AVP, Project Manager (Glendale & San Diego)

Job DescriptionJob Description

General Summary

The Project Manager plays a critical role in the successful execution of technology and business initiatives across the credit union. This position partners with cross-functional teams and vendors to plan, implement, and oversee projects that improve member experience, streamline operations, and support strategic goals. The Project Manager ensures projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget, while fostering strong relationships across departments.

Principal Accountabilities (90%)

• Lead the planning and execution of technology and operational projects from initiation through closure.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource needs in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Gather and document business and technical requirements to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, risks, and milestones using standard project management tools.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, leadership, and external vendors throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead vendor evaluations and contract negotiations; ensure solutions align with functional and compliance requirements.
• Prepare and present project updates, performance metrics, risk assessments, and financial status to steering committees and leadership.
• Monitor project progress and performance; create reports, escalate issues when necessary.
• Facilitate key project meetings including kickoffs, status updates, and post-implementation reviews.
• Design and support change management and training strategies to ensure successful solution adoption.
• Define expected outcomes and success metrics; monitor performance against KPIs and assess post-implementation results.
• Collaborate on the creation of BRDs, use cases, and workflow documentation; manage UAT and ensure data accuracy.
• Document project artifacts, decisions, processes, and lessons learned for future reference.
• Partner with department leaders to keep continuity plans up to date and aligned with enterprise risk strategies.

Secondary Accountabilities (10%)

• Participate in strategic planning sessions and operational reviews.
• Contribute to process improvement efforts and IT governance initiatives.
• Support testing, integration, and implementation of internal systems and applications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with regulatory guidelines and internal policies.

Position Requirement and Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and deliver complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms.

Knowledge, Education, Certifications, Licenses:

• PMP certification or equivalent .
• Experience with Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), including participation in Program Increment (PI) Planning and Agile Release Train coordination, is
• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience, ideally in a financial or technology environment.

Experience:

Minimum of years 5 of work experience in a related environment, preferably in a financial institution.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Work is performed in a general office environment. This position does not require significant physical efforts. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Refer to the Safety & Health Policy found in California Credit Union’s Employee Handbook & Resource Guide.