Project Manager - Operations

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager - Operations to support a senior leadership team in New York by organizing complex initiatives, improving execution, and maintaining clear visibility across priorities. This position works closely with executive stakeholders to coordinate cross-functional efforts, strengthen project discipline, and ensure important operational and capital initiatives remain on schedule. This is a contract opportunity with the potential to become permanent for an individual who is comfortable navigating ambiguity, building practical systems, and driving follow-through in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Direct and oversee a portfolio of operational projects, ensuring timelines, scope, ownership, and deliverables are clearly defined and consistently monitored.
• Establish and maintain effective project tracking tools using Microsoft Planner, Power Platform, and Microsoft 365 applications to improve transparency and execution.
• Act as the central intake point for new initiatives by assessing priorities, clarifying next steps, and assigning responsibility across teams.
• Coordinate oversight activities for a major capital construction effort, working with external partners and internal stakeholders to track milestones, budgets, and reporting needs.
• Identify project risks, resolve bottlenecks, and elevate critical issues to leadership in a timely and concise manner.
• Train team members and cross-functional partners on project management standards and the practical use of Microsoft-based planning tools.
• Develop repeatable project management processes that create consistency, improve accountability, and support long-term scalability.
• Partner with procurement leadership to help advance purchasing-related initiatives while aligning with internal compliance expectations and target deadlines.
• Strengthen operational effectiveness by identifying gaps in execution and implementing practical solutions that improve coordination and communication.
• At least 3 years of project management experience overseeing complex initiatives across multiple teams or departments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional operational workstreams in a large, matrixed, or distributed organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Planner, Microsoft 365, and Power Platform tools in a project-driven environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing demands and keep multiple initiatives moving forward simultaneously.
• Experience communicating project status, risks, and action items clearly to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Background in higher education, public sector, or another complex institutional setting is preferred.
• Experience supporting capital construction, facilities, procurement, or large-scale operational projects is a plus.
• Knowledge of operations management, purchasing processes, logistics coordination, and cross-functional project delivery is beneficial.