Years of project management experience
Kara Wardinger
Barrie,Canada
Summary
As a seasoned Project Management Professional with Agile certification, I specialize in leading cross-functional teams through dynamic technical landscapes. With a proven track record managing projects up to $5 million in budget for national corporations, I excel in strategic vision and hands-on engagement for full system development and implementation. Skilled in communication with senior leadership and clients, and adept at building consensus, I bring adaptability and expertise in methodologies such as Workback Schedules, Kanban, Agile, and Scrum to drive project success.
Overview
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TLDR:
My resume is long, I know, so here is a 'too long didn't read' overview about me and my experience:
- Currently freelancing as a Project Manager for Dotfusion Digital Agency and Doggos Toronto, overseeing website rebuilds and new e-commerce initiatives.
- Over 8 years of diverse project management experience, transitioning from Software Operations post-Business school graduation.
- Managed projects for enterprise level clients including CIBC, Mondelez, Cineplex, Pizza Nova, and Oxford Properties.
- Served as primary liaison for clients across North America, presenting project requirements in person to stakeholder groups of over 20 individuals.
- Proficient in managing website redesigns, environment migrations, DAM builds, and operational setups across various industries, including finance, real estate, e-commerce, and government.
- Experienced in handling projects exceeding $5 million in value.
- Launched own side hustle focusing on sustainable pet products in response to market gap, demonstrating entrepreneurial drive and problem-solving skills.
- Known for loyalty, dedication, and adaptability; adept at utilizing various project management tools to ensure project success.
Work History
Senior Digital Project Manager
Pawty Animals
Barrie, ON
08.2022 - Current
- Launched a successful e-commerce brand from inception by conducting industry trend research and curating unique products, resulting in nationwide sales across Canada.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of projects.
- Developed and managed project plans, schedules, budgets, resources and communications.
- Monitored progress against timelines, budget constraints, scope changes, quality control measures and other key performance indicators.
- Identified opportunities for process improvement and implemented best practices for digital projects management.
- Collaborated within cross functional departments to ensure timely completion of tasks associated with each project phase.
- Maintained strong relationships with vendors and third-party service providers involved in the project.
- Cultivated productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to advance strategic business goals.
- Established foundational operational processes to ensure business efficiency.
- Conducted in-depth analysis of industry trends and competitor activities to guide decision-making processes.
- Represented the organization at industry conferences and events.
- Proactively monitored and managed key business risks, implementing effective risk management protocols.
- Procured and coordinated resources to achieve sales targets within specified timelines.
- Implemented robust hiring and conflict resolution strategies to foster team cohesion and optimize workflow.
Senior Digital Project Manager
BulkBullys.ca
Remote, ON
06.2021 - 12.2023
- Led an e-commerce website rebranding project end-to-end utilizing Agile and Scrum project management methodologies.
- Developed and executed comprehensive project plans, timelines, and budgets for external stakeholders.
- Leveraged website, emails, social media and blogs to set digital marketing strategies.
- Applied time management techniques to consistently meet demanding project deadlines.
- Directed cross-functional teams of up to 10, fostering collaboration and synergy.
- Cultivated strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, understanding their needs, addressing concerns, and keeping them informed throughout the project lifecycle.
- Demonstrated proactive initiative and innovative problem-solving skills in overcoming project challenges.
- Drafted reports on project status updates, milestones achieved, and risks encountered.
- Communicated effectively with clients to develop an understanding of their requirements and expectations.
- Analyzed client feedback to inform project enhancements and drive business growth.
- Monitored project budget allocations and optimized resource utilization for efficiency.
- Implemented targeted project strategies, resulting in revenue growth and successful market expansion.
- Strategically scheduled project tasks based on workload and team capabilities.
- Orchestrated recruitment, training, and mentorship initiatives to ensure team cohesion and performance excellence.
Senior IT Project Manager
S4 Capital / MediaMonks
Toronto, ON
07.2020 - 11.2021
- Led Agile technical projects for global billion-dollar companies, managing teams across multiple time zones and cultural contexts.
- Served as Scrum Master for up to 5 simultaneous projects, overseeing 10 direct reports.
- Directed cross-functional project teams in AEM Integrations, DAM Systems, Salesforce Integrations, and Website Redesigns to achieve project objectives.
- Facilitated Agile and Scrum meetings, including Sprint Planning, Daily Scrums, Sprint Reviews, and Retrospectives.
- Reported project progress to stakeholders using Sprint Burn-Down Reports, Iteration Burn-Down Reports, and velocity updates.
- Operated in 2-week sprints with flexibility based on immediate functionality concerns, while maintaining backlog grooming.
- Adapted User Stories based on stakeholder requirements.
