Specialist, Process Improvement

Sidley Austin LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Specialist in Process Improvement to support project management efforts. This role is an excellent entry point for those looking to build a career in project management within the professional services sector. You will engage in various cross-functional initiatives, gaining hands-on experience while ensuring projects stay on track. Your organizational skills and attention to detail will be paramount as you coordinate meetings, prepare documentation, and assist project managers in driving change. If you're ready to make an impact and grow your career, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and prior experience in project coordination are essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite is required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project meetings and prepare necessary documentation.
• Maintain project documentation and provide updates to stakeholders.
• Identify project risks and ensure resources are available for tasks.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Interpersonal Communication

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Visio

Smartsheet

Asana

Job description

Summary

The Specialist, Process Improvement position works with the Project Managers and Senior Project Managers on the Process Improvement team to plan and execute on the necessary daily tasks to keep a project on track. This role requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders from the initial project stages all the way through to project completion.

This role serves as a great entry point to gain foundational experience in the professional services industry and project management career path. The Specialist will be exposed to a variety of broad, cross-functional initiatives and will provide valuable support to projects and will receive hands-on experience in driving organizational change.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the bi-weekly full team meeting by determining key topics for the group’s review and preparing content for the sessions.
• Assist in the coordination of project meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation, logistics planning, and follow-ups as needed.
• Prepare and distribute a variety of documents including project status reports, meeting minutes, and other documentation.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation/files and solicit updates from various stakeholders and groups accordingly.
• Ensure team members have the resources and information they need to complete any assigned tasks on time and within project scope.
• Provide detailed updates to project manager(s) and/or other stakeholders as needed.
• Identify and assess project risks and issues against major milestones using key indicators and escalate to the Project Manager(s) as needed.
• Utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook, and Visio to edit and create general correspondence, memos, charts, presentations, etc.
• Proofread copy for spelling, grammar, and layout, making appropriate changes; responsible for accuracy and clarity of final copy.

Target Salary Range

$65,000 - $75,000 if located in Illinois.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Essential Duty and Responsibility (the “Essential Duties”) satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties. If you need such an accommodation, please email [e-mail] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Education and/or Experience:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Previous internship or work experience in a project coordination role or a related field.
• Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PPT.
• Basic understanding of project management principles and methodologies.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Ability to type with a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent proofreading skills.
• Excellent grammar and punctuation.

Preferred

• Basic understanding of project management tools and software (MS Visio, Smartsheet, Asana, etc.).

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good judgment.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others.
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities.

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.