Project Manager

As a Project Manager at NWN, you will oversee IT projects specifically designed for small to medium accounts across various verticals, including Enterprise, State, Local, and K-12 sectors. Your key responsibilities include managing project schedules and budgets, ensuring customer satisfaction, developing detailed project plans, and reporting on progress. You will also handle risk management, facilitate kickoff meetings, and conduct post-project reviews, all while coordinating with cross-functional teams.

To become a Project Manager at NWN, candidates should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience, along with at least three years of involvement in IT project management. Knowledge of project management best practices, preferably the PMBOK, and the ability to develop comprehensive project plans are essential. Experience with financial management in projects and a desire to pursue a PMP certification will also enhance your profile.

NWN is committed to the professional growth of its Project Managers by providing a supportive environment where continuous learning is encouraged. We offer access to resources for obtaining certifications like the PMP, and our comprehensive benefits package supports your overall well-being. Moreover, our culture emphasizes collaboration, enabling you to work alongside seasoned professionals and continuously improve your project management skills.

Yes, prior experience in IT project management is crucial for the Project Manager role at NWN. Candidates should have a minimum of three years of direct experience managing IT projects. Familiarity with technical requirements and coordination with technology teams will empower you to successfully navigate the challenges of balancing project timelines and client expectations.

The work culture for Project Managers at NWN is characterized by collaboration, innovation, and a customer-obsessed mindset. We pride ourselves on being recognized as a 'Best Place to Work' and have a high Employee Net Promoter Score. The environment fosters professional growth, and with unlimited PTO and a hybrid work model, we prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.

When discussing your project management experience, emphasize specific projects you have managed, outlining the challenges faced and the outcomes achieved. Relate your experience to NWN's sectors, showcasing how your skills align with the company's focus on IT solutions and customer satisfaction.

To effectively manage competing deadlines, I typically utilize project management tools to visualize tasks and timelines. I prioritize based on urgency and impact, ensuring that client needs are met while maintaining project momentum. Sharing examples of task prioritization from past experiences can highlight your organizational skills.

I prioritize clear and transparent communication, adopting a proactive approach to keep clients and stakeholders updated. Using structured updates and setting clear expectations at kickoff meetings fosters collaboration and trust, ensuring everyone is aligned throughout the project lifecycle.

In previous projects, I conducted thorough risk assessments during the planning phase, documenting potential risks and developing mitigation strategies. Sharing a specific example where proactive risk management prevented issues from escalating will demonstrate your foresight and problem-solving capabilities.

I believe communication is crucial in project management. Keeping all team members and clients informed and involved helps prevent misunderstandings and builds trust. Providing examples from past experiences can reinforce your belief in the importance of effective communication.

In such situations, I focus on staying calm and assessing the issues at hand. I gathered the team to brainstorm solutions and communicated honestly with stakeholders about the changes. Highlighting a specific instance will demonstrate your ability to adapt and problem-solve under pressure.

I utilize a formal Project Change Management process to evaluate new requests and communicate impacts on timelines and costs. Ensuring all stakeholders understand the implications of a scope change is vital in managing expectations and maintaining project integrity.

I prefer using tools like Microsoft Project or Trello because they provide a clear visual representation of tasks and timelines. These tools facilitate communication within the team and allow for better tracking of project progress, which aligns with NWN's commitment to efficient project delivery.

Ensuring customer satisfaction begins with understanding the client's needs and setting clear expectations from the start. Regular check-ins and feedback loops during the project help gauge satisfaction, allowing me to adapt as needed and maintain strong client relationships.

I'm excited about the opportunity to work at NWN due to its reputation for innovation in AI-powered technology solutions. The company's commitment to employee well-being and customer satisfaction aligns with my personal and professional values, making NWN the ideal environment for me to contribute my project management expertise.