Project Assistant Jobs in Manchester, CT (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY: Project Manager III is accountable for driving and delivering projects, working independently and applying advanced project management knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques. Operating with minimal supervision and latitude for appropriate decision-making, this role manages large, complex, and high-risk projects through all phases of delivery - from concept to execution and post-project assessment. The Project Manager III is accountable for overall direction, coordination, monitoring, execution, implementation, and completion of assigned projects ensuring consistency with company strategy, work plan, and goals. This role may mentor other Project Managers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Accountable for the project management process and project management deliverables, for all assigned projects from initiation through closure. Projects will include in-house development and implementation of third-party vendor products.

Manages larger, more complex work-plan initiatives involving multiple functional areas and diverse, distributed teams; oversees appropriate vendor management for assigned projects.

Assist in defining project scope, budget, timelines, and milestones that support the business goal while working collaboratively with business partners. Accountable for managing assigned projects to completion within scope, schedule, and budget.

Proactively lead discussions (internally and with stakeholders / customers / executive leadership) to identify business requirements contributing to project scope definition and success criteria. Works with business partners to develop the content of deliverables.

Develop detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resources plans, and status reports.

Plan, track and manage project schedules, tasks, and actions adhering to FPI (Financial Partners Inc) project management methodology by ensuring that recognized project management processes, discipline and controls are consistently applied to projects. Proactively negotiate and issue additional project documentation as agreed to by the Project Sponsor with input from involved stakeholders.

Promote and drive the development and adoption of FPI project management and delivery methodologies, standards, and tools.

Build credibility as a strategic advisor to business partners and customer associations, contributing expertise and insight to project delivery and planning.

Lead kickoff meetings and other appropriate launch activities to support group understanding and objectives. Organize and lead check-point meetings providing regular project status updates.

Manage all aspects of cross-functional project teams, including business, technical, and vendor resources, ensuring alignment across stakeholder groups in a matrixed environment.

Lead communication with senior leadership and executive sponsors; deliver timely updates on risks, milestones, and technical considerations, while managing expectations and stakeholder engagement.

Identify and investigate all project dependencies and risks, ensuring effective mitigation and contingency plans are in place, escalating where needed.

Control change to project scope using accepted change processes and documentation.

Document, track, measure, and report progress in achieving stated goals and ensuring quality results.

Clearly communicate expectations to team members and stakeholders.

Manage escalations and resolve resource and commitment conflicts, as necessary.

Develop an understanding of the technical and business aspects of the project to effectively manage it and resources. Provide technical and analytical guidance to project team members.

Ensure adherence to quality standards and review project deliverables.

Identify opportunities for quality and process improvement resulting in improved efficiency, increased productivity, and high customer satisfaction.

• Drive alignment between project objectives and enterprise strategy; ensure initiatives support long-term organizational goals and deliver measurable business value.
• Monitor project budgets by tracking actuals against planned expenditures, prepare monthly financial reforecasts, and provide clear data-driven explanations for budget variances
• Other related duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and complex projects across business and technical domains.

Leads by example, champions change, and cultivates a motivated, cohesive team culture.

Acts as a coach and mentor to other Project Managers; drives project management maturity across the organization.

Experienced change agent capable of guiding enterprise transformation from concept through implementation.

Deep understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, hybrid) and project tools (e.g., Jira, Smartsheet, MS Project).

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; adept at managing competing priorities and ambiguous requirements.

Ensures quality through proactive risk management, testing oversight, and deliverable review.

Demonstrated ability to manage vendor relationships and third-party implementations.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including executive reporting and technical documentation.

Builds strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups; able to influence without authority and negotiate complex outcomes.

Maintains composure and focus under pressure; exercises sound judgment in high-stakes scenarios.

Strong business acumen with the ability to align project delivery to enterprise goals.

Understands and translates complex business and technical requirements into actionable plans.

Continuously seeks opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and operational excellence.