Project Manager 1

Launch Your Career with Cook Systems

Since 1990, Cook Systems—a certified veteran-owned IT consulting firm—has been helping businesses and professionals grow through innovation, integrity, and investment in people. We partner with Fortune 500 enterprises and high-growth companies alike to deliver agile technology solutions, AI-driven talent strategies, and our signature FastTrack program that develops the next generation of tech talent.

At Cook, you’ll find a culture that values excellence, creativity, and accountability. We believe in opportunity backed by trust—and in building careers that last. Check out what our team members have to say on our Glassdoor page, and discover why Cook Systems is where meaningful careers take off!

Summary:  This role is crucial for ensuring efficient project management and IT changes, impacting productivity and service delivery across initiatives of varying sizes.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate tasks for projects of moderate to high complexity and risk under general supervision.
• Provide project management consultation across all phases of the project and software development life cycle (SDLC).
• Collaborate with teams, business leads, vendors, analysts, and subject matter experts.
• Align project management with Statements of Work (SOWs), vendor contracts, and steering committee directives.
• Assist clients in identifying effective strategies during project initiation to achieve objectives.
• Develop and maintain project management tools during the planning phase.
• Monitor project performance and regularly report to leadership on status and risks.
• Provide guidance to project teams, lead status meetings, and evaluate scope changes.
• Conduct product verification at project close and facilitate lessons learned reviews.

Job Duties:

• Manage ongoing project costs, schedules, resources, scope, issues, and risks.
• Facilitate process assessments and lead redesign efforts to drive improvements.
• Collaborate with steering committee and senior project management to optimize processes.
• Coordinate with business leads, vendor managers, and QA teams to ensure project standards.
• Lead project kickoff meetings, defining roles and equipping teams with necessary tools.
• Manage project scope and support negotiations related to time, cost, and quality.
• Develop, monitor, and coordinate key project activities like scheduling and progress tracking.
• Provide leadership and direction to project teams, including task completion and deliverable reviews.
• Monitor project milestones and identify risks to timelines, working to mitigate impacts.
• Evaluate project variances and implement adjustments to stay within scope, budget, and quality.
• Conduct formal reviews with sponsors and leadership to confirm deliverable satisfaction.
• Offer constructive feedback to improve individual and project performance.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with sponsors, vendors, and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or specialized training.
• Three years of IT project management experience.
• PMP certification from PMI or equivalent.
• Seven years of experience leading projects of moderate to high complexity.
• Hands-on experience with MS Project, MS Visio, SharePoint 2013, and MS O365.

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Why Work with Us

At Cook Systems, we don’t just offer jobs—we build futures. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to supporting you with benefits that deliver real security, flexibility, and growth from day one.

• Your Health, Your Way: Choose from two comprehensive medical plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield, with dental and vision coverage included. With access to one of the nation’s largest provider networks, you’ll have quality care wherever life takes you.
• Peace of Mind: Protect what matters most with life, critical illness, and accident insurance through Unum—because your family’s security matters.
• Flexibility for Life: Plan ahead and save with a Flexible Spending Account and Daycare FSA through Navia, helping you manage healthcare and dependent-care expenses your way.
• Extra Protection When You Need It: Our Health Gap Insurance through Sun Life helps cover unexpected costs, so you’re never caught off guard.
• Your Future Starts Now: Build your future with our 401(k) plan through The Standard. You’re eligible after just six months—because long-term success deserves a strong foundation.

At Cook Systems, you’re not just an employee—you’re part of a team that values ideas, celebrates results, and grows together. Here, your impact is visible, your contributions are valued, and your career has room to thrive. Ready to be part of something bigger? Let’s build the future together at Cook Systems.

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