Senior Project Manager with Financial Experience

Title:
 Senior Project Manager

Location:
 Austin, TX

Work Arrangement:
 Hybrid (Onsite Monday–Thursday, Remote on Fridays)

Duration:
 6 Months (Contract / Contingent Worker)

Seeking a Project Manager with a strong background in banking or financial services, experienced in managing projects using Rally and the SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) methodology. The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of project delivery within enterprise environments and possess strong stakeholder management and communication skills. Please note — this role specifically requires a Project Manager, not a Program Manager or Scrum Master.

Position Description

The 
Senior Project Manager
 is responsible for leading enterprise-wide, cross-functional strategic initiatives across Schwab's Advisor Services (AS) portfolio. This individual will oversee large, complex technology projects that support the firm's custodial and trading services for Registered Independent Advisors (RIAs), while enabling Schwab's broader business goals through innovative, scalable technology solutions.

This role will drive programs that include new product and service launches, large-scale application development, systems integration, operational efficiency improvements, and infrastructure modernization. As Schwab transitions to a scaled agile delivery model, the ideal candidate will bring a blend of traditional project management expertise and practical experience managing projects in 
Agile and SAFe
 environments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple large-scale, cross-functional, and complex enterprise technology initiatives.
• Oversee project planning, execution, tracking, and reporting, ensuring alignment with Schwab's strategic goals and delivery timelines.
• Collaborate with business, technology, and operational teams to drive outcomes in highly matrixed environments.
• Manage project budgets exceeding $3M, including forecasting, financial tracking, and resource allocation.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level updates, status reports, and presentations for officer-level audiences.
• Identify and mitigate project risks, issues, and dependencies while ensuring quality and compliance with enterprise standards.
• Champion Agile/SAFe methodologies and guide teams through scaled agile delivery processes.
• Motivate and mobilize cross-functional teams, drive accountability, and ensure clarity across all project workstreams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) or equivalent professional experience.
• 8+ years of progressive experience managing large, complex, and cross-functional projects within technology or systems environments.
• 8+ years of experience using project management tools such as 
  MS Project, Jira, Confluence, SharePoint
  , and related reporting artifacts.
• Proven experience managing project portfolios exceeding 
  $3M
   in scope.
• Minimum 5 years of experience presenting to and collaborating with 
  executive or officer-level audiences
  .
• Demonstrated ability to 
  motivate teams
  , resolve conflicts, and communicate challenging messages with professionalism.
• Strong working knowledge of 
  software development methodologies
   (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall).
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to navigate complex, matrixed organizations.
• Proven record of delivering complex technology projects with limited direction or incomplete information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep understanding of 
  Agile, Scrum, and SAFe
   frameworks.
• Experience in 
  financial services
  , ideally within 
  Advisor Services
  .
• PMP
   or 
  PMI-ACP
   certification.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with keen attention to detail.
• Experience partnering with 
  Release Train Engineers (RTEs)
   or Agile delivery leaders.

Thanks ,

Seema Kousar