Project Manager Strategic Initiatives Transformational Delivery

Project Manager III – Strategic Initiatives & Transformational Delivery Location: Mettawa, IL Contract Length: Initial 6-month contract Schedule: Hybrid- (Tues-Thurs On-site, M&F Remote) Travel: None required $83-$88/HR based on benefit selections Orion Group is seeking an experienced Project Manager III – Strategic Initiatives & Transformational Delivery to support a global Customer Excellence organization. This position is ideal for a highly strategic and consultative project leader who can operate at the intersection of strategy, transformation, project delivery, and communications . The Project Manager will partner closely with functional leadership and cross-functional teams to shape and execute high-priority innovation and transformation initiatives that drive meaningful business impact. This is more than a traditional project management role. The successful candidate will actively contribute to strategy and execution by challenging ideas constructively, solving problems in real time, influencing stakeholders, and translating complex business priorities into clear execution plans and measurable outcomes. The role will also serve as a communications champion , helping develop executive-ready messaging, change communications, and compelling narratives that build alignment, demonstrate business value, and support adoption of major initiatives. Key Responsibilities Partner with functional leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to identify business opportunities, shape initiative direction, and support strategic decision-making. Lead high-priority projects from concept through implementation, ensuring alignment with business strategy, scope, dependencies, risks, milestones, and desired outcomes. Serve as a trusted advisor and hands-on strategic partner to project teams, contributing directly to problem-solving, issue resolution, and program delivery. Translate complex business priorities into structured execution plans, leadership presentations, stakeholder materials, and actionable business updates. Build strong relationships across all levels of the organization, including senior leadership, functional partners, and project teams. Apply consulting-style thinking, sound business judgment, and constructive challenge to help teams identify and implement effective solutions. Evaluate strategic risks and dependencies, recommend appropriate actions, and create structure in ambiguous or evolving situations. Develop and maintain program plans, milestone tracking, dashboards, and communication plans to promote transparency and delivery discipline. Create and support change-management communications, executive messaging, and business updates that clearly communicate business value and encourage adoption. Connect innovation, technology adoption, and business-process optimization initiatives to broader organizational priorities. Promote operational excellence, knowledge sharing, and best practices across global and cross-functional teams. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Technology, or a related discipline . 5+ years of experience leading or supporting large, complex, cross-functional and/or global initiatives within transformation, consulting, business operations, program/project management, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to operate as a strategic business partner , influence decisions, contribute to strategy development, and build alignment across stakeholders. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Experience developing executive-ready presentations, business updates, stakeholder communications, and/or change-management messaging . Proven ability to engage and influence stakeholders across multiple organizational levels, including senior leadership. Ability to translate complex ideas and business priorities into clear, actionable, value-driven messaging and execution plans . Strong analytical, problem-solving, and business judgment skills. Demonstrated ability to work through ambiguity, create structure with limited direction, and maintain momentum across complex initiatives. High emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and a collaborative approach suited to a global, matrixed organization. Ability to quickly establish credibility and trusted relationships with internal business partners and cross-functional teams. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting strategic communications, change communications, stakeholder engagement, or executive messaging for major initiatives within a commercial environment. Experience with business-process optimization, innovation delivery, or enterprise transformation programs . PMP, Six Sigma, or another relevant project management/process-improvement certification. Ideal Candidate Profile The strongest candidate will not simply be a project tracker . This team is looking for someone who can think strategically, communicate exceptionally well, influence senior stakeholders, and actively help solve business problems while