Project Manager/Associate Project Manager - Melbourne (Knafelc)

  We've had a hand in helping build communities for over 100 years. We're listed on Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For" in 2006. It pays to work at WaMu. We've added even more benefits to our generous package.Learn more at wamu.com/careers Project Manager/Associate Project Manager - Melbourne (Knafelc) At WaMu, our core values inspire and guide our talented team as they help us write our extraordinary ongoing success story.  We believe that a diverse group of talented, committed individuals—working as a team—can make a real difference. We celebrate our successes, learn from our failures, and keep our egos in check. We also manage to keep a sense of humor along the way.  So if you’re ready for WaMu, read on! Under general direction, this position is responsible for leading large business unit or corporate- projects and/or provides project expertise on same.  Will also provide subject matter expertise to department and its clients, based on professional knowledge and background. Assignments are broad in nature, often involving cross-functional liaison.  Incumbents usually work under minimal supervision, conferring with a manager only on major or significant matters in order to perform the essential job functions.  JOB/POSITION PURPOSE:Conducts independent buisness/operations project which may involve technical components. Is responsible for project design, development & implementation, maintenance and completion. An incumbent may provide limited supervision to subordinates, but does not manage a discrete work unit.  If supervision is present, it is an incidental part of overall responsibilities.  Leads medium-size projects or segments of large projects, which are generally assigned a ‘high’ corporate priority, have a moderate-sized budget, utilizes one team, usually involving five or more people, and lasts three or more months. Deliver presentations to an executive committee-level steering committees, providing scope, risk on project deliverables, timelines and resources. Provides project management subject-matter expertise to department and clients.  Provides project methodology expert assistance as mentor or coach to project consultants, coordinators and project teams.  Assess, recommend and promote approaches for applying project methodologies and techniques to large scale and multiple projects.  Facilitates consensus and agreement of decisions from management relative to project progress and results expected.  Analyzes and researches planned or proposed high profile, controversial and/or high impact changes to banking business operations. Assists with planning for acquisition of resources as needed (staff, money).  Works with and assists in planning and scheduling business system analyst resources.  Manages vendor relationships to include planning sessions, as well as defining project and performance expectations; Responds to inquiries from Examiners or Auditors, assigns and provides direction to research and data-gathering efforts related to these inquiries. Attends industry-related conferences and/or training programs.  Performs complex analyses and advises management on data interpretation for operating or strategic plans.  Researches and evaluates major changes in regulations affecting accounting requirements; may identify new/revised procedures necessary to respond to changes in a timely and effective manner. Provides functional advice and guidance to lower-level analysts; reviews support documentation to ensure it meets internal standards.. May evaluate proposed investments on the basis of net present value (or IRR); determine implications for the company’s financial position.  May serve as a project leader for an assigned group of less experienced accountant/financial analysts.; plans project approach, determines sources of data; designs and originates reports; meets with management to present findings/recommendations.  May analyze and evaluate the impact of alternative business decisions. Principles, practices and techniques of project management demonstrating wide-ranging, successful depth of project management experience and knowledge, particularly on complex projects. Techniques and methods for effective group facilitation and consensus building. Company products, business and regulatory environment, operating opportunities and constraints.  Advanced knowledge of business process improvement, re-engineering, estimating and measurement concepts, of change control development process, quality assurance principles and concepts relative to standards and procedures, review process, reporting and escalation and continuous improvement. Functionality and operation of various software programs and technology, including (but not limited to): LAN/WAN, advanced project planning, group presentation visuals, spreadsheet and database management.  Delivers project classes/workshops and teach project processes and process improvement analysis to customers/clients. Implement project methodology and key industry practices with minimal direction/assistance. Work independently as project lead in providing direction on project management. Use facilitation skills to validate the requirements/scope of a project and change control process with customers/clients. Mentor assigned project management teams for developing strategy to timely, cost-effective acquisition, utilization and reallocation of human, financial and other resources. Present and discuss technical information in a way that establishes rapport, persuades others and gains understanding. Proficient in Microsoft Project, Excel, & Power Point Excellent written & oral communication skills. Work experience requirement is expanded to a total of six years.  PMI Certification or Green or Black Belt Certification preferred but not required.  Washington Mutual is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone needing accommodation to complete the interview process should notify the recruiter.