Principal Project Manager

IFS; Itasca (IL); Hybrid; USD 134,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible paid time off

Medical, dental, & vision insurance

401K with company contribution

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance & disability benefits

Tuition assistance

Community involvement & volunteering

Job summary

IFS seeks a Principal Project Manager to oversee complex ERP programs from planning through closing. You will lead cross-functional teams, drive value realization, and maintain strong stakeholder engagement across the organization.

Responsibilities include setting project strategy, governance, and risk management, while mentoring the team and collaborating with sales to expand impact. A senior PM with global delivery experience will thrive in this role.

Qualifications

• University degree in a technical discipline (essential).
• MBA or equivalent processional qualification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Act as a recognized authority on project management practices and IFS methodologies.
• Lead large-scale ERP implementation projects with cross-functional teams.
• Establish governance, financial controls, forecasting, and risk management.
• Provide executive-level reporting and strategic insights to leadership.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for upselling and value realization.
• Drive collaboration between project managers, architects, and leads to improve delivery.
• Mentor and coach junior project managers and contribute to method improvements.

Skills

English fluency

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical discipline

MBA

Tools

IFS Software

PMP/Prince2/Project

Job description

IFS is a billion-dollar revenue company with 5000+ employees on all continents. We deliver award winning enterprise software solutions through the use of embedded digital innovation and a single cloud-based platform to help businesses be their best when it really matters–at the Moment of Service™.

At IFS, we're flexible, we're innovative, and we're focused not only on how we can engage with our customers but on how we can make a real change and have a worldwide impact. We help solve some of society's greatest challenges, fostering a better future through our agility, collaboration, and trust.

We celebrate diversity and accept that there are so many different perspectives in this world. As a truly international company serving people from around the globe, we realize that our success is tantamount to the respect we have for those different points of view.

By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to be part of a global, diverse environment; you will be joining a winning team with a commitment to sustainability; and a company where we get things done so that you can make a positive impact on the world.

We’re looking for innovative and original thinkers to work in an environment where you can #MakeYourMoment so that we can help others make theirs.

If you want to change the status quo, we'll help you make your moment. Join Team Purple. Join IFS.

IFS is a billion-dollar revenue company with 5000+ employees on all continents. We deliver award winning enterprise software solutions through the use of embedded digital innovation and a single cloud-based platform to help businesses be their best when it really matters–at the Moment of Service™.

At IFS, we’re flexible, we’re innovative, and we’re focused not only on how we can engage with our customers but on how we can make a real change and have a worldwide impact. We help solve some of society’s greatest challenges, fostering a better future through our agility, collaboration, and trust.

We celebrate diversity and accept that there are so many different perspectives in this world. As a truly international company serving people from around the globe, we realize that our success is tantamount to the respect we have for those different points of view.

By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of a global, diverse environment; you will be joining a winning team with a commitment to sustainability; and a company where we get things done so that you can make a positive impact on the world.

We’re looking for innovative and original thinkers to work in an environment where you can #MakeYourMoment so that we can help others make theirs.

If you want to change the status quo, we’ll help you make your moment. Join Team Purple. Join IFS.

Job Description

The principal Project Manager is responsible for planning, leading, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing of IFS projects. They are accountable for the entire project scope, project team, resources, and the success of the project.

The Principal Project Manager is acting on behalf of IFS as a focal point of expertise to ensure the Value Realization to the Customer and Revenue Generation to IFS. Key to this is a firm understanding of Project Management in general and the IFS Methodologies in particular, highlighting the ability to gain trust from both the Customer and the IFS teams.

The Principal Project Manager enjoys the challenge of being the key driver, decision maker, engager, and motivator in projects, while consistently having control of both short- and long-term revenue realization along with set KPIs.

As a Principal Project Manager, you will be responsible for core activities including, but not limited to:

