Project Manager
Reports To: Director of PMO
Location: Hybrid/Onsite in West Des Monies, IA
FLSA Status: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY
We are looking for an experienced and organized Project Manager to join our team and take full ownership of delivering complex projects on time, within budget, and to the agreed quality standards. You will serve as the central point of coordination between stakeholders, cross-functional teams, external vendors, and senior leadership — turning business needs and strategic initiatives into successfully delivered outcomes.
The Project Manager leads cross-functional initiatives that span business and technology domains, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and timely delivery. This role is responsible for managing complex projects, and driving continuous improvement in project execution. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, and a passion for operational excellence.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead end-to-end delivery of multiple concurrent projects (scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, resources)
- Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, detailed schedules, resource plans, and budgets
- Create and manage project charters, RACI matrices, communication plans, and change management processes
- Facilitate effective project kick-offs, status meetings, steering committee meetings, and retrospectives
- Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues — driving timely resolution
- Manage scope change through formal change request processes
- Track and report project health using KPIs, earned value metrics (when applicable), and executive dashboards
- Build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors, business owners, product managers, engineering, design, marketing, finance, legal, and external partners
- Ensure projects align with company strategic objectives and OKRs
- Drive continuous improvement of project management practices, templates, and governance within the organization
- Mentor and support junior project coordinators / associate project managers (when applicable)
Project Leadership & Execution
- Lead enterprise-wide projects from initiation through delivery, managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality.
- Develop detailed project plans, resource forecasts, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Facilitate weekly status meetings and steering committee meetings.
- Ensure stakeholder alignment and manage expectations across departments.
- Assess requirements to ensure they are complete and contemplate impacts on the entire business application / systems when solutioning.
Team & Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with internal teams, vendors, and external partners.
- Work with business and IT teams to ensure technical solutions meet business needs.
Governance & Reporting
- Maintain project documentation including requirements, status reports, and dashboards.
- Track KPIs and success metrics; escalate risks and issues proactively.
- Support PMO governance processes and contribute to portfolio prioritization.
- Foster a positive and ethical work environment while establishing effective communications of matters and timely resolution of issues
Process Optimization
- Champion project management best practices and continuous improvement.
- Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve delivery efficiency.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Completed Associates or Bachelors Degree from an accredited university or a combination of post-secondary education and work experience.
- A minimum of 5 years in a project management role for project management at a finance company or bank.
- Effective individual contributor, team leader and team player.
- Knowledge of project planning methodologies and tools.
- Excellent analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Experience identifying and documenting business requirements.
- Knowledge and experience with MS Office tools.
- Experience with JIRA a plus.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships, work collaboratively, and resolve problems with people at all levels across the organization, across lines of business and with third party vendors.
- Solid knowledge of practices, procedures, and principles in project management and change management.
- Able to interpret, analyze and document complex concepts.
- Strong understanding of business processes for loan originations and servicing.
- Judgment and problem-solving skills sufficient to analyze information to formulate recommendations to problems.
- Proficient in self-planning skills to schedule, organize and manage multiple activities of varying complexity according to established plans and adjusting work schedules according to changing priorities and time constraints.
- Well-developed analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
- Excellent Interpersonal, negotiation and mediation skills.
- Good judgment skills and ability to make sound decisions.
- Ability to perform in a fast-paced office environment.
- Flexibility and ability to work overtime.
- Previous experience with supporting APIs a plus.
APPLY TO WORK AT WATERCRESS FINANCIAL
What does the hiring process look like after submitting a resume?
- If you see a position that you feel aligns with your skillset, apply! Our HR team will review your resume and determine if your background is what we are looking for. Talented candidates will be contacted to do a phone screen.
- Candidates that are selected will be asked to do an in-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager. A second interview with additional managers or members of the executive team may be necessary depending on the position.
- The hiring manager will then select a candidate to receive an offer for the position!
- Once an offer letter has been signed, all positions will be asked to complete a background and credit check to be completed prior to hire.
- It’s time to start your new position at Watercress Financial!