IT Project Manager

Our client is one of the world's leading financial services seeking an IT PROJECT MANAGER with proven experience managing technically complex, cross-organizational, multi-stakeholder projects. PMP certification is required. The successful candidate must have demonstrated technical project management experience in directly managing a large portfolio of projects. In addition, s/he should have working knowledge of software development methodologies and full software development life cycle including quality assurance and system integration.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Responsible for project management of large scale cross-divisional highly complex projects in a very fast paced, dynamic and highly matrixed environment.
- Project deliverables will include infrastructure deployments, internally development systems and broad platform and application/solution integration.
- Project team may comprise of geographically disbursed members from multiple IT and Business teams.
- Work with business and technology subject matter experts to define scope, create accurate and inclusive estimates, develop budgets and project plans, and produce high quality Statements of Work and other planning documentation needed for funding approvals.
- Direct project activities, conduct reviews, manage risk mitigation, issues, and change control processes, and communicate status to senior executives within the development and business partner organizations.
- Manage and track project budgets, forecasts and schedule to achieve target scope, schedule and cost.
- Ensure that all projects are in compliance with Visa's Project Management Methodology and Key Controls and that accurate and timely information is collected and reported regularly on project progress and financial status.
- Provide project teams with expertise, direction, motivation, and encouragement. Direct and/or manage a mix of internal and outsourced/vendor, local and remote resources for project delivery.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities including flexibility and adaptability to changes in roles and responsibility as required.
- Collaborate with Business Sponsors to develop project roadmaps which align to business objectives and sequenced by priority and resource availability.
- Identify and manage dependencies and impacts among projects across the portfolio. Manage issues escalated from related projects.
- Achieve project goals by collaborating with stakeholders at all management levels across Visa, including architects and strategists, technical IT subject matter experts, business partners, vendors, and Visa senior management. Demonstrate skills in conflict management and negotiation to achieve project goals and develop trust with stakeholders.
- Demonstrate and leverage strong business and financial acumen.
- Manage through influence, but without direct management authority. Use capabilities to influence customers and stakeholders, and properly manage divergent expectations.
- Embrace teamwork while promoting a culture of openness and flexibility.
- Must sit in Foster City.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Minimum of 10 years of proven project management experience managing technically complex, cross-organizational, multi-stakeholder projects
- PMP Certification required
- Extensive Microsoft Project experience
- Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science or related technical discipline required; advanced degree a plus
- Extensive experience in technical project management of large scale, complex solutions
- Strong leadership qualities and organizational skills as well as the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, assignments, and roles
- Demonstrated technical project management experience in directly managing a large portfolio of projects
- Working knowledge of software development methodologies and full software development life cycle including quality assurance and system integration
- Demonstrated knowledge of project management techniques, methodologies, and best practices.
- Highly efficient in project and program level financial management including business case development/review, budget/expense forecasting and tracking
- Solid understanding and experienced in project financial controls
- Proven experience with program or project management for multiple, large-scale projects under a well-defined project management methodology
- Recent experience with mentoring, developing and managing IT professionals
- Demonstrated ability to succeed in a complex organization where the ability to discover and internalize diverse stakeholder goals is critical to brokering solutions that are in the best interest of the organization
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills; in particular, demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical and business issues and solutions to multiple organizational levels internally and externally as needed
- Independent judgment and mature decision making skills to deal with projects that often have brand, financial and compliance implications and impact
- Solid analytical and problem solving skills; ability to think strategically and can turn ideas into actions
- Ability to work independently, yet seamlessly integrate activities with other teams when needed
- Well-honed influencing skills; ability to negotiate and gain consensus between organizations where competing priorities exist
- Proficiency in the use of Project Management tools and Microsoft Office suite
- Strong executive presence and able to represent Visa IT team when working with 3rd party vendors
- Must demonstrate self-motivated attitude to learn Visa's business and environment quickly
- Commitment to quality and continuous improvements
- CISSP, CISM, CISA or other recognized information security certification or accreditation a plus
- Looking for PM familiar with Infrastructure and Security projects
- Financial services and card payments industry experience is a plus

Duration of assignment is expected to be 12 months with possible extension.