Project Manager - Solon, OH

To coordinate multiple Professional Services customer project implementations of Aclara's innovative enterprise Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) products and services, and work collaboratively with a team of customers, project managers, systems engineers, product managers, business analysts, developers and other Aclara resources.

• Manage the delivery of Aclara's products and services including, smart meters, sensors and controls, communication networks, software solutions, and implementation services.
• Successfully manage multiple/simultaneous client-facing system deployments and customer installation project implementations by continually motivating clients/team members, ensuring project timelines are met, and issues are addressed
• Coordinate delivery of Aclara internal tasks across multiple departments including ordering, product management, field resources, training and software configuration.
• Quickly ramp-up on new hardware and software releases and product functionality to ensure successful implementation of these features for clients
• Contribute to special internal projects as needed to improve service launches by defining success metrics and project goals, improving internal processes/methodologies, and increasing retention/satisfaction of existing and new client base
• Interact with clients to understand their business needs, communicate project status and develop relationships to ensure satisfaction while minimizing project risk
• Thoroughly understand delivery contracts and provide representation internally and to the customer.
• Apply best practice project management techniques and individual technical and or business knowledge to ensure that the work product and project deliverables are of the highest quality to satisfy client expectations
• Gather client business requirements and review with Product Management and Engineering to help develop and implement solutions that will meet client's overall business objectives
• Work with the Sales and Account Management team to generate incremental revenue through professional services
• Develop and manage project plans, tasks, budget, deliverables, dependencies and resource requirements to ensure on time delivery
• Track, assess and communicate client and project goals, plans, issues, key milestones, timelines, action items, metrics and budgets, prior, during and subsequent to implementation
• Identify and manage implementation and project scope changes
• Develop and maintain a productive working relationship with prime contractors and third party service providers associated with the project

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science or Business will be considered.
• In lieu of a degree, at least ten (10) years of experience will be considered, specifically in major account project management
• Four (4) or more years of directly relevant experience as a Project Manager responsible for the implementation of complex engineering solutions, including software or hardware, or communication network applications.
• 3+ years' experience managing the delivery of multi-function technical services
• 3+ years' experience managing project resources
• 3+ years' experience in a customer-facing role providing project management and support
• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing large Professional Services/Implementation projects
• Demonstrated experience with client-facing activities: sales calls, business development, requirements gathering, project planning, risk assessment and mitigation, and progress meetings
• Demonstrated track record of developing senior level client relationships
• Experience implementing data-intensive software systems in an enterprise environment.
• Proven success in driving implementation projects to completion.
• Ability to successfully provide direction and leadership to others as a project lead and/or a technical specialist
• Demonstrated leadership skills, communication, analytical and problem solving skills, short-term and long-term planning skills
• Demonstrated verbal, written, presentation skills, negotiation and strong analytical skills.
• Basic understanding of hardware/software R&D cycle

Preferred:

• Utility industry experience (Gas, Water and/or Electric).
• AMI experience with smart meters, sensors and controls, communication networks, and software solutions,
• Familiarity with relational databases, such as Oracle and SQL Server.
• Big 4 or other major consulting firm experience.
• Certifications: PMI's Project Management Professional (PMP) or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months.
• Physical Demands:
• Willing and able to travel to customer sites or Aclara offices up to 40% of the time
• Frequent walking, standing, sitting