Business Project Manager - Workday Planning Module Implementation

Job Title: Project Manager - Workday Adaptive Planning Module Implementation Location: Remote (with occasional travel to Columbus, OH and Merrillville, IN, approximately once a month) Period: 10-16 week engagement beginning January 2025 Hours/Week: 40 hours Rate: $80 – $90/hour Contract Type: W-2 only, no visa sponsorships or subcontracting Scope of Services: We are seeking an experienced Business Project Manager to support the implementation of the Workday Adaptive Planning Module. This role will be responsible for managing the project plan, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring the smooth execution of the implementation within the 10-16 week timeframe. The Business Project Manager will play a pivotal role in leading meetings, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring that the project stays on track by identifying risks and providing mitigation plans. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, particularly in Workday-related initiatives, and will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the project’s successful completion. Role, Responsibilities & Deliverables: 1. Project Plan and Timeline • Develop a detailed and structured project plan for the 10-week implementation of the Workday Planning Module. • Define key milestones, activities, and checkpoints throughout the project. • Regularly review progress against the timeline and adjust plans as necessary to ensure timely completion. 2. Stakeholder Coordination • Identify key stakeholders involved in the project, including internal teams and external partners. • Ensure active participation of stakeholders in critical meetings and decision-making processes. • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to maintain alignment on project goals and objectives. 3. Meeting Participation and Facilitation • Lead and actively participate in project meetings to ensure discussions remain focused and productive. • Document action items, decisions made, and assign responsibilities to team members. • Follow up on action items to ensure timely completion. 4. Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning • Continuously assess risks that could impact the successful execution of the project. • Develop and document mitigation strategies for identified risks, in collaboration with stakeholders. • Update the project plan regularly to reflect risk mitigation actions and ensure the project remains on track. 5. Stakeholder Alignment on Next Steps • After each major milestone, summarize the progress and outline the next steps. • Align stakeholders on action items, deadlines, and responsibilities to ensure continued project momentum. • Communicate any changes to the project plan promptly to avoid confusion and maintain transparency. 6. Inventory of Future Requirements and Enhancements • Identify additional requirements or potential enhancements that arise during the implementation process. • Document these items for consideration in future phases or continuous improvement efforts. • Collaborate with stakeholders to prioritize these items based on strategic business needs. 7. Lessons Learned and Post-Implementation Review • At the completion of the project, conduct a lessons-learned session with all relevant stakeholders. • Capture insights, recommendations, and areas for improvement. • Document key takeaways to serve as a resource for future projects, helping to refine the organization's project management practices. Required Skills and Experience: • Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, specifically in the implementation of HR systems like Workday, with a focus on Workday Planning modules being highly preferred. • Proven track record of managing complex projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, and meeting tight deadlines. • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain focus on project goals. • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with experience in facilitating meetings and documenting key action items. • Solid experience in stakeholder management and alignment, ensuring all parties are engaged and working towards common goals. • Familiarity with risk management and the ability to develop effective mitigation strategies. • Experience with Agile or Waterfall project management methodologies. • Ability to identify and document project requirements and enhancements as they arise during the project lifecycle. • Previous experience working with Workday or similar HRIS platforms is highly desirable. Education & Certifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Information Technology, or a related field. • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent preferred.