Project Leader I

Zurich North America is hiring an Project Leader I to join our team! We are open to hiring talent in the Schaumburg location.

Purpose:

This position focuses on projects of small to moderate size and complexity. Leading the project team, defines the business problem and formulates the project/systems scope and objectives. Utilizes a detailed understanding of insurance, processes, and business systems to drive the research and analysis of the defined problem, design the recommended solution, and implement the solution, addressing associated change management. Specific consulting responsibilities include facilitating operational transformation via strategic/industry perspectives acting as a thought partner with key business leaders, defining and structuring opportunities/projects to deliver the transformation strategy, leading these process reengineering and continuous improvement projects, e.g. LEAN/Six Sigma. Business systems integration responsibilities include leading the project team to deliver the business requirements and functional design of the system solution, full testing strategy and execution, vendor management, and serving as trusted business advisor between business and IT

Key Accountabilities:

Core:

• Delivers solution for low/small to moderate size and complexity projects.
• Defines business problem and accompanying business case/benchmarking.
• Understands customer's processes, products, services, and systems in order to make educated recommendations for improvements; possesses resident domain knowledge (e.g., underwriting, claims, distribution); understands interdependencies between core processes. 4. Builds and owns relationships with management and business partners as appropriate throughout the project cycle.
• Leads and executes the solution design (including metrics and measures) and implementation, including associated change management activities.
• Maintains project records in accordance with TZW of Project Management standards.
• Leads post-implementation review and share findings for continuous improvement.
• Establishes project direction, defines key results, develops plans, establishes goals, and identifies critical success factors.
• Develop/review and monitor business case, CBA, risk assessment, and project plan, working with Sponsor.
• Supervises project team and mentors consultants.
• Engages and consults with appropriate parties (both internal and external) throughout the project.
• Provides common business design, links common threads, and manages interdependencies across projects.
• Communicate to key stakeholders regarding project updates and issues and manages escalation appropriately.
• Eliminate roadblocks, resolves issues, and aligns people and the organization in the overall effort.
• Ensures specific metrics and measures are incorporated into solutions enabling continuous improvement.
• Manages strategic go/no-go decisions.
  
  

Strategic Operational Consulting:

• Partner with key business leaders to develop the operational transformation strategy.
• Provides thought leadership in area of expertise (e.g., underwriting) to develop strategy.
• Develops overall hypothesis for recommendations and identifies required analysis for support and validation.
• Reviews resulting analysis (financial, operational, process) and validates hypothesis.
• Finalizes and socializes recommendations for improvements with supporting detail based upon analysis.
• Leads and drives future state design.
• Acts as a business improvement SME to the enterprise.
  
  

Business Systems Integration:

• Leads overall team to develop the user requirements and functional design, use cases, and testing scenarios and conduct testing.
• Ensures accurate and timely creation of all project deliverables from the SDLC.
• Reviews and approves testing strategy and results for implementation approach.
• Approves phase deliverables throughout project lifecycle.
• Ensures compliance to the system change process.
• Manages vendor engagements.
• Participates and guides business in prioritization of system enhancements.
• Manages prioritization of process/system issues working with business and partners on the solutions.
• Business Travel, as required
• Extended Hours during Peak Periods/Shift Work, as required
• Regular Predictable Attendance
• Visibility in the Office, as required
  
  

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree and 6 or more years of experience in the Communications or Project Management area OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 8 or more years of experience in the Communications or Project Management area AND
• Experience in strategic and operational consulting or business systems integration
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS in Computer Science or Engineering or BA in Business preferred.
• Able to identify and consider business implications of the application of technology to the current business environment.
• Extensive broad-based knowledge of financial services industry including detailed knowledge of insurance business processes and processing.
• Must possess in-depth, strong problem solving analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills needed; ability to tailor approach based upon audience and message, ability to hold candid discussions with executives.
• Variety of 'hands-on' management experience at multiple levels with an financial services/insurance organization.
• Proven ability to manage vendor engagements.
• CPCU and other related insurance designations desired.
• Project Management Institute Project Management Professional Certification desired.
• Enterprise-wide project management experience with demonstrated experience in leading corporate projects to successful completion, including associated change management and stakeholder engagement.
• Experienced in managing by influence in a matrixed environment
  
  

At Zurich, compensation for roles is influenced by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. In compliance with local laws, Zurich commits to providing a fair and reasonable compensation range for each role. For more information about our Total Rewards, please click here. Additional rewards may encompass short-term incentive bonuses and merit increases. We encourage candidates with salary expectations beyond the provided range to apply as they will be considered based on their experience, skills, and education. The compensation indicated represents a nationwide market range and has not been adjusted for geographic differentials pertaining to the location where the position may be filled. The proposed salary range for this position is $108,200.00 - $177,100.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 15%.

As an insurance company, Zurich is subject to 18 U.S. Code

• 1033.
  
  

A future with Zurich. What can go right when you apply at Zurich?

Now is the time to move forward and make a difference. At Zurich, we want you to share your unique perspectives, experiences and ideas so we can grow and drive sustainable change together. As part of a leading global organization, Zurich North America has over 150 years of experience managing risk and supporting resilience. Today, Zurich North America is a leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and a wide range of risk management products and services for businesses and individuals. We serve more than 25 industries, from agriculture to technology, and we insure 90% of the Fortune 500®. Our growth strategy is not limited to our business. As an employer, we strive to provide ongoing career development opportunities, and we foster an environment where voices are diverse, behaviors are inclusive, actions drive equity, and our people feel a sense of belonging. Be a part of the next evolution of the insurance industry. Join us in building a brighter future for our colleagues, our customers and the communities we serve. Zurich maintains a comprehensive employee benefits package for employees as well as eligible dependents and competitive compensation. Please click here to learn more.

Zurich in North America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich American Insurance. If you are a preferred vendor, please use our Recruiting Agency Portal for resume submission.

Location(s): AM - Schaumburg

Remote Working: Hybrid

Schedule: Full Time

Employment Sponsorship Offered: No

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