• Act as a recognized authority on IFS contract structures, ensuring best practices in contract interpretation and application.
• Develop and oversee enterprise-level project strategies, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Lead large-scale, high-impact projects, optimizing resource allocation for maximum efficiency.
• Establish advanced project governance, integrating financial controls, forecasting, and risk management.
• Provide executive-level reporting and strategic insights to the Project Steering Group and senior leadership.
• Spearhead complex risk management initiatives, developing proactive mitigation strategies.
• Define and oversee the strategic management of Change Requests, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum value.
• Drive executive engagement on IFS Success Offerings, positioning them to support business growth.
• Lead cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless coordination and optimal performance.
• Shape talent development strategies, mentoring future project leaders.
• Establish thought leadership within the Project Management network, influencing industry best practices.
• Drive innovation in project delivery, leveraging industry trends and insights.
• Champion upsell strategies through Sales Performance Incentive Fund (SPIFF), enhancing customer engagement and value realization.
• Build and maintain high-level relationships with key stakeholders, positioning projects for long-term success.
• Act as a recognized authority in ensuring project quality and adherence to the IFS Implementation Methodology.
• Define strategic direction and best practices for service delivery, setting high performance expectations for consulting teams.
• Provide thought leadership on implementation methodologies and ensure clarity of activities across all project phases.
• Cultivate high-value relationships within IFS and externally, reinforcing trust and fostering long-term partnerships.
• Drive executive-level communication and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Champion seamless collaboration between Project Managers, Solution Architects, and Leads to enhance project efficiency and success.
• Actively identify and leverage new business opportunities, engaging with Sales to expand IFS’s impact.
• Provide thought leadership on customer value drivers, ensuring IFS solutions are positioned as strategic enablers.
• Drive commercial success by integrating business development efforts with the Sales team.
• Lead by example, fostering a high-performance culture within the project team through motivation and strategic direction.
• Resolve conflicts at an executive level, ensuring smooth project execution.
• Demonstrate expert-level political awareness, navigating complex stakeholder landscapes with professionalism.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to other Project Managers, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to the IFS Global Consulting Strategy by assessing and improving methodologies, tools, and processes while considering their impact on other business functions.
• Leverage global capabilities and best practices to enhance project delivery and business outcomes.
• Act as a trusted advisor to IFS Global Consulting Management, R&D, and Unified Support, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Drive the advancement of best-in-class project management practices across the organization.
• Influence and shape how IFS delivers services, challenging conventional approaches and driving cross-functional improvements.
• Proactively assess and drive improvements in processes that impact multiple business units, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to refine methodologies, streamline workflows, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Influence and implement process optimizations that support continuous improvement across local, regional, and global teams
• Lead and manage large, complex projects and programs, ensuring successful execution and alignment with business objectives.
• Develop strategic plans that support long-term growth and sustainability within project management.
• Cultivate high-performing teams by fostering collaboration, accountability, and a results driven culture.
• Proactively identify and develop new business opportunities beyond the initial contract scope, including success offerings, upselling additional licenses, and managed services.
• Leverage deep customer insights to recommend value-added solutions that enhance client satisfaction and drive business growth.
• Provide strategic feedback to refine and improve IFS service and product offerings based on real-world project experiences.
• Collaborate closely with sales, customer success, and consulting teams to align business opportunities with customer needs

In addition to this, you are also expected to:

• Provide thought leadership on Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) architecture, integrations, and best practices.
• Define and implement project management strategies to optimize business outcomes.
• Stay at the forefront of product advancements, shaping how they are leveraged in projects.
• Champion IFS values, driving a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Lead high-level workshops and executive meetings to align stakeholders and drive strategy.

Qualifications

Essential:

• University degree in a technical discipline, MBA, or equivalent processional qualification
• Minimum 5-10 years of experience in project management.
• Prior experience in managing ERP implementation projects (preferably full lifecycles)
• Experience in working with C-level (Principal to Senior Principal)
• Fluency in English and local language (verbal and written)

Desirable:

• Solid knowledge of IFS Software
• Participation in implementation of IFS Products
• Specific Industry knowledge from target industries
• Experience in delivering a broad range of IFS Consulting Services
• Experience in conducting projects using an Agile methodology would be an asset
• Certification in one of other Project Management methodologies Prince2 or Project
• Management Professional (PMP) would be an asset

Additional Information

What We’re Offering

• Salary Range: $133,600- $178,100 plus bonus
• Flexible paid time off, including sick and holiday
• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401K with Company contribution
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Tuition assistance
• Community involvement and volunteering events

At IFS, you will work in a growing global enterprise software company where informal hierarchies promote simplicity and trust with accountability. We strive to deepen our expertise by taking on challenging and varied work assignments in a collaborative environment alongside committed colleagues.

With professionalism and a strong customer focus in everything we do, from R&D to product development, we are committed to providing the best possible service to our customers. From sales to consulting, we are proud to serve world‑class customers around the world with our flagship products.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our company.

We embrace flexibility and hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles, while also valuing inclusive workplace experiences. By fostering a sense of community, we drive innovation, strengthen connections, and nurture belonging. Our commitment ensures you can work in a way that suits you best, while also engaging with colleagues to share ideas and build meaningful relationships.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Equal Opportunity Employer