality and alignment with program objectives.

Scope Development (15%)

* Define project scope and objectives in collaboration with business stakeholders, technical teams, and the PMO.

* Assess hardware, software, and licensing needs; support customers in developing project budgets and evaluating ROI.

* Ensure formal acceptance of project scope and confirm that all required work is included.

Requirements Elicitation (15%)

* Validate that proposed technology solutions meet user needs.

* Gather requirements through interviews, workshops, site visits, surveys, workflow analysis, and use case development.

* Analyze and reconcile information from multiple sources; distinguish between user requests and true underlying needs.

* Produce artifacts such as functional requirements, business requirements documents, use cases, and interface designs.

* Apply enterprise-wide requirements management methodologies.

* Challenge business units constructively to ensure realistic planning and execution.

Project Life Cycle Management (30%)

* Manage all phases of the project lifecycle: initiation, planning, execution, control, and closure.

* Develop project charters and secure sponsor approval.

* Lead business and technical teams through solution validation, installation, and implementation.

* Manage consultants and suppliers as part of the extended project team.

* Develop and maintain project schedules, including baselines and dependencies.

* Track progress, risks, issues, and team performance; report to stakeholders.

* Coordinate vendor implementation activities and integrate them into program timelines.

* Ensure quality management through review of deliverables against requirements.

* Manage multiple concurrent project initiatives.

Project Communication (10%)

* Develop communication plans, messaging, and presentations for internal and external audiences.

* Serve as the primary liaison between sponsors, internal teams, technical resources, and vendors.

* Coordinate communication efforts with organizational partners as needed.

Budget Planning & Reporting (10%)

* Support development of departmental budgets by assessing costs for hardware, software, and services.

* Assist in preparing requests for proposals and compiling cost comparisons for planning purposes.

* Ensure accurate billing of project-related expenses.

Professional Development (10%)

* Stay current on industry standards and developments relevant to the role.

* Maintain PMI certification through ongoing professional activities.

* Participate in professional project management organizations.

Process Improvement (5%)

* Conduct independent research to recommend improvements as the PMO matures.

* Contribute expertise to internal process improvement initiatives.

* Adopt new processes and methodologies in support of PMO goals.

Other Responsibilities (5%)

* Review and respond to work-related communications.

* Create and maintain documentation repositories, training guides, and operational procedures.

* Complete required annual training.

* Maintain any certifications required for the role.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of…