Steven Ashley, Doctoral Candidate Senior PMO/Project Manager

ady9lj@r.postjobfree.com · https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-ashley-83a4425 561-***-**** · U.S. Citizen

I am an experienced SR Project Manager and Test Manager with extensive experience in solution delivery and strong business acumen with the ability to bridge the gap between business and technology. Highly skilled in overseeing all facets of multiple waterfall and agile projects while ensuring adherence to overarching business strategies, policies, procedures, system validation, testing, audit, IT Governance, ITIL, and best practices. I evaluate existing operations to identify inefficiencies and redundancies, implementing process improvements and systems upgrades for optimized workflow and cutting-edge solutions. I have a proven track record of providing effective team leadership and fostering a culture of cross-functional collaboration by establishing clear communication channels.

Areas of Expertise include:

Project Management

Acquisition System Integration

Needs Assessment

Cloud Application

Application Design & Development

Data Migration

Strategic Planning & Analysis

Change Management

Process Improvement

Schedule Coordination

Risk Mitigation

Regulatory Compliance

ALM QCE Testing

Budgeting & Cost Estimation

IT Governance

Vendor Management/Negotiation

Quality Assurance

ITIL Framework

Technical Proficiencies:

SDLC/Agile Methodology

SAP Activate S/4Hana

SharePoint

eCommerce

SalesForce

MDM

AWS

SAP Sales & Distribution

Electronic Data Interchange

Microsoft & IBM

SAP ERP Upgrade/Implementation

SAP Integration to MM, FI, PP

SAP HR/HCM

Lotus Notes

ALM \ QCE

JIRA

Software Solution Evaluation

Business Development

Vistex

Professional Experience

SENIOR PMO/PROJECT MANAGER CONSULTANT - June 2018 – Current

In my professional roles, I have successfully produced positive results and have a consistent history of advancing shared company goals. Administer all project lifecycles to ensure adherence to overarching strategies and effectively achieve business objectives by implementing system solutions and improvements. Identify inefficiencies or redundancies for continuous process improvement and business growth. I have spearheaded cross-functional teams through testing governance and daily operations, ensuring proper scheduling and resource allocation for optimized project delivery.

Key Accomplishments:

Developed PMBOK project management training and trained Project Managers and Agile Scrum Masters

Developed SAP Activate S/4Hana training and trained technical and business teams on transformation.

Capella University - Doctorate DBA\Information Technology Management - Presidents List 4.0 GPA

Capella University Doctoral Capstone Project (Apr 2023 – Jun 2023)

Doctoral Capstone Research Study, “The Effectiveness of Adaptive Agile on Technology Implementation.”

American Water – Camden, NJ. (Mar 2022 – Mar 2023)

As a Senior Project Manager Consultant, I drafted and reviewed technology implementation provider contracts and SOWs for the S/4HANA ERP implementation project. I managed project contract activities for seven technology partners for a total project cost of $14M. I successfully migrated legal entities from AX Dynamics to SAP ECC and managed an archived assessment for the data center migration. I was instrumental in educating the business and IT teams on SAP Activate methodologies.

Applexus Technologies – Federal Way, WA. (Oct 2021 – Mar 2022)

As a Senior Project Manager Consultant, I guided the project team through a S/4HANA implementation. I successfully transformed the project from a hybrid waterfall\agile project to the structured SAP Activate methodology. The transformation effort included a detailed MS project plan, testing plan, restructured JIRA and Fiori development efforts, test scenario development plan, business process, and user story reviews, scheduled development reviews, and business-IT alignment.

