Operations Project Manager

About the Role

We are currently seeking an Operations Project Manager to join our Operations Strategic Support team. This role will be focused on delivering value through process improvement and technological initiatives throughout Operations. The effective Project Manager will drive alignment across our Operations organization, IT, and impacted Business Units to implement projects, and guide team members to achieve successful outcomes.

• Work with teams to define and build consensus around project approach, scope, and milestones
• Facilitates planning, touch point, and retrospective meetings
• As needed, work with teams to define vendor requirements and drive vendor selection process
• Define and build consensus around project approach and scope
• Leverage project methodology to plan, organize, and monitor projects
• Regularly report and update on progress, timelines, obstacles, and challenges
• Navigate complexity, alleviate roadblocks, and resolve conflict within project teams
• As needed, work with vendors to manage deliverables and project timeline
• Utilize knowledge of six sigma methodologies, like DMAIC, to facilitate process improvements
• Strong focus on continuous improvement and process sustainability
• Develop strong partnerships with team, functional peers, sponsors and multiple stakeholders
• Manage relationships with business partners, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Apply change management practices (ADKAR) while working with all levels of the organization
• Drive alignment around projects
• Facilitate project communications to leadership, stakeholders, and project team

• Bachelor’s degree
• Project Management experience preferred
• Lean/Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification (or higher) is preferred, but not required
• Ability to influence without authority
• Strong written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to perform complex problem solving
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, monitor, and complete multiple tasks or projects, either independently or collaboratively
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on building trusting relationships with business partners and their leadership team
• Change agent with ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team environment and with associates at all levels and in all areas of the firm
• Position based from Baird's global headquarters in Milwaukee, WI with 1 day/week work from home flexibility