Project Manager

PROJECT MANAGER — Job Description 

Open Dealer Exchange (ODE), is looking for a reliable Project Manager to join the team at our headquarters in Southfield, MI. As a Project Manager, you will work in a matrix role across divisions within the company to help execute ODE's key initiatives, partnering with product leaders, Development Teams, and business partners across the company through the full project lifecycle, from initial concept through development, rollout, and go to market. The ideal candidate will have strong project management experience, whether traditional, Agile, or a mix of both, who is highly adaptable and comfortable flexing methodologies to fit what a project needs. This role suits someone who thrives on change and brings structure without forcing a single rigid process onto every team. Open Dealer Exchange is a dynamic, exciting place to work and offers an excellent compensation/benefit package.

Responsibilities

• Define project goals and success criteria: Clarify project scope, deliverables, milestones, and success criteria, then develop and implement metrics to track progress and ensure alignment with project objectives. 
• Establish clear deliverables: Set iterative deliverables and assign ownership to ensure consistent progress, regularly measuring progress against milestones and adjusting plans as needed. 
• Provide timely updates: Keep project owners and leadership informed to facilitate accurate prioritization and resource allocation across initiatives. 
• Manage cross-project impact: Assess and manage the impact of the project on other projects, clients, and partners to ensure seamless integration and minimal disruption. 
• Apply the right methodology: Promote and support the Agile mindset within the organization, applying Agile practices where they fit and more traditional or waterfall approaches where those serve the project better, adapting method to context rather than one size fits all. 
• Maintain strategic alignment: Ensure team members and leaders understand how the project aligns with the strategic vision, and address and rectify any misalignment. 
• Own initiatives through transition: Act as project owner for specific initiatives until they are fully operational and ready for transition to permanent management. 
• Support strategic planning: Contribute to strategic planning and review processes, helping execute action plans, implement customer service standards, resolve issues, identify trends, and drive system improvements. 
• Elevate the department's reputation: Accept new challenges, seek opportunities to add value, and deliver exceptional results. 
• Lead cross-functional teams: Lead and coordinate a diverse team of professionals (e.g., Architects, Developers, Business Analysts, Quality Analysts) in a matrix environment throughout an iterative development lifecycle. 
• Manage resources: Identify and manage both internal and external resources required for project success, including financial and human resources. 
• Partner with the business: Bring a partnership mindset to every engagement, working with business partners as collaborators, not just requesters.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Computer Science preferred 
• 5+ years of project management experience, spanning traditional and/or Agile methodologies 
• Knowledge of PMI best practices and the ability to implement them in real world situations 
• Excellent client relationship management skills 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively anticipate and mitigate risks with internal and external customers 
• Excellent understanding of enterprise business technology tools and implementation experience 
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service 
• Ability to effectively manage several projects at the same time 
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills

Desired Skills 

• Comfort working in a hybrid delivery environment, able to flex between structured, milestone based planning and iterative, Agile execution depending on the project 
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and leading conversations to keep projects moving forward 
• Excellent teamwork skills 
• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities, scope changes, or new information without losing momentum 
• Experience in the Auto Finance industry is a plus