Hikma Pharmaceutical – Eatontown, NJ. (Jan 2020 – Sep 2021)

In this role, I was responsible as both Project Manager and SAP Test Manager. As Project Manager, I successfully implemented three projects: IQVIA Suspicious Order Monitoring, Serialized Return Orders, and SAP Planned Allocations. I completed each project on time, on budget, and in scope. I was responsible for creating and organizing project plans, creating test plans, administering testing, end-to-end planning (requirement gathering, project timeline planning, defining project activities, managing timelines), cutover planning, and scope management. I provided weekly and daily status reports to senior management teams. I provided constant communication via daily standups with senior management teams and senior development teams to Identify roadblocks and spearhead issues with the appropriate team leaders. As Test Manager, I was responsible for developing IT Governance for ALM/QCE testing. The primary goal of the endeavor was to design and implement the process for testing in a regulated environment.

Kohler Co. – Kohler, WI. IT Project and Portfolio Management (Oct 2018 – Nov 2019).

As a Sr. Project Manager, I was responsible for the end-to-end project management responsibilities, from requirements gathering, planning, execution, and delivery. Several of the projects were in flight when I took them over. I restructured the projects and met the original timeline. Each project, although unique, required attention to detail and communication with the business owner. At any given time, I would have four to five projects running at various stages in the life cycle. In addition, I was responsible for implementing two Salesforce projects. The agile implementation was completed in 3 four-week sprints.

Projects at Kohler:

Global Employee Self Services Implementation

ANE Compensation Implementation

HR Data Analytics Assessment

Glint Survey Implementation

HireVue Implementation

SAP Leasing Implementation – S/4Hana

MuleSoft Integration

Web Portal Implementation

MDM Customer Master – S/4Hana

SF Cloud Implementation

SF Communities Implementation

eCommerce Platform Assessment

SAP Intercompany Planning Assessment

EMMA\US Website Migration

VISTEX – HOFFMAN ESTATES · Illinois · May 2012 – June 2018

Senior Manager, Solutions Delivery/Project Manager

Implement on-site Vistex solutions and oversee EMEA project management activities, as needed. Collaborate with partners to outline business objectives and appropriate resource allocation needs. Manage documentation of business process, goals, requirements, and project planning activities to ensure seamless and efficient workflow. I was responsible for monitoring daily operations and project milestones, adhering to budgetary guidelines, project scope, and strict timelines; responsible for on-site and offshore resources. Collaborate with key stakeholders and business partners to ensure minimal gaps between project scope, requirements, and deliverables. Provide regular status reporting to executive teams.

Key Accomplishments:

Implemented project management best practices to improve customer service and generate $10M in revenue between 2012 and 2018.

North America Projects:

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group – Plano, TX: Customer Rebates

oSAP ERP: An integrated SAP solution utilizing SAP SD, FI for implementation in the U.S; utilized Agile methodology; oversaw two on-site functional consultants and one offshore technical resource.

Apotex Pharmaceutical – Weston, FL: Chargebacks, Contracts, Customer Rebates and Bid Management, Government Pricing, decommission ModelN

oSAP ERP: An integrated SAP Solution utilizing SAP SD, MM, FI for implementation in the US; utilized Waterfall methodology; oversaw nine on-site functional consultants and eight offshore technical resources.

oReview Model N data structure in order to export contract data and price profiles

Merck KGaA – Boston, MA: Royalties and Out Licensing SAP ERP Implementation

oSAP ERP: An integrated SAP Solution utilizing SAP SD, MM, FI for implementation in the US; utilized Waterfall methodology; oversaw 3 on-site functional consultants and two offshore technical resources.

oDesign, documented and execute test strategy in HPQC

Karl Storz – El Segundo, CA: Contract Rebates and Pricing

oSAP ERP: An Integrated SAP solution utilizing SAP SD, MM, FI for implementation in the US; utilized Waterfall methodology; oversaw four on-site functional consultants and three offshore technical resources.

GE Healthcare – Marlborough, MA: Contracts, Chargebacks, Rebates

oSAP ERP: An integrated SAP solution utilizing SAP SD, MM, for implementation in the US; utilized Waterfall methodology; oversaw five on-site functional consultants and three offshore technical resources.

oValidated testing using HP ALM – certified test user

EMEA Projects:

AB Inbev – Bremen, Germany: Incentives and Paybacks/Customer Rebates

oSAP ERP: An integrated SAP solution utilizing SAP SD, MM, FI for global implementation; utilized Waterfall methodology; oversaw six on-site functional consultants, and 5 offshore technical resources.

