Project Manager Over a Decade of Expertise

Darryl Howard

Amsterdam, NL

+** * ******** *************@*****.***

LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/dahoward

Project Manager Over a Decade of Expertise

Results-driven Project Manager with a proven track record of delivering complex IT and business projects across diverse industries. Expertise in end-to-end project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and driving strategic objectives through innovative solutions. Skilled at managing global teams, streamlining processes and achieving measurable business outcomes.

**Key Skills**

Project & Program Management: PRINCE2 methodology, Agile frameworks, Portfolio Management, Multitasking abilities, Excellent communication, Flexible and Adaptable.

Technical Expertise: Software Implementation, IT Procurement, VMware, VDI, Cisco WAN Manager, ServiceNow.

Leadership & Strategy: Stakeholder Engagement, Team Reorganization, Vendor Management, Process Improvement,

Problem-solving, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Decision making.

Digital Tools: MS Office, MS Teams, Splunk Dashboard, SharePoint, Remedy Ticketing.

Interpersonal: Effective Communication, Cultural Adaptability, Mentor-ship, Self-motivated Teamwork and collaboration

**Selected Achievements**

-Program Management Excellence: Successfully liaised between IT leadership and development teams, streamlining processes that enhanced efficiency across EMEA Integrated Market Teams.

-Team Optimization: Delivered a VP-endorsed reorganization project model now adopted across EMEA regions.

-Recognition: Earned 7 "CongratYOUlations" Awards for Top Performer and outstanding resolution of technical challenges and client support.

-Cultural Leadership: Directed diverse teams, including IBM Netherlands and India-based staff, fostering collaboration across cultures.

**Professional Experience**

Project Consultant - GTC International (Remote)**

2022 – Present

- Delivering ad-hoc IT engineering projects, including equipment setup and break-fix tasks.

- Providing strategic consultancy to optimize technology integrations for clients.

Program Manager - Microsoft (Schiphol, NL)

2020 – 2022

- Directed multiple projects end-to-end, ensuring seamless delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.

- Guided cross-team and third-party partnerships, mentoring other team members and sharing

knowledge and experience.

- Active point of contact for all employees and subject matter expert in support of all IT procurement and fulfillment that falls outside of Microsoft standard IT Procurement policies; ensuring delivery partners contributed quality work within deadlines.

- Managed IT procurement, vendor partnerships, and cross-functional team collaboration.

- Spearheaded on-boarding programs and developed processes for asset and equipment management.

-Lost or Stolen Asset/Equipment Process: Developing and overseeing processes for managing lost or stolen assets/equipment.

- Ensured data accuracy across SharePoint and IT asset databases.

Project IT Specialist - FedEx Trade Networks (Hoofddorp, NL)

2018 – 2020

- Orchestrated successful kick-off meetings for new office setups and re-locations, emphasizing the safe handling of valuable IT hardware.

- Planned and executed system integration for office setups and relocations.

- Strategic Release Planning and coordination, cultivating strong relationships across multiple regions.

- Streamlined the purchase procedure through the Dell.com portal, ensuring efficient coordination.

- Optimized vendor management and streamlined procurement procedures.

- Proactively mitigated project risks and delivered critical infrastructure upgrades.

Technical Coordinator - Nike (Amsterdam, NL)

2016 – 2017

- Directed team technical activities, including remote POS (Point of Sale) access, Athlete (cashier) support, and integrated credit card terminal troubleshooting, monitoring technical performance and resolving incidents.

- Managed POS systems, network connectivity, and IT troubleshooting across EMEA retail stores.

- Executed the PAR (Purpose/Action/Results) methodology to resolve technical issues at Nike Retail Stores across EMEA.

- Trained retail staff and field engineers on technical solutions and performance optimization.

- Successfully resolved hardware and software issues related to POS, Payment Terminals, Assist devices, PC's, internet connectivity, IPTV, VOIP, and printers.

- Leveraged ServiceNow to track incidents and escalations effectively.

Freelance Project Manager/Consultant - Remote Assignments

2009 – 2016

- Backup Media Management: Oversaw inventory and media coordination for Reckitt Benckiser. Coordinated media availability validation and backup job requirements with the IOS offshore team. Carried out inventory checks and organized tapes into appropriate media sets for backup.

- Software Implementation: Installed and trained professionals on software healthcare platform CHP (Care Healthcare Platform) optimizing workflows for psychiatrists. Directed and monitored the Care Healthcare Platform (CHP) software to support the Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM) project. Trained psychiatrists on structuring their practices/offices using the Psychcare online program. Led the optimization of data communication, work processes, and general solutions.

Implementation Manager - IBM Global Delivery On-Site (Amsterdam, NL)

2007 – 2009

- Led the GDOS project at IBM Global Business Services, a project focused on workforce optimization and relocation.

- Oversaw and guided GDOS Implementations, directed project team, internal employees and external suppliers. Developed end-to-end implementation and delivery plans, project schedules, and coordinated cross-functional team efforts.

- Developed detailed implementation plans, including RACI matrices for clear role definitions.

- Facilitated and guided global resource teams working with client companies on business management, process re-engineering, and performance improvement.

- Coordinated cross-functional global teams to drive process improvements and client satisfaction.

- Travelled to client sites to ensure customer satisfaction and the successful implementation of solutions.

- Primary driver of communication and priority alignment within the GDOS project, ensuring consistency across the organization.

Network Operator - Telenor Communications Services (Hoofddorp, NL)

2005 – 2006

- Developed knowledge in Satellite transmission & Supply Chain Management of defected equipment.

- Coordinated incidents and issues between all business units from technical support to management level.

- Project managed field engineer activities related to operational goals and application support.

- Managed technical escalations and regular supply of service parts RMA [Return Merchandise Authorization] replacement of defected equipment to support the repair of Telenor services within EMEA region.

Various Technical Roles - MCI Worldcom BV (Amsterdam, NL)

- IP-VPN Project Engineer

- Network Technician

- Technical Solutions Analyst - Team Leader

- Order Management

1998 – 2004

- Advanced from Order Management to Technical Solutions Analyst to Team Leader to Network Technician to Project Engineer, contributing to IP-VPN project delivery and circuit optimization, through drive, initiative and development.

- Analyzed circuit configuration & layout, troubleshooting outages on truck & SDH level and OSS operations using CISCO WAN Manager.

- Change Management - Implemented ideas for improving, motivating and organizing work processes.

- Mediator / Coach / Consultant / Advisor between Network Team & Sales Team.

**Education**

- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration

San Francisco State University, California, USA

- Dutch Language Course

Amsterdam Volksuniversiteit, Amsterdam, NL

**Languages**

- English: Native (US)

- Dutch: Proficient

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