Senior Project Manager

Job Title: Senior Project Manager/Scrum Master
Location: remote but must be local to Vienna, VA or Pensacola, FL
Pay rate: open to both W2 and established 1099
Position type: multiyear contract

Candidates must have a minimum of 15 years of experience managing complex projects or programs AND have lead Agile delivery teams as the primary Scrum Master. Candidates must be PMP and Scrum Certified.

We are able to work on a W2 or 1099 basis (established 1099).

This is a senior-level project leadership role is responsible for driving large, complex, cross-functional initiatives from planning through delivery. The role blends Agile and Waterfall methodologies, requiring someone who can operate strategically while also managing day-to-day execution. The ideal candidate acts as the central driver of delivery, ensuring alignment between business goals, technical teams, and stakeholders. They are expected to own outcomes, proactively manage risks, and use tools like Azure DevOps to maintain visibility and control over project progress. Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making are critical, as this role influences both execution and business impact.

We are seeking a highly capable Senior Project Manager with experience in both waterfall and Agile delivery who demonstrates strong critical thinking, ownership, and execution leadership. This individual will be responsible for driving complex initiatives from concept through delivery by gaining a deep understanding of project scope, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring successful execution.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated, proactive, and accountable, with the ability to identify risks, remove obstacles, and guide teams toward the right outcomes. This role requires someone who can think strategically while executing tactically, ensuring projects deliver measurable business value.

Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Execution
• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex projects across cross-functional teams.
• Develop clear project plans, milestones, and deliverables aligned with business objectives.
• Drive project execution by coordinating activities, monitoring progress, and ensuring accountability. Maintain focus on outcomes and business value, not just task completion.
• Ensure project Manage project/program deliverables to ensure completion on schedule, within scope, and within budget.
• Direct and coordinate work plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Identify, communicate, and resolve cross-organizational issues that may impede project/program success.
• Mentor and guide team members to support effective project/program execution

Agile Delivery & Tools
• Lead projects within an Agile delivery environment supporting iterative planning and sprint execution.
• Work closely with product owners, technical leads, and development teams to align backlog priorities.
• Facilitate Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, stand-ups, reviews, and retrospectives.
• Utilize Azure DevOps (ADO) to manage work items, track progress, and monitor delivery metrics.
• Ensure backlog grooming, sprint planning, and task tracking are maintained in Azure DevOps.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Analyze project challenges, dependencies, and constraints to determine the most effective path forward.
• Anticipate risks early and develop mitigation strategies.
• Challenge assumptions and ask questions that clarify objectives and improve outcomes.
• Make sound, data-informed decisions when navigating ambiguity or competing priorities.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication
• Serve as the central coordination point between project teams, leadership, and stakeholders.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Communicate project progress, risks, and decisions clearly.
• Facilitate productive discussions that drive consensus and forward momentum.

Required Qualifications
• 15+ years of experience managing complex projects or programs (at least 5 years in the agile world and 5 years in traditional waterfall delivery)
• Leading Agile delivery teams as the PRIMARY Scrum Master
• Hands-on experience using Azure DevOps (ADO) for backlog management and work tracking.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive execution.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• PMP and CSM/SSM certifications
• Experience working with enterprise technology or digital delivery teams.
• Experience managing complex multi-team initiatives.

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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Ref: #851-Rockville-S1

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, TeamPeople, and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.