Project Manager

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) applies cutting-edge technology to operating a reliable electricity system, managing competitive markets for wholesale electricity, and planning for the Empire State's energy future.  The NYISO’s Market Structures department invites applications for a full-time Project Manager.  

The Project Manager will fulfill Project Management leadership and coordination roles with accountability for achieving successful project results on time and within budget. This individual will plan and direct the work of project teams, monitor close adherence to project schedules, effectively use project management principles, oversee day-to-day project activities, provide timely reporting of project status and budget and interact regularly with employees in other groups, senior management and project stakeholders. Additionally, the Project Manager will identify, report, mitigate and escalate risks and issues as appropriate and provide Project Management services across various functional areas.

This individual  must be a self-motivated professional who displays effective leadership in a team-based environment and have experience working in a dynamic changing environment, with a commitment to providing value- based customer service, the ability to anticipate risks and address stakeholder needs. The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of supported Markets and business applications and display a clear understanding of internal and external stakeholder needs and regularly interface with both groups, as well as NYISO Management to provide progress and status updates and to generate alignment.  The Project Manager must have experience in managing multiple competing priorities, use of good judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills and a thorough knowledge and experience with software development life cycle methodology along with vendor management experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Effectively manage multiple large, complex, cross-departmental, multi-phase projects.
• Manage project activities through the effective use of project management principles, best practices and methodologies adopted by NYISO to achieve timely project completion within budget and to meet the defined project business objectives.
• Possess/gain technical expertise in the relevant/supported NYISO Markets in order to effectively manage scope as well as implementation of the overall solution.
• Develop and apply specialized business and technical knowledge and expertise, in supported NYISO Business Areas, to implement solutions that meet project commitments on time and on budget.
• Review, report, resolve, mitigate, and escalate risks and issues as appropriate.
• Develop and execute project plans for assigned NYISO initiatives, in a matrix capacity with project team members throughout the organization. Regularly interface with NYISO Senior Management, Business Owners, IT Leadership, and all relevant internal and external stakeholders to provide timely updates on project status and progress, any identified or anticipated risks, issues and to present mitigation strategies.
• Present recommendations for effective consensus decision making, taking into consideration risk analysis and impact assessment for project milestones.
• Manage RFP / RFI processes, plan and present vendor selection recommendations in coordination with NYISO Procurement and in conjunction with the project team members.
• Manage vendor budget and relationships. Identify and manage project-related risks, measure and report on timely basis. Review project progress on a regular basis, analyze and assess information from various sources to develop accurate status reporting. Make recommendations and / or implement corrective action when deviations are found.
• Develop project resource plan and cost estimates. Monitor actual project expenditures against project estimates and budget. Provide accurate and timely budget reporting. Maintain effective communication and coordination with all project stakeholders to ensure that business objectives are met, and any changes are clearly communicated. Recommend process improvements and influence change across the organization.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of project management principles, best practices, processes and tools used to effectively manage projects.
• Actively participate in Project Management Working Group meetings.
• Support NYISO strategic and business plan objectives

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or related technical field required.
• Five years of demonstrated success in managing project development life-cycle processes and practical experience creating, monitoring and maintaining technical project plans in a multi-project environment
• Demonstrated success / advanced knowledge of vendor selection (RFP/RFI processes), project planning, estimating, risk management and budgeting; strong leadership and the ability to influence across the organization; strong aptitude for understanding complex business processes; strong organizational skills
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in a related industry desired; knowledge of electric power systems or wholesale electric markets is desired; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Project Management Professional® (PMP) certification as defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI) is desirable.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills. Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from market participants, regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches, and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and/or board of directors.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of algebra. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office suite of applications to include: MS Project, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet Explorer. Must have an understanding of the functionality of various IT software and hardware architectures and ability to apply that knowledge within the NYISO systems and wholesale energy marketplace.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to perform routine office tasks. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Contact with staff and public will occur. Travel may be required to attend and/or conduct meetings, conferences and training. This position may require work on nights, weekends or holidays.

At the NYISO, we realize the importance of balancing the availability of remote work with the inherent value of bringing people together to attain success in the areas of maximum collaboration, relationship building and growth, teamwork, innovation and problem solving, as well as professional development and mentoring. In this role, you will be required to work onsite from our Rensselaer, NY location several days per workweek, with the option to work remotely on the remaining days. You will also be expected to respond to all business needs that may require any increase to the regular onsite requirements.

The NYISO takes pride in recruiting, developing and retaining highly talented individuals. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package and innovative reward programs.

All offers of employment will be made contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screening and background check.

The NYISO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

Salary Range