The Role:

This role works collaboratively with procurement, accounting, finance, engineering, IT&S, facilities and external vendors and partners to successfully deliver projects at NW Natural. This role will serve as a subject matter expert on PMO processes, tools, and deliverables to support other procurement resources operating in a project management capacity. This role will also actively participate in identifying, assessing, and implementing process improvements within the PMO.

Day to Day:

• Responsible for driving assigned projects throughout all project phases from initiation, through close, in accordance with the PMO’s project delivery process and best practices. Build strong relationships with the project team, sponsors, stakeholders, vendors and leadership, escalating any issues thoughtfully and proactively.
• Lead the project intake process within PMO project management tool and obtain all required stakeholder approvals. Work with the project team to establish accurate project goals, scope of work, budget, and schedule.
• Oversee project team and external consultants throughout the project lifecycle and ensure deliverables are completed to NWN’s standards of accuracy and quality. 
• Periodically work with the project team and stakeholders to identify, collect, and manage project risks and issues 
• Develop, manage, and update the project actual and forecast cost. Manage cost performance to both forecast and budget and conduct analyses to identify and remediate variances as needed.
• Assess, document, and communicate any changes in the project’s scope, cost, and schedule baseline. If required, manage the Change Order request/approval process in accordance with PMO change management best practices.
• Manage project communications, including meetings, status reports, monthly portfolio reviews, and other communications. Schedule and lead periodic project team meetings and deliver meeting minutes and action items as required. Present project status reports at routine monthly executive/project sponsor meetings. Deliver ad hoc communications as needed or directed to maintain project transparency
• Identify, procure, and manage project-related human resources, including FTEs and contractors, from NW Natural resource managers or vendor partners. Provide all team members with clear guidance regarding tasks and deadlines. Work with project team members and resource managers to address and resolve any performance concerns.
• If external vendors, contractors, or resources are engaged on the project, assist purchasing with the development of request for proposal (RFP) scope documents for outside vendors. Coordinate the issuance of RFPs with NWN procurement team. 
• Negotiate and obtain approval as required for vendor change orders. Manage vendor schedules, deliverables, and cost according to their respective SOWs. Integrate vendor project information into the project plan. Ensure adequate touchpoints and communications exist between NW Natural sponsors, steering committees, and stakeholders and vendor project team members. 
• Prepare and submit PMO required documentation throughout the project lifecycle process. Track, collect and organize all relevant project information in accordance with PMO change management best practices.
• Complete other duties as assigned, including process and/or deliverable improvement projects or other work as assigned by your manager or PMO leadership.

Come on your first day with:

PM2:
 

• Demonstrated success applying project management concepts and techniques across small to medium projects
• Strong communication and presentation skills across all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated analytical skills, including problem solving and critical thinking, with attention to detail 
• Ability to facilitate meetings and manage difficult conversations with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to gain and maintain credibility at all levels of the organization 
• Bachelor’s degree in business, [technology, engineering. construction] or related field
• PMI or equivalent certification preferred 
• 5+ years of project management experience

PM3: 

• In addition to PM2 requirements,
• Thorough knowledge of project and program management theories, models, and techniques for [information technology, construction, engineering] projects
• Demonstrated success applying project management concepts and techniques across complex, mission-critical projects/programs with multiple cross-functional dependencies
• Master’s degree in business, [technology, engineering, construction] or related field preferred 
• PMI or equivalent certification preferred
• 8+ years of progressive project management leadership experience