Ivjot Kohli, MBA

Normal, IL *****

acp585@r.postjobfree.com; 414-***-****

Professional summary

Solutions-oriented and results-driven professional with 9+ years of experience who excels at managing projects and deploying technologies to build successful solutions for clients

Experienced project manager who has successfully managed 20+ highly visible enterprise-wide projects ranging from $100k to multi-million dollars in budget and 6 to 18 months in duration, and have led 15 – 20 people from requirements-gathering to implementation and support

Motivated achiever with significant experience in managing projects in variety of IT Infrastructure projects, such as LAN/WAN/Wireless Networks, Storage, Security Tool upgrades, Vendor application / Server Upgrades, Network & Data Security, and Virtualization, and Retail, E-commerce, Web / Software Application Development

Strong ability to build relationships

Analytical & strategic thinker

Creative & innovative problem solver

Excellent communicator and team player

Dedicated, focused and energetic

Multi-tasker

Experienced in Project Planning, Scheduling, Resource Management, Scope Management, Communication Management, Cost & Budget analysis, and Risk & Impact analysis to support strategic planning, strengthen accountability, enhance decision making, and enhance customer expectation

Comprehensive knowledge of Website Development Life Cycle (WDLC) and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodologies like Waterfall and AGILE (SCRUM)

Effectively perform project and people management activities, such as creating project plans, defining project goals, prioritizing activities, delegating tasks and directing resources, actively overlooking resource utilization and allocations, managing quality, resolving issues, risk mitigation and impact analysis, escalations, and monitoring scope, cost, schedule, critical deliverables and milestones across initiatives using project tools such as MS Project and Primavera

Experienced in understanding client’s expectations and goals, gathering detailed requirements, analyzing information, creating strategic roadmaps, providing recommendation, and managing customer relationships

Experienced in conducting Joint Application Development (JAD) sessions for requirements gathering and analysis

Consistent record of successfully streamlining procedures and documentation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of people and process

Consistent ability to dive deep into the details while maintaining a big picture perspective of the program goals

Constantly work with PMO to improve development and implementation processes

Exceptional interpersonal communicator who effectively interacts with C-level executives, project teams, vendors, and all levels of management to bridge communication gaps and to establish and maintain productive working relationship

Clear written, analytical and oral perception of ideas and concepts; Ability to articulate alternative solutions or workarounds; Ability to listen to superiors and desire to learn and grow

Education

Certification - Pursuing PMP

MBA in Global Management – Strategy, Consulting, Project Management and Marketing

December 2011

Thunderbird School of Global Management (#1 Ranked MBA Program for International Business)

Phoenix, AZ

Achievements: Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society; GPA: 3.80 / 4.0

BBA – Finance, Management, and Economics

May 2005

University of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

Professional Experience

Project Manager – IT Infrastructure Global Enterprise

March 2015 – Present

Dimension Data (client Caterpillar Inc.)

Peoria, IL

Managing a results-based multi-million dollar contract for implementation of Global Network Upgrade / Refresh (LAN / WAN / WLAN) and Security solutions for client sites located in the Americas region (US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico)

Responsible for project kickoff, stakeholder engagement, and on-budget and timely delivery of key milestones and deliverables established on SOW’s and SLA’s for international deployments

Managing problem resolution with PMO and client, i.e. scope-creep and changed requirements, performing timely escalations, and revisiting the project plan based on final decisions

Documenting and managing project risks and dependencies to address potential project roadblocks, and establishing mitigation and contingency plans

Directed sessions with identified key stakeholders to understand their requirements and internal processes, to get approval and consensus from them, and integrated it into project and communication plan

Facilitated team planning sessions to identify and estimate project resources, schedule delivery and task details, and developed a detailed project plan

Tracking delivery of key milestones using T-minus schedule and MS Project and providing regular status updates to key stakeholders

Conducted weekly re-occurring control meetings with client internal infrastructure team and Dimension Data project team to get status on key action items

Creating SOW / purchase orders for 3rd party vendor resources and managing them

Coordinating with each client site contact to plan and schedule site assessments and implementations

Coordinating regularly with logistics and staging team to track hardware order, staging status, and delivery to site

Project Manager – Security / IT Infrastructure

July 2012 – February 2015

IGATE (client State Farm Insurance)

Bloomington, IL

Managed and deployed multiple projects in “Cyber Security Intelligence Response” and “Enterprise Information Security & Directory Services” programs, integrating multiple solutions in server, database, and network environments to control IT spending, reduce Enterprise Security Risk, and increase IT performance and flexibility.

