Senior IT Project Manager – GIS Utility Network Conversion (Contract)

Senior IT Project Manager – GIS Utility Network Conversion (Contract)

Location: Hybrid / Remote (Madison, WI area preferred; mostly or fully remote possible)
Duration: 12+ month contract (Oct 2026 – Oct 2027)
Hours: Full-time, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Central Time
Rate: [$80-$85 per hr]

About the Role

Our client, a major Midwest energy utility, is looking for a Senior IT Project Manager to lead a large, multi-year GIS modernization program. The project will migrate the company's electric and gas geospatial data from legacy geometric networks to the rules-based ArcGIS Utility Network model. GIS is a foundational system that integrates with many applications and business teams, so this change has broad technical and operational impact.

The project is in its Design phase with a third-party vendor. You will bring Design to a close, guide the business case through approval, and then lead the implementation phase through go-live and closeout.

This is a leadership role. We want someone who can drive decisions through ambiguity, challenge assumptions, hold vendors and teams accountable, and keep momentum when priorities and stakeholders don't line up.

What You'll Do

• Lead a complex, high-dollar COTS software conversion using Waterfall SDLC and stage-gate governance.
• Build and own resource-loaded MS Project schedules, including dependencies, critical path, baselines, forecasts, and capacity constraints.
• Manage third-party vendors, system integrators, and contract resources, and hold them to commitments.
• Coordinate work across multiple IT teams, GIS staff, architects, system owners, and field users.
• Proactively manage risks, issues, dependencies, and escalations.
• Translate technical complexity into clear business decisions and executive-level reporting.
• Oversee cutover planning, operational readiness, training, and transition to support.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of IT/Technology Project Management experience (10+ preferred).
• A proven track record delivering large, multi-year enterprise software implementation, upgrade, or conversion projects from initiation through closeout.
• Strong Waterfall SDLC experience, including stage-gate reviews, scope, risk, and executive reporting.
• Hands-on experience building resource-loaded schedules in Microsoft Project.
• Demonstrated vendor management and the ability to influence without authority.
• Technical fluency to engage credibly with architects, engineers, and IT system owners.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight.

Candidates with only Agile or only software development project experience will not be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• GIS project experience, especially Esri ArcGIS or Utility Network.
• Utility industry experience.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Residency in Wisconsin or Iowa.

Additional Details

• Full availability during core Central Time business hours is required.
• Concurrent employment or consulting during working hours is not permitted.
• Candidates near a client office may be asked to come onsite occasionally.

Compensation 
$80 - $85 per hour W-2 
This is the targeted compensation range for this role. Please note that this range is provided as a guideline and the final offer will be based on several factors, including but not limited to, skillset and competencies, level of experience, education, certifications, and location. 

Benefits 
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k); and training and professional development opportunities. 

Work Authorization 
Work sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.