Associate Project Management Jobs in Lake Forest, IL

POSITION SUMMARY 

Follett Software is looking to bring on a collaborative and results-driven Project Manager to lead projects from initiation through completion. This role partners closely with internal teams, consultants, and vendors to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.

The Project Manager will work with stakeholders across the organization to define business requirements, evaluate solutions, and guide implementation. This individual is responsible for developing project plans, maintaining clear documentation, managing risks, and ensuring alignment with business goals. Success in this role requires strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to proactively drive projects forward while fostering cross-functional collaboration.

POSITION SCOPE 

• Manage project lifecycle by leading and coordinating projects from initiation through to completion, including design, development, and documentation.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on project milestones, achievements, strategies, and outcomes.
• Develop project plans & estimates by creating detailed project work plans, timelines, and resource estimates, ensuring alignment with project goals, quality standards, and budget constraints.
• Estimate and allocate necessary resources (time, personnel, tools) and develop schedules to ensure timely and successful implementation of production projects.
• Gather and analyze key data to assess project objectives, costs, performance metrics, and scope to ensure projects meet design specifications and business requirements.
• Oversee research and development of new business processes and identify opportunities for the improvement or optimization of existing processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Focus on cross-functional collaboration by working closely with business units to understand their operational and technology needs, ensuring seamless integration of office operations and information systems.
• Draft business rule specifications to guide the creation, modification, and implementation of systems and software programs.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. (A Master's degree in a relevant field is a plus.)
• 3+ years of experience in project management, ideally within a software, IT, or operations environment.
• PMP, CAPM, or similar project management certifications (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum certifications) with a familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, MS Project, Trello) preferred
• Proven track record of managing end-to-end projects across the full lifecycle, including planning, execution, and delivery.
• Strong understanding of software development life cycle (SDLC) and experience working in a tech-driven environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to gather, interpret, and use data to drive decision-making and project planning.
• Ability to identify process inefficiencies and propose innovative solutions to optimize business operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare and deliver presentations, status reports, and project documentation.
• High attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when gathering data, creating documentation, and managing project specifications.
• Thrives in fast-paced environments, embraces challenges with a "can-do" attitude, is independent and demonstrates proactive strong problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.).

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• This role is remote and only open to candidates currently located in the United States and able to work without sponsorship.   
• It requires a suitable space that provides a private and quiet workplace.   
• Work hours and schedules are set to accommodate the requirements of the position and the needs of the organization and may be adjusted as needed.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Perform tasks in a home office environment with frequent virtual meetings, communications, and interruptions, requiring effective time management and prioritization.  
• Prolonged sitting with sustained visual focus on digital screens, requiring the ability to interact at a typical working distance.  
• Frequent use of keyboard and mouse, involving repetitive hand movements and fine motor skills for typing, navigating, and handling materials.  
• Occasionally adjust position or move within the workspace to reach, retrieve, or access items, involving bending, twisting, or reaching, and occasionally lifting or carrying items weighing up to 10 pounds. 
• Travel requirements: Minimal (less than 10%)  

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.