Projects:

Research and Evaluate Denial of Service / Anomaly Protection / Advanced Persistent Threat Prevention

Design and Deploy Distributed Denial of Service Mitigation Capabilities

Replace Log Management and Security Information Event Management Solution Tool (IBM QRADAR)

Security Incident and Event Monitoring (SIEM) for the High Security Management Solution (Privileged Users)

Implement Role Based Network Access and Multi-factor Authentication for Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI)

Develop Security Event Correlation Rules

Create Enterprise Threat Management Portal

Implement Application Layer Intrusion Detection Framework

Upgrade Symantec End Point Protection (SEP)

Upgrade Cisco and IBM Intrusion Preventions Systems (IPS)

Replace Cisco Network Module Enhanced-IPS with new Palo Alto Networks in various vendor locations

Upgrade Enterprise Secure Messaging Solution

Consolidate VPN User Infrastructure

Implement Data Scrubbing in the Performance and Implementation Test Environments

Implement Data Segmentation Techniques

Achieved high degree of customer satisfaction by completing 85% of projects within +/- allowed 10% budget metric and achieving seamless systems integrations with no unscheduled downtime

Delivered industry-leading tool, shortening processes from hours to minutes, which will save client millions of dollars

Sequenced and scheduled the execution of multiple projects, sharing a common pool of labor and resources, in matrix environment organization using Primavera

Overhauled challenges for projects implementing complex solutions by running brain-storming sessions to generate fresh solutions and finding resources to implement identified solutions

Coordinated with PCI Compliance team to perform gap analysis and understand PCI requirements from a people, process and technology perspective before designing and implementing solutions

Performed project scope analysis, defining project milestones, deliverables and critical deadlines, managing customer expectations, and driving supreme levels of customer satisfaction

Developed project plan and work breakdown structure (WBS) on Primavera ensuring that implementation and prescribed activities are carried out in accordance with specified objectives, budget, and timelines

Interacted with multiple business stakeholders during the initiation, design, execution and release phases of the business projects, understanding product / program roadmap, acceptance criteria, monitoring customer expectations, project performance, and key deliverables

Managed the planning, execution, and delivery of the AGILE (Scrum) development lifecycle using the SCRUM framework, handling competing deliverables, actively identifying blocking issues, and bringing them to quick resolution to increase each team's overall velocity

Monitored project progress and identified potential risks and issues and established action plans to address potential project roadblocks by devising mitigation and contingency plans

Developed and accurately tracked project financial budget against program goals and resources to ensure the appropriate level of effort is being spent

Coordinated regularly with the off-shore development lead or third party vendor, performing initial knowledge transition, communicating project status, and developing schedules to ensure timely completion of projects

Supported continuous improvement and maintenance of project management best practices as agreed with other departments, stakeholders, and the PMO

Coordinated with other project managers (PMs) within the program, discussing new change specifications, analyzing their impact on the existing project timeline and schedule, and evaluating project dependencies or discrepancies

Project Coordinator / Manager – E-commerce / Web Application / IT Infrastructure

September 2009 – June 2012

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Issaquah, WA

The key project involved upgrading search engine and online shopping technology by redesigning its main and B2B e-commerce site through development and enhancement of a web based application, with a complete revamp of features such as zoom, site search, shopping cart / checkout, and order fulfillment process. Another project dealt with handling the core inefficiencies in the Inventory Management System and defining an integrated application that would effectively leverage increasingly sophisticated ERP systems and Supply Chain inventory management systems for significant cost saving and economies of scale. Last project involved integrating multiple infrastructure solutions to control IT spending, and increase IT performance and flexibility.

