Project Manager

The Project Manager at Makai will oversee the planning, execution, and completion of AI-powered projects. Key responsibilities include developing comprehensive project timelines, managing cross-functional coordination between teams, facilitating meetings to ensure alignment, and communicating progress with stakeholders. As a Project Manager, you'll also proactively identify and mitigate risks while ensuring projects are completed within budget and timeline constraints.

To be considered for the Project Manager role at Makai, you should have at least 3 years of project management experience with a proven record of managing complex projects. Strong communication skills, the ability to prioritize multiple projects, and experience with project management tools like Jira or Asana are essential. A background in AI, SaaS, or ML projects is a bonus, as is a detail-oriented approach to problem-solving.

The Project Manager at Makai plays a critical role in supporting project execution by developing detailed project plans, coordinating efforts across teams, and ensuring clear documentation and communication. Running frequent stand-up meetings to prioritize tasks and addressing potential blockers are just a few ways they facilitate project success. Their commitment to identifying opportunities for process improvements is also instrumental in enhancing overall project delivery.

Makai fosters a vibrant work culture that emphasizes flexibility, ownership, and collaboration. Project Managers enjoy the autonomy to drive their projects with minimal supervision while also being part of a congenial team that values service to clients and each other. Our fully remote environment ensures a work-life balance, especially beneficial for those located in the Eastern time zone.

Project Managers at Makai can look forward to a suite of benefits including generous PTO, full health insurance premium reimbursement, a 401(k) matching program, and opportunities for career growth and development. The role is fully remote, allowing for flexibility while also providing chances for in-person collaboration with local colleagues.

When answering this question, share specific examples that showcase your ability to collaborate with different teams. Highlight the challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure project success. Discuss any methodologies you employed, such as Agile, and the tools you used to manage the project effectively.

In your response, emphasize your proactive approach to risk management. Discuss your strategies for identifying potential risks early on and the steps you take to mitigate them. Providing an example of a past experience where you successfully navigated a challenge can help illustrate your answer.

List the project management tools you are comfortable using, such as Jira, Trello, or Asana. Tailor your answer by mentioning how you leverage these tools for different aspects of project management, from planning to tracking progress, and how they enhance team collaboration.

Be honest about your communication approach; mention whether you prefer regular updates, formal presentations, or casual check-ins. That said, stress the importance of adapting your communication style based on the audience. Provide an example of how effective communication contributed to a project's success.

Outline your method for prioritization, such as using matrices or specific tools. Discuss how you assess urgency and importance to manage your workload effectively while ensuring that critical tasks receive the attention they require and how you communicate priorities with your team.

Explain your process in creating project timelines, emphasizing your focus on realistic deadlines and stakeholder input. Discuss analyzing team capacity, task dependencies, and historical project performance to ensure you create a timeline that is achievable while still ambitious.

Share a specific project, focusing on the challenges faced. Discuss how you approached problem-solving, the collaborative efforts required, and the final outcomes. This provides a good opportunity to showcase your analytical skills and ability to pivot when needed.

This is a chance to express your passion for project management and your drive to achieve results. Discuss specific aspects of project management that inspire you, such as teamwork, seeing projects come to life, or delivering value to clients, to convey your enthusiasm for the role.

Discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and open communication among team members. Provide examples of how you’ve addressed conflicts or encouraged participation, and emphasize the importance of a positive team culture in achieving project goals.

Emphasize your meticulous nature and attention to detail when monitoring project progress. Explain your methods for tracking expenditures, managing changes in scope, and maintaining clear documentation of agreed-upon deliverables to manage stakeholder expectations effectively.