Manager Project

Carol Sekinger

***** ***** ***** *** *******, TX 78247

Email: *************@*****.***

Telephone: 210-***-****

Objective/Summary

After more than a decade in the educational assessment industry, my objectives are to join a team of professionals that are focused on the strategy and visions of company executives and to support the growth of the business as a highly-qualified Program/Project Manager or a part of the Business Development team.

Professional Experience

Pearson (formerly Harcourt Assessment) – 19500 Bulverde Rd., San Antonio, TX 78239

Senior Program Manager (February 2009 – April 2017)

Coordinated and monitored the scheduling, pricing, and technical performance of several state-wide company contracts/programs. Responsibilities included negotiation of contract renewal, contractual modifications, and supporting proposals, plans, specifications, and financial conditions of contracts. Developed new business and expands education materials and services. Ensured adherence to master plans and schedules, developed solutions to program problems, directed work of internal staff assigned to program from various departments and subcontractors (production, couriers, etc.). Ensured projects were completed on time and within budget. Supervised program team regarding projects, tasks, and operations. Supported company standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the industry. Maintain extensive knowledge, experience, and judgment to plan and accomplish goals; and performed a variety of complex tasks.

Responsible for the implementation of PearsonAccess, proprietary software for customer, districts and schools the ability to upload student information, and set testing schedules for student to be tested online. This software was also utilized for state, district, school and student reporting.

Worked closely with the technology for the successful launch of the Colorado Mastery of Academics Standards (CMAS) Science and Social Studies test. Responsible for ensuring all items performed accurately across many different devices and broswers.

Responsible for development of program budgets and integration of program costs into the organization-level budget and financial forecast.

Provided leadership to and facilitated the work of enterprise-wide cross-functional program teams by clarifying program objectives and defining tactics necessary to accomplish these objectives.

Managed a team of 6 professionals within the context of the enterprise-level program: 1 program manager, 4 project managers and 1 project coordinator.

Established program work breakdown structure and created project plans so that appropriate authorization and funding was received.

Tracked program activity and expenditures against plans; communicated effectively through multiple channels to sponsors and key stakeholders; managed external delivery partners where required.

Continuously assessed program risk factors and recommended courses of action to mitigate risk.

Provided program management leadership to support the work of the Proposal Development team for the timely delivery of proposal content

Program Manager (February 2007 – February 2009)

Responsible for program leadership, decision making and management of contract requirements utilizing a skilled team in an environment that required flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness; applied advanced technical, analytical, interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills to manage complex projects in a diverse and dynamic environment; managed all activities related to project planning, initiation, implementation, monitoring and closing.

Key responsibilities on contract performance include adherence to company and industries processes, regulations, and statutes, managing the people leadership of the organization to include direction of work assignments and staffing of positions with qualified personnel, interfacing with client’s leadership, and achievement of key financial measures.

Utilized Project Management Institute (PMI) best practices to manage the planning and execution of multi-year, high-stakes state assessment programs

Proven track record of providing contract deliverables on time and within budget meeting all quality criteria

Successfully managed trustworthy and highly productive relationships with clients

Facilitated and coordinated cross-functional team activity from every functional area

Accountable for annual budgeting and monthly program financial reviews analyzing expenses, estimates-to-complete and managing/maintenance margin

Provided weekly, monthly, quarterly reports to clients for various areas of the program

Key contributor in the successful renewal of a 3-year contract, the proposal for this contract overlapped the acquisition of Harcourt by Pearson.

Point of contact for the client for contractual or administrative questions or difficulties that arise related to the contract and for the customer through which communications, work assignments, and technical direction flow between the company and the customer

Provided overall program management support to ensure contract and client objectives are met in a timely and efficient manner.

Provided effective project management, direction, administration, quality assurance and provide team leadership and guidance to overall vision.

Supervised execution of multiple highly visible technical projects.

Planned, directed, and controlled the overall management and operational functions specified within the contract.

Provided the contract management and administrative oversight to achieve the quantitative and qualitative requirements of the contract.

Established and maintained effective customer relationships with the goal of maintaining a mutually beneficial business relationship.

Responsible for the development, maintenance, and implementation of management, technical and program plans

Interfaced frequently with customers and internal staff and maintained responsibility for organizing and conducting program status reviews, team meetings, etc.

Assisted in other business development, capture, and program management activities and supported the company vision for the growth of the overall business.

Directed all phases of programs from inception through completion.

Established milestones and monitors adherence to master plans and schedules identifies program problems and obtains solutions, such as allocation of resources or changing contractual specifications.

Manufacturing Manager (December 1998 – February 2007)

Supervised multiple staff members in the manufacturing department, working on several state-wide programs

Monitored contract budgeted dollars against actual spend

Responsible for the implementation of enterprise software (PeopleSoft) that encompassed modules related to inventory management, purchasing, accounts payable, and financial reporting.

Ensured manufacturing/production subcontractors followed the stringent quality guidelines to ensure quality products were manufactured for our downstream customers

Manage and evaluate machine resources to ensure productivity and minimal downtime

Strive to reduce expenses and increase productivity across all product lines

Set ambitious production goals and communicate them to key personnel

Provide motivation, support and guidance to all employees

Communicate any problems or obstacles to senior management

Establish workflow policies that enhance speed and efficiency without compromising product safety or integrity

Create schedules for employees to ensure optimum staffing levels

Accounting Associate (August 1994 – December 1998)

Manage day-to-day accounting operations and maintain the backup process through every critical operation

Maintain new and existing internal accounting corporate policies

Monitor emerging technology (PeopleSoft)

Develop monthly and quarterly accounting reports for the management and executive teams

Implement and monitor the month, quarter and year-end closeout accounting schedules

Processed and entered invoices; a team member to implement the financial software, PeopleSoft

Involved in the Inventory Planning Department, assisting and eventually becoming responsible for the item master of the inventory system.

Education/Certifications/Workshops:

Time Management, Managing change, PeopleSoft, Data Security, Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Project Management Study Group,

Advanced Skills:

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); SharePoint, Peoplesoft, Social Media,

References

Randy Schuessler, Pearson, Vice President of Information Technology

*****.**********@*******.***

James Hill, Harcourt, Vice President State Services

*************@*****.***

Joyce Zurkowski, Colorado Department of Education, Executive Director of Assessment

*****@***.***

Bruce Smith, NWEA, Regional Manager – West

*****.*****@****.***

Contact this candidate