Project Manager

Company Description:

Aspida is a tech-driven, nimble insurance carrier. Backed by Ares Management Corporation, a leading global alternative asset manager, we offer simple and secure retirement solutions and annuity products with speed and precision. More than that, we’re in the business of protecting dreams; those of our partners, our producers, and especially our clients. Our suite of products, available through our elegant and intuitive digital platform, focuses on secure, stable retirement solutions with attractive features and downside protection. A subsidiary of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) acts as the dedicated investment manager, capital solutions and corporate development partner to Aspida.  For more information, please visit www.aspida.com or follow them on LinkedIn. 

Who We Are:

Sometimes, a group of people come together and create something amazing. They don’t let egos get in the way. They don’t settle for the status quo, and they don’t complain when things get tough. Instead, they see a common vision for the future and each person makes an unspoken commitment to building that future together. That’s the culture, the moxie, and the story of Aspida.
Our business focuses on annuities and life insurance. At first, it might not sound flashy, but that’s why we’re doing things differently than everyone else in our industry. We’re dedicated to developing data-driven tech solutions, providing amazing customer experiences, and applying an entrepreneurial spirit to everything we do. Our work ethic is built on three main tenets: Get $#!+ Done, Do It with Moxie, and Have Fun. If this sounds like the place for you, read on, and then apply at aspida.com/careers.

What We Are Looking For:

This position will be responsible for leading projects at Aspida, acting as an overall point of accountability and ensuring business outcomes that support our strategic goals.  The role includes all aspects of project leadership—including understanding objectives & requirements, breaking down the work into realistic plans, coordinating with teams & stakeholders, and driving progress to successful completion.  This role requires strong business acumen combined with the ability to lead diverse cross-functional team members, including IT, software development, external vendors, finance, legal/compliance/regulatory, and insurance product specialists.   

In addition to leading projects, we are looking for someone who can act as an example of project excellence for other project leaders within the organization (most of whom are not professional project managers), acting as a mentor & coach within the extended PMO team. This role reports to the Director, PMO and is required to be onsite 3 days a week at our Durham, NC office. 

What You Will Do:

• Coordinate project activities across the organization to ensure successful business outcomes. 
• Responsible for all aspects of the end-to-end project lifecycle: planning, definition, design, execution, and delivery. 
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define project objectives, scope, budget, and key deliverables. 
• Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, and resource requirements. 
• Lead and motivate cross-functional project teams to achieve project goals, providing direction, guidance, and support to team members. 
• Monitor and manage project budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and delivery of value. 
• Address resource constraints proactively, collaborating with functional managers and the PMO.  
• Anticipate, mitigate, and monitor risks & issues proactively throughout the project. 
• Track progress and facilitate regular project status meetings. 
• Be a focal point for communications for your project – ensuring team members and stakeholders understand expectations, status, and key issues/risks. 
• Share project status updates in monthly executive meetings (and as needed). 
• Assist with the selection, negotiation, and managing of all activities regarding external consultants or vendors. 
• Conduct regular reviews to ensure project deliverables meet quality standards. 
• Maintain a high standard within the organization for comprehensive project documentation, including meeting minutes, action items, and project artifacts. 
• Effectively manage changes in project scope, schedule, and costs; assess and communicate the impact of changes on project objectives. 

What We Provide: 

• Salaried, DOE
• Long-Term Incentive Plan
• Full-Time
• Full Benefits Package Available

What We Believe:

At Aspida Financial Services, LLC, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As such, Aspida does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items. 

 What We Require:

• 2+ years experience leading projects. 
• Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and deal with ambiguity, while maintaining a high standard of accountability and quality of work. 
• Ability to manage diverse cross-functional projects including technical and non-technical team members. 
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills. 
• Project management certification (e.g. PMP, CAPM, or similar) or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. business, finance, technology) or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint software. 
• Tech-savvy, ability to quickly pick up SaaS-based project management software or PPM. 
• Knowledge of agile project management and the software development lifecycle.