IT Project Manager - Chicago - Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff

Description

Overview

Who We Are

At Benesch we pride ourselves on exceeding expectations and building trust not only with our clients but with our employees - Benesch's #1 asset. Committed to providing not only the highest level of legal service to our clients, Benesch also aspires to create a positive work environment for our employees. Our Firm continues to earn placement on Chicago and Cleveland's Top Workplaces list, along with Cleveland's NorthCoast 99 Top Workplaces rankings. We also continue to advance on the AmLaw 150 list, placing us among the top 150 law firms in the country.

Benesch is proud to be recognized for being a Firm that attracts and retains top talent - making Benesch a great place to work. We offer a hybrid schedule, career development and growth, transparent and visible leadership teams, and a place where diversity, equity and inclusion is celebrated. In addition, the Firm offers a full array of benefits which can be viewed at

Working with Us - Come and "Be Benesch"

We are one of the fastest growing firms in the nation, and have offices in Chicago, Columbus, San Francisco, New York City, and Wilmington. We continue to expand our geographic footprint and value the talent that comprises each of our locations. If you are someone who champions a First in Service approach and are ready to be part of an exciting and growing Firm, we would invite you to apply to join our team.

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Benesch is proud to announce the opening for a IT Project Manager in our Chicago office This position is hybrid and has work from home flexibility.

Position Summary

Do you have senior level experience developing or enhancing PMO structures? Have you led complex, cross-functional projects that impact an organization's technology systems and business operations? We may have your next career opportunity at Benesch as our IT Project Manager. This role is critical in ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality projects that enhance the Firm's operations and strategic initiatives.

The IT Project Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating complex, cross-functional projects that impact the Firm's technology systems and business operations. This individual ensures the successful execution of projects by managing scope, schedules, budgets, resources, and risks, while delivering measurable results aligned with the Firm's goals. The IT Project Manager works collaboratively with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and IT teams, balancing the Firm's needs with IT capabilities to achieve efficient and effective outcomes. This role is critical in ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality projects that enhance the Firm's operations and strategic initiatives.

Position Responsibilities

1. Plans, manages, and oversees the execution of simultaneous technology, business and facility projects from initiation to closure, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and schedule.
2. Establishes and implements standardized methodologies, tools, and processes for project management, tailoring them to meet the Firm's unique needs.
3. Creates, maintains, and manages project plans, deliverables, and documentation, including timelines, status reports, budgets, risk assessments, and quality plans.
4. Coordinates resources across multiple teams, including IT, business units, and external vendors and contractors, to ensure optimal utilization and project success.
5. Anticipates and resolves project risks, conflicts, and issues, ensuring that projects stay on track and deliver expected outcomes.
6. Serves as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders, ensuring clear, concise, and consistent communication across all levels of the Firm.
7. Facilitates collaboration between business units and IT to define functional and technical requirements and achieve project objectives.
8. Conducts regular project status meetings and provide routine updates to stakeholders and senior leadership, highlighting key milestones, risks, and achievements.
9. Prepares and delivers executive-level presentations to communicate project progress, outcomes, and strategic recommendations.
10. Collaborates with leadership to align projects with the Firm's strategic goals, ensuring that IT initiatives deliver measurable value to the organization.
11. Integrates IT solutions into broader business projects to maximize operational efficiency and effectiveness.
12. Acts as a champion for the project management discipline, sharing knowledge, mentoring team members, and promoting best practices.
13. Stays informed about industry trends and innovations, integrating best practices into project management processes.
14. Conducts post-project debriefs to assess performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure end-user satisfaction.
15. Oversees the transition of completed projects to operational teams, ensuring smooth handoff and ongoing support.
16. Facilitates post-implementation testing and training to ensure users can effectively utilize new systems and tools.

Key Competencies

• Deep understanding of project management tools, methodologies, and frameworks, including Agile and Waterfall approaches.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage shifting priorities and competing demands.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and deliver projects on time and within budget while managing risks and maintaining quality.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT, business units, and executive leadership.
• Experience with tactical IT project planning, process development, and adherence to established standards.
• Proficiency in IT tools and systems, including project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar) and collaboration platforms (e.g., Teams, SharePoint).
• Knowledge of change management principles and the ability to guide stakeholders through process or system changes.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered. Minimum of 7+ years of project/program management experience, leading multiple complex, simultaneous projects. Experience in building or utilizing a PMO structure within an organization. Certification in project management (e.g., PMP, PMI-ACP, PRINCE2) is preferred. Experience working in the legal industry or a professional services environment is a plus.

The salary range for this position is $90K to $130K.

Please note that quoted salary ranges are based on Benesch's good faith belief at the time of the job posting and are not a guarantee of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that Benesch provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full-time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benesch is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Benesch Human Resources Department by phone or email:

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities