Project Manager; Investment Management

Project Manager - Data Solutions (Hybrid – Chicago)

• Contract | $75–$80 per hour

A leading firm in the financial services industry is seeking a Senior Project Manager to support key initiatives within its Data Solutions organization. This role partners closely with solutions architecture, application development, data engineering, and analytics teams. The ideal candidate thrives in fast‑moving environments, manages multiple concurrent projects, and drives execution without relying on a rigid playbook. Strong communication skills and the ability to navigate both Agile and Waterfall delivery models are essential.

• Lead end‑to‑end project execution across data, analytics, and application development initiatives.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to resolve data‑related issues and ensure timely solutions.
• Facilitate daily Scrum meetings and Agile ceremonies while adapting to Waterfall processes when required.
• Develop and maintain user stories, acceptance criteria, and comprehensive project documentation.
• Manage and prioritize the project backlog in Jira, ensuring visibility into progress, risks, and dependencies.
• Collaborate with Product Owners and Product Managers to understand evolving requirements and functionality.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels to align on timelines, risks, and deliverables.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and adjust priorities based on business needs.
• Navigate complex team structures to ensure smooth execution across technical and business groups.
• Operate with minimal direction, leveraging prior experience to drive clarity and momentum.

• 5+ years of experience as a Project Manager within data, analytics, or application development environments.
• Strong understanding of Agile methodologies and experience operating in hybrid Agile/Waterfall settings.
• Hands‑on experience with Jira for backlog management, sprint planning, and reporting.
• Proven ability to manage complex data‑related projects and troubleshoot data issues.
• Demonstrated success delivering multiple projects through full life cycles.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross‑team collaboration skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly, think creatively, and bring clarity to ambiguous situations.

• Experience in financial services or investment management.
• Familiarity with Azure or other cloud platforms.
• Solutions‑oriented mindset with strong technical awareness and execution focus.
• Exposure to data architecture, data engineering, or analytics concepts.