Project Manager Level II

The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing and driving the successful delivery of business and development projects at Datawatch Systems. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams, managing timelines and budgets, and ensuring that projects align with strategic goals. The Project Manager will apply best practices in project management, leveraging tools and processes to ensure the efficient execution of both business initiatives and technical projects. The individual in this role will work closely with senior leadership and department heads, providing clarity, direction, and regular updates on project status and outcomes.

This role requires strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills, with a keen ability to translate business goals into actionable project plans and drive them to successful completion. The Project Manager will play a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the on-time, on-budget delivery of high-impact projects.

This position is full-time, onsite in our Bethesda, MD office and hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Flexibility in hours is limited, and employees are expected to maintain consistent office attendance.

Applicants must be willing to submit to a drug screening and criminal background check.  EOE/M/F/V/D-DCJS #11-2294 

• Location:  Bethesda, MD
• Travel:  5-10%
• Salary Range:  $80,000-98,000/year

• Project Planning & Execution:

• Define project objectives, scope, deliverables, and timelines in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Create and maintain detailed project plans, ensuring alignment with business goals and strategic priorities.
• Lead the project initiation process, including feasibility analysis, risk assessments, and resource allocation.
• Ensure all project milestones and deliverables are achieved within the designated timeframes and budget constraints.

• Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Manage cross-functional teams from various departments (Accounting, Operations, Technical Support, Central Stations, Field Operations), ensuring all members are aligned and clear on their responsibilities.
• Foster effective collaboration and communication across teams, facilitating regular check-ins, progress meetings, and status updates.
• Serve as the key point of contact for stakeholders, ensuring project objectives are clear and that expectations are met or exceeded.

• Budget & Financial Oversight:

• Monitor and track project budgets, ensuring adherence to financial constraints.
• Provide regular updates on budget status, flagging any variances, risks, or potential overspending

• Risk Management & Issue Resolution:

• Identify potential risks and obstacles early in the project lifecycle, creating proactive mitigation plans.
• Lead the problem-solving process to address any project issues that arise, ensuring quick and effective resolutions.
• Continuously monitor project risks and issues, providing leadership with timely updates and solutions.

• Reporting & Stakeholder Communication:

• Develop and deliver comprehensive project reports and dashboards to senior leadership, highlighting key metrics, risks, progress, and overall performance.
• Create clear, actionable presentations that summarize project outcomes, milestones, and challenges for stakeholders.
• Ensure timely and transparent communication of project progress, changes, and impacts to all relevant parties.

• Process Improvement & Best Practices:

• Evaluate current project management methodologies and tools in use, recommending and implementing improvements where necessary.
• Develop and refine project workflows to enhance efficiency, team coordination, and on-time project delivery.
• Stay informed about industry best practices, tools, and trends to continuously improve project management processes at Datawatch.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, or a related field (preferred).

Project Management Expertise

• 3-5 years of experience in managing projects with a proven track record of successful project delivery.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, etc.) and tools (Asana, Monday.com, Microsoft Project).
• Experience managing both business-focused initiatives and development/technical projects.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets, track expenses, and maintain financial accountability.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to balance cost, quality, and timelines.

Team Leadership & Communication

• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and driving collaboration between departments.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present project updates to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to handle conflict resolution and foster a positive, collaborative working environment.

Problem-Solving & Risk Management

• Skilled in identifying project risks and issues early and developing mitigation strategies.
• Strong decision-making capabilities with a focus on problem resolution and maintaining project timelines.

Process Improvement

• Experience in evaluating project management processes and implementing improvements to enhance efficiency and outcomes.
• Familiarity with process improvement frameworks like Lean or Six Sigma is a plus.

Tools & Technology

• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Asana, Microsoft Project, Monday.com) and experience with reporting/analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for project tracking and reporting.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Role
• On-time delivery of projects: Ensuring all projects are completed within the agreed timelines.
• Budget adherence: Managing projects within financial constraints and minimizing budget overruns.
• Stakeholder satisfaction: Positive feedback from key stakeholders on project delivery and communication.
• Team performance: Effective management of cross-functional teams, ensuring high levels of collaboration and engagement.
• Risk management: Proactive identification and mitigation of project risks, resulting in minimal disruptions.