Principal, Project Management

Principal, Project Management

The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) is a growing, not-for-profit organization, headquartered in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, serving the automotive collision repair industry globally. The organization was established by representatives of the collision repair, automotive, and insurance industries in 1979 and has doubled its revenue over the last six years. Today, the I-CAR brand is stronger than it has been in 40 years of operation and has gained a worldwide reputation. There is momentum and excitement among its committed workforce, instructors and volunteers to continue to help the organization grow and expand its breadth of reach and scale. I-CAR leadership believes that the future of the organization will be importantly influenced by its continuing innovation and relevance of its products, technical programs and services.

Job Summary: The Project Manager is responsible for managing high priority, executive sponsored, strategic projects focused on driving operational excellence. The Project Manager will apply project management methodologies to manage large, complex, cross-functional, strategic projects from initiation through closeout, on time, within scope and on budget, effectively delivering business results by championing a culture of accountability and consistent project management practices.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work effectively with executive project sponsors and key stakeholders to manage multiple, strategic projects.
• Develop and maintain project charters including objectives, scope (in and out), resources, milestones, assumptions, benefits, project metrics/KPIs, financials (if applicable) and critical success criteria
• Develop and maintain project schedules with a focus on critical path activities and milestones.
• Manage project risks
• Lead cross-functional project teams to deliver projects on-time, within scope and on budget with high quality results
• Identify and assign project tasks based on the skill sets, experience, and strengths of project teams
• Continually monitor project performance to ensure timely delivery. Track, manage and resolve project issues as they arise throughout the project life cycle utilizing effective problem-solving methods
• Adhere to Project Management Institute (PMI) based project management processes and methodologies.
• Generate and present regular status updates for executive management.
• Drive project-related change management
• Develop, maintain, and execute against project communication plans including Kick-off Meetings, Project Team Meetings, Steering Committee Meetings and ad hoc project meetings as required.
• Assist with other related duties as required or assigned

Experience, Skills and Aptitudes

Minimum 3+ years of project management experience managing cross-functional projects

Experience partnering with executives on project planning and execution

Experience working with Agile IT Development Teams

Excellent interpersonal effectiveness and communication skills (written and oral)

Ability to work autonomously with minimal guidance

Able to break down information in a systematic and consumable manner

Bias for action and work comfortably with ambiguity

Strong attention to detail and follow-up

Experience building and maintaining relationships with internal partners

Word, Advanced Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and task management tools

Smartsheet experience preferred

Demonstrated industry knowledge and applicable skillsets preferred

Education/Certifications

Bachelor's degree in business or appropriate field required. PMP certification preferred

EEO Statement: I-CAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law, where applicable. Those with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws.