Project Manager II – User and Endpoint Systems, IS Core

As a Project Manager II at Expeditors, your main responsibilities include acting as a Scrum Master for agile teams, facilitating all SAFe ceremonies, and ensuring effective communication among team members and stakeholders. You'll manage the daily activities of analysts, engineers, and developers while maintaining the Program Increment plan. Additional duties involve proactively managing dependencies, removing impediments, and fostering a culture of visibility and productivity within your agile teams.

To qualify for the Project Manager II position at Expeditors, candidates should have a strong grasp of agile methodologies and experience with DevSecOps and the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). A successful applicant will have a minimum of 3 years in related fields such as project management or IS leadership, along with excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Desired traits include an assertive personality with a focus on delivering results while inspiring and coaching team members.

The working environment for the Project Manager II at Expeditors is dynamic and collaborative, set within a friendly and innovative culture. Team members enjoy a culture that emphasizes professionalism and customer service. This role is on-site, located in the greater Seattle area, with options depending on availability. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams, contributing to an engaging and vibrant workspace that prioritizes agility and teamwork.

Expeditors values the growth and development of its employees, including those in the Project Manager II role. By offering a comprehensive Training and Personnel Development Program, the company ensures that you have access to valuable resources, skills training, and educational assistance. Employees are encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities to enhance their skills, stay current in the industry, and elevate their careers within the company.

Expeditors offers a competitive benefits package for all full-time employees, including the Project Manager II role. Benefits include paid vacation, sick time, a 401(k) retirement savings plan with an employer match, medical and dental coverage, paid parental leave, and more. The company also provides an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) and supports work-life balance with flexible days off, reflecting its commitment to the well-being of its employees.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you've successfully implemented agile methodologies. Provide examples of how you facilitated Scrum ceremonies, coached teams, or addressed challenges during sprints. Emphasize results, such as improved delivery times or team productivity.

To effectively address conflicts, discuss your approach to fostering open communication and collaboration among team members. Share a scenario where you successfully resolved a dispute, focusing on active listening and finding common ground to achieve a resolution that benefitted the team.

Talk about the importance of recognizing team effort and creating a positive environment as a Project Manager II. Share specific examples of initiatives you’ve implemented, such as regular check-ins, team-building activities, or celebrating project milestones to maintain high morale.

When discussing past challenges, be candid about the scenario, your role, and the steps you took to resolve it. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you remained focused on delivering value despite obstacles, showcasing your ability to adapt and lead under pressure.

Explain your approach to tracking and mitigating dependencies within your projects. Highlight tools and techniques you use, such as visual aids like dependency boards or agile software, to ensure alignment and transparency among team members as they work towards their goals.

Elaborate on the communication strategies you find effective, such as daily stand-ups or collaborative tools. Emphasize that you prioritize open communication, ensuring each team member feels heard and valued, thus fostering a strong team dynamic.

Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) that you track, such as velocity, sprint burndown, and stakeholder satisfaction. Explain how you use these metrics to evaluate project outcomes and identify areas for improvement in future projects.

Share your experience working with SAFe, discussing how you've adapted its principles to enhance project results. You may mention specific roles you've undertaken and the outcomes achieved, showcasing your understanding of scaling agile practices in large projects.

Outline your techniques for timeline management, such as planning sprints effectively and prioritizing tasks based on team capacity. Mention the importance of regular check-ins to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to keep the project on track.

Discuss your approach to managing scope changes, emphasizing the need to assess impact on the project timeline and resources. Describe how you collaborate with stakeholders to understand their needs while balancing project goals to maintain focus on delivering quality outcomes.