Budget project manager (Remote with some Travel) Pref local to WA (utility budgeting Exp Required))

Job Title: Budget project manager

Location: Remote (WA 98031)

Duration: 6 Months contract

                                                 Utilities experience Required 

Responsibilities:

• Manage the planning and implementation of the UI Budget planner system upgrade from start to finish.
• Create and manage comprehensive project plans, schedules, resource management plans, and budgets.
• Manage and facilitate cross-functional teams, including Utility Technology, Procurement, Finance, Cybersecurity, City IT, and vendors. Collaborate closely with the system integrator to ensure technical deliverables meet business needs.
• Manage and facilitate the development and updating of the detailed, integrated, loaded project plan and business requirements, including functional design, configuration, integration, testing, and other artifacts identified in the System Integrator's Statement of Work.
• Forecast project budget needs, track burn rate, analyze deviations, and implement corrective measures.
• Implement project risk mitigation strategies, along with change management and communications plans.
• Ensure alignment with customers PMO standards and practices.
• Oversee rigorous testing processes (UT, SIT, UAT) and quality assurance.
• Ensure system quality and performance through thorough testing.
• Manage the cutover planning and execution to ensure a smooth operational transition.
• Proactively manage risks and issues, clearly documenting decisions and actions.
• Oversee the development of documentation, training materials, and training.
• Regularly communicate and proactively escalate project status, risks, and issues.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and regular project reports and presentations for stakeholders and leadership.
• Regularly update leadership and stakeholders on project status to ensure transparency and quick resolution of issues.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor s degree in Business, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Over 10 years of project management experience, including over 7 years working on financial or related system implementations and upgrades in utilities.
• Proven track record of successfully managing at least three full-cycle utility ERP and/or budgeting and planning systems implementation projects, including vendor/integrator oversight, testing, and cutover.
• Strong understanding of utility budgeting, capital and O&M planning. Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams and manage vendors in complex environments.
• Demonstrated experience with project controls, scheduling (MS Project or Asana), and risk management.
• Excellent organizational, communication, conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement, and reporting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage scope, schedules, risks, and stakeholder communication in complex utility environments.

Preferred:

• PMP or equivalent certification demonstrating formal project management training and proficiency.
• Strong understanding of financial operations within a utility environment, including budgeting, forecasting, cost allocation, and capital planning processes.
• Proven experience in leading and executing complex financial system integration projects.