Senior Implementation Project Manager

Why Great Gray?

At Great Gray Group, we strive to set the bar for the retirement services industry. Our goal is to deliver advanced retirement solutions that combine our core fiduciary services with robust investment options, innovative technology, and dedicated client service. We focus on making choices clearer, transitions smoother, and the client experience more delightful. Complacency isn't in our vocabulary. Every day, we look for opportunities to better serve our clients, be an excellent business partner, and earn the trust of those who rely on us. 

The Role

Great Gray is looking to add a Sr Implementation Project Manager to our Operations Team.

The Sr Implementation Project Manager owns and manages large, complex collective investment fund conversions either as a start-up or transition from another provider.  They may also manage other significant lifecycle events such as fund mergers and terminations.  The Sr Implementation Project Manager is the primary point of contact for an implementation and will utilize forward-thinking solutions as well as their industry-leading fiduciary expertise to represent Great Gray and confidently lead implementations.

The responsibilities include scoping implementation requirements and establishing detailed project plans that will be maintained, including documentation of meeting agendas, action items and status updates.  They will then articulate the conversion or lifecycle event process and project plan to internal and external stakeholders.  

Location

This position will work from our Wilmington, DE office. Great Gray currently supports a hybrid work model with 4 days onsite, and 1 day remote.

Visa sponsorship or transfer of an existing visa is not available for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work directly for any employer in the United States without visa sponsorship or transfer.

• Oversees and may execute on the completion of implementation activities to ensure alignment with the timelines and goals of internal and external stakeholders.  Includes:

• Responsible for the identification and implementation of the proper level of internal and external reporting for implementations, including key performance metrics, key risk indicator reporting to identify implementations at risk and project management reporting on fund conversions.
• Leads implementation communications, including collaboration and coordination across multiple internal cross-functional teams, service providers, sub-advisors and other external parties to ensure identification of implementation risks, proper resolution of open issues and questions, removal of barriers, and handling of general support inquiries.
• Identifies and executes on opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiency related to implementations.  Ensure development and execution of workflow efficiencies that enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• All Great Gray employees are responsible for the identification, assessment and control of risks and risk events.  Employees will maintain an understanding of applicable policies, procedures, risk appetites and tolerance relevant to their function and operational unit, and are expected to consider current and potential risks when making or informing business decisions.  Employees are responsible for the accurate and timely escalation and recording of incidents associated to relevant risks.
• Complete other related duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or relevant field
• 7+ years experience in the financial services industry, preferably collective fund or mutual fund administration. 
• Minimum 4 years project management experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, particularly an ability to negotiate, influence, tell a story, bridge different vantage points and gain consensus with stakeholders at all organizational levels
• In-depth knowledge of project management methodology
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary for building relationships within and outside the company
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity.
• Entrepreneurial mindset to bring best practice ideas to the team.
• Exhibits our Great Gray attributes: Results-Driven, Innovative, Resilient, and Decisive.

Benefits

We have a comprehensive and competitive benefits package at Great Gray. Some of the highlights are:

·       Be an integral part of an early-stage, high-growth organization!

·       Hybrid work environment

·       Competitive compensation package including 401(k) with elective and non-elective match opportunities

·       Lifestyle spending allowance program

·       Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

·       Employer-paid life and disability insurance

·       Generous paid time off program

Company Background 

Great Gray is the leading independent provider of trustee and administrative services to Collective Investment Trusts (“CITs”), with over $185 billion in CIT assets, across more than 700 funds. We proudly work with 75 subadvisors, including leading firms such as Alliance Bernstein, American Funds, BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, MetLife, Neuberger Berman, PGIM, PIMCO and Raymond James. 

CITs are more than just an investment vehicle. They represent a forward-thinking approach to retirement planning. These tax-exempt, pooled investment vehicles are offered to employer-sponsored retirement plans, like 401Ks. CITs are comparable to mutual funds, but, because they are tailored for the institutional retirement market, they can offer distinct advantages, including efficient administration and cost-effectiveness. CITs have a history dating back over 90 years; but they have gained favor over the past decade, driven by innovations, and Great Gray has been at the forefront.

Great Gray has consistently delivered year-over-year growth at an above market rate and is investing in the continued development of its core CIT business as well as complementary administrative services and technology solutions for the retirement market.

Madison Dearborn Partners (“MDP”) purchased Great Gray from Wilmington Trust in April 2023. As a result, Great Gray is an independent company owned by funds affiliated with MDP.

Investor Background 

MDP is a leading private equity investment firm based in Chicago. Since MDP's formation in 1992, the firm has raised aggregate capital of over $28 billion and has completed over 150 platform investments. MDP invests across five dedicated industry verticals, including basic industries; business and government software and services; financial and transaction services; health care; and telecom, media, and technology services.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Great Gray, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or other non-merit factor.