Engagement Manager

As an Engagement Manager at Hakkoda, you'll lead and oversee client engagements, manage a team of consultants, and ensure successful delivery and execution of projects. Your role involves collaborating with various experts, managing stakeholder relationships, and driving project success while mentoring team members to reach their full potential.

To qualify for the Engagement Manager role at Hakkoda, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a similar field, along with at least 4 years of experience in technical project/program management. Familiarity with Agile methodologies, strong client relationship skills, and proven leadership capabilities are essential.

Engagement Managers at Hakkoda typically lead teams comprising 5 to 12 consultants. You will collaborate closely with data scientists, software architects, and other specialists to deliver impactful solutions to clients while fostering a culture of teamwork and professional growth within your team.

At Hakkoda, our remote-first culture allows Engagement Managers the flexibility to work from anywhere, optimizing productivity. You can choose to focus at home or immerse yourself in the dynamic environment of our co-working space in Lisbon, providing you with a balance suited to your work style.

Critical skills for an Engagement Manager at Hakkoda include exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, proficient stakeholder management, and a firm grasp of project and process management. The ability to foster relationships and maintain a client-focused approach is also essential for success.

Managing multiple projects requires strong organizational skills and prioritization. I typically utilize project management tools to track progress, set milestones, and ensure communication within my team. Keeping stakeholders informed and adapting to changing needs helps me maintain a clear overview.

My experience with Agile methodologies includes leading teams through Scrum ceremonies, such as sprint planning and retrospectives. I emphasize collaboration and transparency, ensuring that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities while continuously adapting our strategies based on software development cycles.

Handling client expectations requires thorough communication and honesty. I ensure clients are aware of the project lifecycle, anticipated challenges, and progress updates. By proactively discussing any discrepancies, I can align their expectations to our capabilities effectively.

Building rapport with clients involves active listening and understanding their needs and concerns. I focus on personalized communication and responsiveness while ensuring transparency throughout the project. Establishing trust through consistent follow-ups and delivering on commitments helps solidify lasting relationships.

One challenging project involved implementing a data analytics solution for a large client with complex specifications. I coordinated a cross-functional team, maintained open lines of communication with the client, and utilized feedback to refine our approach. Ultimately, we achieved a successful deployment that exceeded client expectations and delivered measurable results.

I prioritize one-on-one meetings to understand each team member’s career aspirations and performance. I encourage ongoing training and provide opportunities for them to take on new challenges. Creating a supportive environment where success is celebrated helps foster a culture of continuous improvement.

I evaluate project success using KPIs, client satisfaction surveys, and post-project retrospectives. Analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data allows me to assess performance accurately and gather insights for future improvements, ensuring that we learn and grow from each project we complete.

Conflict resolution starts with open dialogue. I encourage team members to express their concerns and mediate discussions to identify the root cause. By promoting understanding and collaboration, I aim to transform conflicts into constructive discussions that enhance teamwork and strengthen relationships.

I utilize regular status reports, project management tools, and client meetings to communicate project status effectively. Keeping stakeholders informed about milestones, challenges, and next steps ensures alignment and promotes trust and transparency throughout the project's lifecycle.

My approach to risk management involves identifying potential risks early in the project lifecycle, assessing their impact, and developing mitigation strategies. Continuous monitoring and open communication allow me to proactively address issues before they escalate, ensuring smoother project execution.