Projects:

Web Application Development / E-commerce / SEO – for addition of several new functionalities

Integrated Enterprise Application ERP Systems –to manage inventory levels by replenishing and forecasting demand across all store-locations based on seasonality and other prime drivers

Database / Storage Upgrade – to centralize storage into the data center and to remove branch server footprint

Virtual Server Migration – to manage virtualized server assets more efficiently

Utilized full-lifecycle development methodologies (AGILE and Waterfall) to manage web development project that achieved results of 5% less in budget

Recognized as key project contributor whose participation enabled 2 months faster delivery to market

Achieved high degree of customer satisfaction by connecting with customers; helped customers attain achievable development plans, schedules, and project outcomes, ensuring success with challenging IT projects

Analyzed and creatively solved problems with demonstrated ability to manage projects from planning through execution/completion under the pressure of fast-paced, time sensitive environments

Ensured defect-free releases through careful planning, testing and QA efforts

Defined the project charter outlining the project objectives, business case, and key project deliverables based on the initial identified business challenges and opportunities

Engaged with the client and other business stakeholders to understand project expectations, business requirements, acceptance criteria, and provided timely status updates on a regular basis

Planned and managed the execution of the project plan using MS Project from start to finish including project resources, schedule, and costs, and tracked project timelines, milestones, and metrics

Coordinated with cross-functional team using AGILE methodology performing daily standup meetings and keeping the team members accountable for deliverables

Coordinated release and SPRINT planning sessions with various stakeholders, defining, prioritizing and estimating various stories for technical customer solution customization requests

Worked closely with third party vendors such as Cisco to plan and manage service deliveries customized IT solution and processes to satisfy customer and business requirements

Monitored changes in project scope, schedule, and cost through burn charts, identified potential risks and dependencies, and developed mitigation and contingency plans

Coordinated with internal and external team to deliver desired results to increase customer satisfaction by ensuring content integrity and process execution

Business Development Associate

January 2008 – August 2009

RA Sports, LLC / WebRacing, Inc (virtual fitness software maker)

Madison, WI

Oversaw profit and loss (P&L) aspects of business operations of a technology startup

Created a strategic plan for improving the business model with a goal of increasing revenue through modified product / service offerings, new pricing strategies, partnerships, and marketing strategies

Achieved an increase in revenue by a CAGR of 180% over a three year period, through a new strategic plan, innovative products, and effective marketing activities

Created and executed an integrated online marketing plan under a strict advertising budget to increase company’s online presence and awareness by using SEO, email marketing, and social media tools

Product / Project Analyst

October 2006 – December 2007

RA Sports, LLC / WebRacing, Inc (virtual fitness software maker)

Madison, WI

Defined and managed product strategies and roadmap, and communicated it with the development team to ensure development efforts are aligned with the company’s strategic objectives and market needs

Planned and managed the execution of product development / enhancement activities to ensure adherence to budget, schedule, and scope using MS Project

Analyzed user data to understand customer insights, trends and preferences using customer surveys, and analytics to determine product performance levels and the need for new product developments and enhancements

Coordinated with the team to review product requirements, prioritize product features, build consensus and resolve day-to-day issues

Researched and identified new opportunities through market and competitive analysis, and customer feedback; led to expansion of product portfolio with launch of improved and new products

Tracked project budgets and created financial reports and projections

Marketing Associate

January 2006 – September 2006

RA Sports, LLC / WebRacing, Inc (virtual fitness software maker)

Madison, WI

Contributed to the development of product messaging, marketing content, new packaging designs, and sales collateral, marketing, and promotional materials to successfully communicate value proposition of the products to customers

Managed the development of corporate website using off-shore development team, leading website strategy and design efforts, as well as implementation of content management system

Additional Information

Project Management Tools:

MS Project, MS Visio, SharePoint, Primavera, MS Word, Advanced Excel modeling PowerPoint, and Outlook, Lotus Notes

Methodologies:

AGILE Scrum and Waterfall

Project Management Skills:

Scope Management & Visioning, WBS, Scheduling, Time & Task Management, Gantt Charts, Risk Analysis & Mitigation Planning, Performance Management, Earned Value Analysis, Resource Allocation, and Cost and Budget Analysis

Languages:

English (fluent), Hindi (fluent), Punjabi (native), and Arabic (intermediate)

Activities:

Volunteer for Sikh Temple

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