Title:  Senior Project Manager

JOB SUMMARY

Experienced IT Project Manager responsible for leading the most complex projects the PMO manages within our regulated industry contributing to the success of Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI). This pivotal role will foster a culture of excellence and collaboration by ensuring the seamless integration and support of technology solutions while adhering to regulatory requirements and company standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of project management expertise, leadership skills, technical acumen, and regulatory knowledge, particularly within the racing and gaming sectors. Additionally, this candidate will serve as a coach within the PMO and the broader organization, evangelizing CDI PMO processes and best practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all aspects of highly complex projects with significant stakeholder visibility and engagement, ensuring adherence to CDI PMO standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices.
• Coach project managers and other CDI team members by offering guidance and advice on project management processes and best practices.
• Champion and serve as a role model for continuous improvement initiatives within the CDI IT PMO, enhancing processes, tools, and templates to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
• Spearhead the development and execution of comprehensive project plans that effectively navigate fixed deadlines and ambiguous scope.
• Leverage strong influencing and negotiating skills to effectively collaborate and secure resources in a matrixed environment where direct control may be limited.
• Demonstrate strong stakeholder management skills by effectively escalating issues and providing constructive feedback to leadership, ensuring alignment with project goals while confidently advocating for team needs and priorities.
• Exemplify strong conflict resolution skills by effectively mediating disputes and fostering a collaborative environment, promoting open communication and constructive feedback among team members.
• Proactively manage project risks and issues, implementing robust mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Oversee project progress and provide regular updates to stakeholders, including C-suite executives, highlighting key milestones and any deviations from the project plan.
• Ensure timely delivery of services and adherence to contractual obligations with vendors to meet project objectives.
• Facilitate system testing and training sessions to ensure smooth transition of IT services into production.
• Ensure all project documentation is accurately maintained and accessible for reporting purposes.
• Travel to project locations at key points in the project lifecycle.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with strong ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Work from Louisville, KY CDI headquarters office five days a week (no hybrid schedule).
• May be assigned other projects as needed.

REGULATORY

Ability to obtain racing and/or gaming licenses as required in any jurisdiction where CDI operates. The gaming industry is highly regulated and as such demands an extensive background check to obtain a license.  Must be 21 years of age or older.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering or related field.  Master’s degree strongly preferred.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required. 

• Proven experience (minimum five to seven years) in project management, preferably within IT, gaming industry or other regulated environments.
• Minimum of five years of successfully managing complex and risky projects.
• Strong ability to gauge and understand business needs, with the ability to establish and maintain a high level of stakeholder trust and confidence through effective communication and relationship management.
• Understanding of IT infrastructure general concepts, including networking, servers, storage, and security systems.
• Experience working with regulatory bodies and implementing compliance measures within IT projects.
• Expert in utilizing project management tools and software for project resource planning, task tracking, scheduling, and reporting. (e.g. MS Project, PPM Tools).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to navigate the ambiguous driving progress when given unclear, contradictory or inconsistent information.
• Strong propensity to take initiative, act with confidence and work under own direction with limited oversight.
• High level of emotional intelligence and self-awareness to remain tactful in contentious or politically sensitive situations.
• Adept at fostering accountability and collaboration within cross-functional project teams to successfully achieve project objectives.
• Experience getting work done through others without direct authority.
• Proven ability to manage vendor implementation timelines and contracts.
• Project experience leading ERP implementations is a strong plus.

• Experience with Tempus Resource by ProSymmetry a strong plus.
• Project experience leading IT work efforts for Greenfield/Brownfield facilities a plus.

• Experience leveraging lean/six sigma methodologies a plus.
• Familiarity with vendor application services commonly used in gaming facilities, such as player tracking systems, slot management software, and surveillance solutions is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Regular use of a keyboard and mouse for typing and navigating software.
• Viewing a computer screen for prolonged periods.
• Ability to manipulate paperwork, including filing, sorting, and organizing.
• Moving within the office environment to attend meetings, use office equipment, or interact with colleagues.
• Occasional lifting of office supplies or paperwork (up to 20 pounds).
• Speaking and listening to colleagues and clients in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.
• Working in a climate-controlled office environment with moderate noise levels.
• Performing repetitive tasks such as data entry or document preparation.
• Working under artificial lighting conditions typical of an office environment, which may include fluorescent or LED lighting.

Role is onsite five days a week at the Louisville, KY CDI headquarters office.