IT Project Manager

Who we are:
ManhattanLife Insurance and Annuity Company was founded in 1850, the Company's longevity makes it one of the oldest and most reliable health and life insurance companies in the country. Operating successfully for 175 years is a testimony to ManhattanLife's enduring history, and an indicator of the reliability of our future. ManhattanLife's headquarters are in Houston, TX and the company is continually growing with multiple office locations nation-wide. ManhattanLife offers attractive employee benefits starting day one, including immediate coverage under our health, dental and vision plans. We offer flexible schedules, including shortened hours on Fridays, free parking, company-wide events, professional development (LOMA testing) and a company-wide wellness program.

Scope and Purpose:

Join a growing and dynamic IT organization that values collaboration, innovation, and execution. As an IT Project Manager, you'll play a key role in delivering technology solutions that drive business efficiency and enhance user experience. This position offers the opportunity to work on impactful projects, partner with talented professionals across departments, and contribute to continuous improvement within our enterprise Project Management Office (PMO).

We are seeking a Mid-Level IT Project Manager to join our Information Technology organization at our Houston corporate office. Reporting to the PMO, this role is responsible for planning, executing, and delivering technology projects that align with business objectives. The IT Project Manager will lead cross-functional teams, manage timelines and budgets, and ensure successful delivery while fostering collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement across all project stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, including scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Lead project execution in alignment with PMO methodologies, ensuring adherence to established standards and best practices.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders--communicating progress, managing expectations, and addressing issues proactively.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and support.
• Lead, motivate, and support cross-functional project teams by providing clear direction, setting priorities, and fostering accountability.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks; develop contingency plans and escalate critical issues as needed.
• Manage resource allocation effectively, balancing team capacity and skill sets for optimal project performance.
• Oversee project quality standards, conduct regular quality reviews, and ensure deliverables meet established requirements.
• Facilitate transparent communication across teams and leadership through regular status reporting and project reviews.
• Manage change control processes for scope, schedule, and resource adjustments, ensuring documentation and approvals are maintained.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for process improvement within the PMO and across project teams.
• Capture and share lessons learned and best practices to promote continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Project Management, or in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• At least 5+ years of progressive project management experience with a proven record of delivering complex IT projects on time and within budget.
• Strong command of project management tools and methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid).
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent).
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong leadership abilities with the capacity to motivate, influence, and drive results across diverse teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Travel Requirements:

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Houston. Travel is not anticipated for this position.

Professional Development:

• Establish annual objectives for professional growth.
• Keep pace with developments in the discipline.
• Learn and apply technologies that support professional and personal growth.
• Participate in the evaluation process.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, type, and use mouse; reach with hands and arms and talk and/or hear. The employee is required to sit for extended periods of time. The position may require lifting, pulling or moving items weighing upwards of 10 pounds as it relates to office or desk supplies.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones via WebEx, physical phone while in office, and photocopiers when necessary.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to the job at any time without notice.

AAP/EEO Statement:

ManhattanLife prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE Employer/Vet/Disabled. ManhattanLife values differences. We are committed to fostering an environment that attracts and retains a diverse workforce. With individuals from a variety of backgrounds, ManhattanLife will be better equipped to service our customers, increase innovation, and reduce risks. We encourage the unique perspectives of individuals and are dedicated to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment.

---