Integrated Master Scheduler

Job Title: Integrated Master Scheduler

Location: Remote

Duration: Long Term Contract

Technical Skills: Years/Level of Experience

Microsoft Excel                                                                                       (7-10 yrs experience)

Microsoft Project                                                                                    (7-10 yrs experience)

Microsoft PowerPoint                                                                            (7-10 yrs experience)

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Programming Language           (3-5 yrs experience)

Agile Fundamentals                                                                                 (3-5 yrs experience)

Waterfall Model                                                                                       (3-5 yrs experience)

Role Description: 

We are seeking an experienced Master Scheduler with a strong technical background, a solution-oriented mindset, and a knack for innovation to manage complex IT project schedules.

The ideal candidate will be an advanced user of Microsoft Project (Structured Solutions Incorporated (SSI) Tools) and possess the following skills:

I. Core Scheduling Expertise:

• Comprehensive Project Scheduling: Proven ability to develop, maintain, and analyze highly complex, integrated master schedules (IMS) and integrated master plans (IMP) for large-scale IT programs.
• Critical Path Management: Expert-level understanding and application of critical path methodology (CPM) to identify, analyze, and manage schedule dependencies, float, and potential bottlenecks.
• Baseline Management: Proficiency in establishing, maintaining, and managing schedule baselines, including detailed variance analysis against baseline.
• Risk & Opportunity Management: Ability to identify schedule-related risks, develop mitigation strategies, and incorporate schedule contingencies and opportunities.
• Forecasting & Reporting: Experience in developing accurate schedule forecasts, performance metrics, and executive-level reports that clearly communicate project status, trends, and potential impacts.

II. Microsoft Project (MSP) Mastery:

• Advance MSP Proficiency: Demonstrated advanced expertise in all facets of Microsoft Project (including MSP Professional and/or Project Online/Server), extending beyond basic task entry. This includes:

• Advanced Features: Custom fields, formulas, graphical indicators, filters, groups, sorts.
• Multi-Project Management: Experience linking multiple projects, and managing master projects.
• Reporting & Dashboards: Ability to create sophisticated custom reports, visual reports, and dashboards within MSP or by integrating MSP data with other tools (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint Power BI).
• Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex MSP file issues, performance problems, and data integrity challenges.
• Best Practices Implementation: Deep understanding of best practices for schedule structure, data entry, and maintenance to ensure accuracy and usability. This includes but not limited to GAO and DCMA 14-pt assessments.
• Data Integration & Automation: Experience with exporting/importing MSP data and potentially developing macros or scripts (VBA) to automate scheduling tasks or integrate with other systems (e.g., Excel, SharePoint, Jira, Azure DevOps).

III. Technical & IT Project Specifics:

• IT Project Lifecycle Knowledge: In-depth understanding of various IT project methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, Hybrid) and their application to scheduling.
• Technical Acumen: Demonstrated ability to understand complex technical requirements, and software development processes, translating them into detailed schedule activities and dependencies.
• System Integration Scheduling: Specific experience scheduling complex system integration projects, including understanding data migration, API development, testing cycles (SIT, UAT), and deployment phases.
• Infrastructure & Software Deployment: Familiarity with scheduling infrastructure rollouts, software releases, patching cycles, and related technical tasks.
• Dependency Mapping: Ability to identify and map intricate technical dependencies between different IT components, teams, and external systems.

IV. Analytical, Solution-Oriented & Innovative Mindset:

• ""What-If"" Scenario Analysis: Expertise in performing robust ""what-if"" analyses to evaluate alternative paths, assess impact of changes, and recommend optimal solutions for schedule compression or recovery.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to proactively identify schedule deviations, anticipate issues, and propose creative, data-driven solutions to keep projects on track.
• Process Optimization: Drive for continuous improvement in scheduling processes, tools, and methodologies, looking for innovative ways to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Ability to leverage schedule data to provide insights, support decision-making, and challenge assumptions constructively.

V. Communication & Collaboration:

• Stakeholder Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively articulate schedule status, risks, and impacts to diverse audiences, including technical teams, project managers, and executive leadership.
• Facilitation & Negotiation: Proven ability to facilitate schedule review meetings, negotiate activity durations and dependencies with project teams, and build consensus.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with project managers, technical leads, development teams, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

·         PMP, PMI-SP, or other relevant project management/scheduling certifications.

·         Experience with other scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera P6, Jira, Azure DevOps Boards) is a plus, demonstrating adaptability.

·         Familiarity with specific IT domains relevant to your organization (e.g., Cloud migrations, Cybersecurity, EHR implementations).

·         Experience in a PMO environment.

Education Level : Bachelors

Clearance Required: Clearance Not Applicable