Northern Trust
Vice President, Specialist Project Management, HFS (Finance)
Summary:
The role involves working for Northern Trust Hedge Fund Services, a global fund administrator, specializing in complex hedge
funds and alternative asset investments. The successful candidate will be an ambitious self-starter who has demonstrated the
ability to function as an effective project manager in a dynamic, fast-paced and demanding environment. This individual will
have a strong technical background, experience working within the Financial Services industry and a proven track record of
managing projects and internal/external relationships. The role will be a key part of our hedge fund administration business and
will be visible to key client and vendor relationships. This role is responsible for project managing top strategic initiatives in
alignment with executing on HFS' business strategy.
MajorDuties:
•Responsible for project managing highest priority and most complex strategic initiatives that cross multiple workstreams in alignment with executing on HFS' business strategy.
•Responsible to define the project approach and execution plan which will include scope, risks, resources, prioritization, implementation and the overall communication and governance. These activities to be done while managing and collaborating with multiple stakeholders, clients, IT developers, vendors, Agile Managers and Product Solutions.
•Responsible to facilitate sessions to define the problem statement or business case of the initiative to identify expected project benefits. Clearly define appropriate scope of work (in-scope and out-of-scope), business value, impacted clients and create a process for change requests.
•Responsible to work with the team to define incremental milestones that will deliver value and metrics to measure success against (i.e. hitting project milestones).
•Define project framework and governance structure that will be used throughout the project including, materials, meeting cadences, key decision makers, roles and responsibilities of the team members and escalation paths.
•Use sound judgement to escalate issues appropriately and timely, including solution options and associated impacts to drive effective decision making.
•Demonstrate critical thinking to anticipate and connect opportunities to drive the project forward and resolve challenges / escalations.
•Collaborate with Agile Manager and Production Solutions to stay informed on software development to ensure the delivery plan is executed against agreed milestones. Collaboration may include requirements and design,prioritization, testing and release management.
•Collaborate with Agile Management and Product Solutions to create a roadmap visualization for development delivery. Maintain ownership of the initiative/feature level roadmap tracking against plan.
•Create and present project status materials including dashboards, global forum, roadmap visualizations and fit-for-purpose highlights/impacts ensuring right level of information is articulated clearly for the audience.
•Manage project closures responsibilities including project documentation, implementation of new processes, training, and communication of best practices learned.
•Manage multiple complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, clients, IT developers, Agile Managers, etc. and/or ambiguous issues at a time.
•Demonstrate leadership within the team; effectively lead meetings, drive agendas, set high expectations, hold team accountable for results, be proactive on execution and follow-up on takeaways.
•Understand the business functions, clients and products to think strategically, effectively lead the team through change and solution issues.
•Display a balanced, cross-functional perspective, liaising with the business and working with the team itself to improve efficiency, effectiveness and productivity in project execution.
•Manage budget on a monthly basis for stakeholder transparency. Effectively communicate correct PPM timecodes for the team as a key input.
•Manage vendor management responsibilities that align to the Northern Trust standards, as applicable. Demonstrate strong collaboration with others and high emotional intelligence to build productive and strategic relationships.
•Self-starter, performs independently with little supervision and coaching, leads and directs the efforts of team(s) to improve the delivery of quality client service. Coordinates with teams within and outside of HFS.
•Proactively recommends and champions efforts to improve overall service quality and promote employee engagement.
•Viewed as a leader and influences peers, team, supervisor, clients, other BAU teams, Sr Managers, all NT Servicing Teams, vendors, industry groups and external parties.
•Serves as a mentor and coach for others.
•Maintain focus on diversity and inclusion.
Knowledge / Skills:
•Seasoned expert with technical and/or business/industry knowledge and functional expertise
•Sound platform capability knowledge, applicable product and related industry knowledge surrounding best practices and competitive landscape.
•Demonstrates strong client service capabilities
•Proven track record of excellent project management execution, including complex, long-term strategic initiatives
•Highly flexible and adaptable to change; capable of being a 'change agent' to identify and drive productivity transformation.
•Expert knowledge of all BAU functions and process flows; able to lead projects and BPO efforts across BAU team and across NT organization.
•Excellent oral and written communication skills
•Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills ("solutions-oriented" mindset)
•Client relationship focused (internal and external relationships)
•Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and with accuracy
•Ability to run a meeting and drive an agenda
•Excellent client-service skills and high emotional intelligence (EQ)
•Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and with accuracy
Experience:
•A College or University degree and relevant proven work experience
•A minimum of 8-15+ years of experience
•Experience with Investment Management and/or Financial Services; Alternative Asset Management specific a plus
•Proven project management practice
•Familiarity with the Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio)
•Familiarity with project management tools and concepts
•Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and concepts
• A genuine desire and capability to work in a fast-paced, professional, inclusive environment which requires teamwork, well-honed problem-solving skills, frequent re-prioritization, deadline management, ongoing and comprehensive communication, constant attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement and best practices.
About Northern Trust:
Northern Trust provides innovative financial services and guidance to corporations, institutions and affluent families and individuals globally. With over 130 years of financial experience and nearly 20,000 partners, we serve the world's most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.
Working with Us:
As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company that is committed to strengthening the communities we serve!
We recognize the value of inclusion and diversity in culture, in thought, and in experience, which is why we are honored to receive the following awards in 2021:
•Gender Equality Index Member, Bloomberg
•Top Financial & Banking Company, Black EOE Journal, Hispanic Network Magazine, Professional WOMAN'S Magazine
We'd love to learn more about how your interests and experience could be a fit with one of America's best banks and most sustainable companies! Build your career with us and apply today.