Project Manager (Hybrid)

Overview

Topco Associates is currently seeking a Project Manager to join our team in Elk Grove Village, IL. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Elk Grove Village office and virtually.  

Topco's mission is to provide solutions for our member owners, regional retailers and wholesalers, and help them achieve a competitive advantage in the markets they serve. We aspire to develop high-performing teams to resemble the diversity of our members' shopper communities to drive greater innovation and creativity that ultimately enhances our business results and the value Topco provides to its membership.

The Project Manager will be a strategic partner within the business who will manage the activities of a variety of key project and process-based initiatives in order to improve operational efficiencies across the Topco organization. In partnership with other team members, they will develop project scope and define deliverables, act as project champion/owner, monitor all activities for day to day execution of initiatives, manage all documentation and reporting, and develop and manage timelines, schedules, milestones and action items throughout the intiative's lifecycle to meet the anticipated project completion date.  The PM will manage risk by identifying and communicating potential issues that may affect scope, budget and project timelines.  The PM will communicate professionally and work with internal/external stakeholders to develop solutions and rely on experience and judgement to plan and accomplish goals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth "current state" process analyses, including data collection, data analyses and synthesis of data to generate key insights and opportunities.
• In partnership with other team members and stakeholders, determine the scope and direction of the project and define deliverables.
• Develop the project timelines and identify resources and responsibilities of all project stakeholders. 
• Facilitate project kick off meetings with project stakeholders to initiate activities and review timelines.
• If the project involves process change, conduct value stream analyses of current operations to identify and scope opportunities to improve efficiencies.
• Use project management tools, which may include a project plan, business case/cost benefit tracker, training and communication plan, etc. and publish timeline and status reports at agreed upon intervals.
• Organize, facilitate, and actively lead regularly scheduled meetings with relevant teams and stakeholders to discuss project progress and strategy.
• Coordinate efforts of all stakeholders and ensure communication and alignment. Manage expectations to ensure understanding of the project complexities as well as realistic timelines.
• Problem solve throughout the process with stakeholders and subject matter experts in order to resolve issues that may jeopardize the timeline.
• Create process maps to document the updated processes.
• Develop rigorous control plans, working closely with process owners, project champions and senior management to ensure processes are sustained on a long-term basis.
• Prepare the necessary matrix to determine success of project. 

Qualifications

Education:

• 4-year degree in Business Administration, Liberal Science or related field OR equivalent combination of education and business experience. 

Technical skills:

• Project Management Certification (PMP) required, knowledge of project management techniques and skills required
• Knowledge of process mapping and value stream mapping techniques and skills
• Certified Scrum Master required
• Standard business software including Excel, Microsoft Office & Outlook
• Access and/or other project management, workflow or product life cycle software a plus

Previous Experience:

• Five to eight years of project management and/or continuous improvement experience

Other qualifications:

• Strong analytic, strategic thinking, and problem solving skills.
• Change agent with strong credibility and ability to influence and persuade at all levels of the organization.
• Innovative thinking.
• Strong collaboration skills; builds trust with internal and external constituents, teams/functions, peers.
• Demonstrated experience in leading projects.
• Superior ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels within the company, orally and written.
• Ability and desire to provide world-class customer service to internal and external customers.

Topco strives for a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper’s communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.