Senior PM - SaaS Modernization

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) seeks a highly experienced individual to serve as the Child Care Systems Modernization Implementation Manager. This individual will provide strategic guidance and direct execution during the planning, procurement, and implementation phases of a multi-year child care systems modernization initiative with a SaaS vendor. The Implementation Manager will be responsible for ensuring IT leadership and stakeholders stay informed at all points of the transformation effort while working closely with the business area Strategic Consultant to ensure all parties involved remain aligned. The Implementation Manager will assist in defining scope, coordinating stakeholders, developing roadmaps, managing SaaS vendor engagements, and coordinating IT resources and leveraging established governance, planning, and operational structures to ensure successful implementation. The selected contractor will operate with a high degree of independence and will leverage existing DCF subject matter experts, business leaders, and technology staff to advance the initiative. The contractor will be expected to directly produce work products and deliverables rather than relying on dedicated project staff. Success in this role requires both strategic management and direct execution. Strategic Planning and Modernization Leadership Coordinate with the Strategic Consultant to develop and maintain an overall modernization roadmap and implementation strategy. Assess current-state business needs, technology systems, organizational readiness, and modernization needs. Identify risks, dependencies, and critical decision points requiring executive engagement. Recommend phased approaches for implementation, organizational change management, and business transformation. Procurement and Vendor Management Collaborate in the development of procurement strategies and supporting documentation. Draft and coordinate Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and related procurement materials. Evaluate vendor proposals and support contract negotiations. Advise agency leadership on vendor selection, contracting approaches, and governance structures. Establish performance expectations and accountability measures for future vendors and implementation partners. Partner Coordination and Governance Coordinate activities across business, policy, finance, procurement, and technology teams. Facilitate executive decision-making and ensure alignment among partners and stakeholders. Develop governance structures, decision frameworks, reporting processes, and escalation protocols. Prepare executive briefings, status reports, and strategic recommendations. Program Development and Readiness Identify resource needs and recommend future staffing and contractor support models. Develop foundational project artifacts, including charters, workplans, risk registers, issue logs, and implementation frameworks. Support development of business requirements, process improvement opportunities, and future-state operating models. Establish structures necessary for transition from planning into implementation. Expected Outcomes Within the first 12 months, the Implementation Manager will establish the strategic, procurement, governance, and operational foundations necessary to launch the child care modernization program and transition into full implementation with selected vendors and project teams. Within the first 18 months, the first phase of implementation will be successfully delivered. Contract Role Classification Responsible for overall coordination, status reporting, and stability of project-oriented work efforts. Establishes and implements project management processes and methodologies for the IT community to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, adhere to high quality standards, and meet customer expectations. Responsible for assembling project plans and teamwork assignments, directing and monitoring work efforts on a daily basis, identifying resource needs, performing quality review; and escalating functional, quality, and timeline issues appropriately. Responsible for tracking key project milestones and adjusting project plans and/or resources to meet the needs of customers. Coordinates communication with all areas of the enterprise that impacts the scope, budget, risk, and resources of the work effort being managed. Assists program manager(s) in partnering with senior management of the business community to identify and prioritize opportunities for utilizing IT to achieve the, Development of Project Artifacts (plan, charter, status reports, etc.) 15 Procurement Planning 10 Prepare Executive Briefings 12 NICE TO HAVE SKILLS

• Prior state government experience (RAW preferred skill); government program systems experience (client preferred qualification).
• Experience modernizing legacy systems to a SaaS platform.
• Solid understanding of cloud-based platforms, modular procurement strategies, and agile delivery approaches.
• Experience coordinating between internal teams and SaaS vendors.
• Experience establishing governance structures for large-scale modernization initiatives.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Interviews will be scheduled shortly after the State posting closes. RAW specifies Zoom/Teams; client JD reserves the right to require an in-person interview and permits phone/video interviews at the hiring manager s discretion.
• Three business references are required for interview; at least one must be a supervisor.
• A real-time screenshot photo must be uploaded to the candidate s bid when the interview is confirmed. Follow the referenced DCF Realtime Photo Requirement & Instructions; that attachment was not supplied here.

EQUIPMENT

• The contractor must provide personal equipment for remote work and full audio/video conferencing capabilities (camera and headset).
• Home internet: at least 20 Mbit download and 5 Mbit upload; capability to connect the computer by Cat 5a or better network cable.
• Windows: Windows 10; at least 4 GB memory (8 GB+ preferred); 32-bit or 64-bit CPU at 2 GHz or faster; graphics supporting Direct3D 11 Video; latest VMware Horizon Client.
• Apple: macOS 10.14, 10.15, or 11; at least 4 GB memory (8 GB+ preferred); 64-bit Intel Mac or ARM M1 Mac using Rosetta 2 emulation; latest VMware Horizon Client.
• A mobile device is not required. The client includes a conditional note that any applicable mobile device may be restricted to DCF use and managed through DCF mobile device management.
• Equipment specifications are reproduced from the client source; confirm accepted current configurations with DCF.

The scope and minimum experience in the companion summary are part of this baseline. No. Skill Classification Wt. Source Selection rationale 1 SaaS Modernization Critical / Primary 3 Both: top skill; minimum Own large transformation strategy through implementation. 2 Project Management Critical / Primary 3 Both: required; matrix Deliver large, complex initiatives with schedule, budget and risk control. 3 Procurement Planning Critical / Primary 3 Both: minimum; RAW required Plan and execute complex technology procurement. 4 Vendor Management Critical / Primary 3 Both: minimum; duties Select vendors, negotiate contracts and enforce accountability. 5 Executive Communication Critical / Primary 3 Both: top/minimum; matrix Translate risks and decisions into clear executive briefings. 6 Stakeholder Alignment Critical / Primary 3 Both: minimum; duties Coordinate business, policy, finance, procurement and technology. 7 Strategic Planning Critical / Primary 3 Both: duties Develop phased roadmaps, scope and modernization strategy. 8 Governance Design Critical / Primary 3 Both: duties; preferred Establish decision rights, escalation and reporting for modernization. 9 Project Artifacts Required / Supporting 3 Both: matrix; duties Personally produce planning and control deliverables. 10 Change Management Required / Supporting 3 Both: minimum; duties Prepare organizations and operations for phased transformation. 11 Implementation Readiness

goals of the enterprise. Must possess extensive knowledge and expertise in the use of project management methodologies and tools, resource management practices, and change management techniques. This is a management role with human resource management responsibilities (e.g., hiring, performance management). Manages one or more cross-functional projects of medium to high complexity. A more senior role, with responsibility for multiple large, complex projects with greater impact to the enterprise. Bachelor s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or other related field, or equivalent work experience. Project management certification or successful completion of a recognized project management curriculum is required. Typically has 15 or more years of IT work experience, including 4 or more years managing projects. Experience with projects in multiple technologies and functions., Significant experience leading large-scale technology modernization or digital transformation initiatives with a SaaS vendor. Project management 15+ years. Procurement planning 10+ years. PMP certification or similar; narrative sources expressly permit successful completion of a recognized project management curriculum. Required at submission. Additional Client Minimum Qualifications Demonstrated experience developing and managing complex technology procurements. Experience with vendor selection, contract negotiation, and multi-vendor environments. Strong knowledge of project management, organizational change management, and systems implementation methodologies. Experience facilitating executive-level decision-making and stakeholder engagement. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Critical thinking (identified among the top desired skills in both sources). Qualification Minimum experience (years) Project Management of Large Initiatives