Jaguar Land Rover – Coventry, England: Incentives Administration/Dealer Rebates

oSAP ERP: SAP SD, MM for implementation in the UK and US; utilized Waterfall methodology; oversaw two on-site functional consultants.

Technicolor – Paris, France: Royalties Administration

oSAP ERP: An Integrated SAP solution utilizing SAP SD, MM, FI for implementation in France; utilized Waterfall methodology; oversaw two on-site functional consultants and one offshore technical resource.

PACTIV CORPORATION · Lake Forest, IL · Apr 2000 – May 2012

Manager, IT Order Management – SAP Project Manager, Mar 2004 – May 2012

Oversaw SAP SD applications and EDI transactions, including order management, order to cash, rebates, deductions, invoicing, pricing applications, and third-party exchanges. Spearheaded a team of 10 through simultaneous project management. Facilitated technological applications and direction for customer service, claims, and pricing divisions within the organization. Identified opportunities for improvement and cost efficiencies.

Manager, IT Acquisition Integration: November 2003 – March 2004

I was responsible for managing a successful acquisition integration project for an acquired company, Rock-Tenn Corporation. I was responsible for all project management life cycle activities also responsible for managing the day-to-day task for over fifty employees working in multiple functional areas of the company both internal and external. This was a six-month project with strict contractual obligations. The project was completed on schedule within budget and in scope. I was responsible for project management integration for the following technologies and SAP systems: Telecomm, Network Infrastructure, SAP ERP Procurement, Manufacturing, Warehouse, Finance, Order Management, Transportation, Manugistics and SAP Time & Attendance.

Manager, EPPM/HR: January 2003 – November 2003

I was responsible for managing the IT SAP HR department with responsibilities for all HR systems, including payroll. My responsibilities included in strategic planning for the future direction of the HR organization. I managed period payroll for over 5000 employees, I was responsible for implementing performance appraisal merit, bonus and stock option programs. I was responsible for the successful completion for year-end processing of W2's working with third party vendors such as Exult and ADP. I was responsible for Lotus Notes development activities in the HR organization and managed a team of four-payroll and tax analyst to deliver on various projects. Amongst many responsibilities I had with this position, I was also responsible for implementing SAP Time and Attendance to 22 plants over the course of two years with two of my four staff members. I was also responsible for managing SAP HR Upgrade activates for my department.

Manager, Employee Systems: January 2002 – December 2002

I was responsible for all SAP HR, third party payroll and employee system development / support. I was responsible for implementing Pactiv's Travel and Expense Application Management System, and managed a team of eight functional support specialists and system support analyst.

Key Accomplishments:

Provided extensive training for 10 internal project managers on Microsoft Enterprise Project and Portfolio Management; the EEPM was later rolled out to the information technology organization.

Previous positions include Project Manager SAP 4.7 Upgrade, Project Management – IT Acquisition Integration, Manager – SAP HR/HCM, Manager – Employee Systems, Manager – Information Technology Corporate Systems, and Project Lead – Senior Lotus Notes Developer for Pactiv Corporation, Contract Application Developer for Abbott Laboratories, Contract Application Developer for Bank of New York Clearing Services, Contract Application Developer for MHA Software Services, Contract Application Developer for Caterpillar Inc., and Operations Statistical Supervisor for Matrixx Marketing.

Education & Training

Doctor of Business Administration – Information Technology Management

CAPELLA UNIVERSITY Minneapolis, MN Doctoral Candidate

Master of Business Administration

LAKE FOREST GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT Lake Forest, IL 2011

Bachelor of Science in Business Management

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX Milwaukee, WI 2007

AS/400 Database Management, DB2/400 and RPG, Metro Tech Community College

Computer Technologies, Institute of Computer Science

PMBOK, Project Management

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