- Managed timelines, resources, and conflicts, emphasizing relationship-building across departments.
- Monitored internal financial budgets and assessed against projections.
- Outlined work plans, allocated resources, and determined project timelines.
- Identified and mitigated project risks, addressing contracts and service level agreements.
- Managed project budgets, scopes, and timelines, communicating milestones to key stakeholders.
- Conducted internal steering committee meetings to review project status and propose changes.
- Implemented change management processes to address issues and shifting priorities.
- Updated project plans based on changing objectives, specifications, and staff availability.
- Supported sales team in service delivery deployment by providing client insights during opportunity assessment and proposal phases.
Digital Marketing Project Manager
Bond Brand Loyalty
Mississauga, ON
02.2019 - 08.2020
- Managed multiple high-profile projects for a key client, overseeing teams of over 10 members daily.
- Oversaw project budgets ranging from $500k to $5 million, providing cost estimates and quotations.
- Led cross-functional teams including developers, designers, and copywriters to align final products with client vision.
- Implemented Agile methodologies, conducting 2-week sprints and utilizing digital Kanban boards for iterative feedback cycles.
- Conducted project Kick Off and status meetings with Production teams and Account Managers.
- Ensured compliance with W3C WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards for web and mobile pages.
- Provided detailed daily To-Do lists to internal stakeholders, outlining project tasks and deadlines.
- Communicated project expectations, roles, responsibilities, and updates to internal and external teams.
- Supervised production of digital media, including videos, websites, online advertising, campaigns, and email marketing.
- Implemented revisions to web and mobile pages using Umbraco (CMS) to update HTML code.
- Conducted internal reporting and financial profitability analysis across projects.
- Maintained brand consistency and client requirements adherence by educating external stakeholders on digital strategy best practices.
- Collaborated with Quality Assurance and Research Development teams.
- Coordinated User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and supported testing efforts for Web, Mobile, and Emails.
Technical Project Manager
West Corporation
Toronto, ON
08.2017 - 02.2019
- Managed up to 30 concurrent projects spanning North America, involving website and mobile app redesigns and digital marketing strategy restructuring for Government Municipalities & Associations.
- Coordinated large project teams over 6 months to 1 year durations, presenting project Kick-Offs to groups of up to 40 individuals, generating revenues of up to $100,000.00.
- Developed project scopes and objectives, engaging stakeholders and ensuring technical feasibility through relationship-building.
- Integrated knowledge areas including Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing to align with business case needs.
- Created comprehensive project management plans to monitor progress and execute work in phases.
- Lead weekly status meetings with stakeholders to review progress and address issues.
- Implemented verification techniques to manage changes in project scope, schedule, and costs, ensuring on-time, on-scope, and on-budget delivery.
- Collaborated with development, QA, Migration, and Design departments throughout project life cycles.
- Provided technical changes for client website CMS, including content migration, HTML code editing, and creation of content space pages.
- Conducted risk management to mitigate project risks and resolve critical issues in time-sensitive environments, leveraging historical project data.
- Applied agile management principles, facilitating sprint planning and leading stand-ups using a daily Kanban Board.
- Developed and implemented training materials for internal team project processes and change management.
- Mediated disputes between sales offices and operations/systems departments.
Project Manager
ShiftPosts
Toronto, ON
01.2017 - 08.2017
- Managed day-to-day business operations, driving process improvements and strategic planning to enhance business prospects.
- Conducted interviews and training sessions for new hires.
- Presented custom demos and presentations to potential enterprise chains' EVPs in Canada.
- Oversaw all reporting and forecasting activities for the company.
- Pitched to investors and presented pitch decks for additional funding.
- Collaborated with advisors to explore market opportunities in the US healthcare sector.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures throughout the life cycle of each project.
- Led recruitment efforts for pharmacists.
- Reviewed and edited legal contracts with potential enterprise clients.
- Provided training and support to ShiftPosts pharmacies and pharmacists.
- Supported Software Developers by assisting with wireframes and mockups.
- Conducted competitor research and contributed to new ideas and designs to enhance company success.
- Utilized various software programs including Grasshopper, Calendly, Spark Hire, Intercom, Slack, and Jira for daily operations.
Education
Some College - Business Management
Humber College
Some College (No Degree) - PRINCE2 Agile® Project Management Certifications
Udemy
OnlineSome College (No Degree) - Scrum Master Certified (SMC)
Udemy
OnlineSkills
Hard Skills:
- MS Office Suite
- MS Project
- Adobe Experience Manager
- Google Workspace
- Google Analytics
- Atlassian Jira
- Atlassian Confluence
- Slack
- WordPress
- NetSuite
- Monday
- Asana
- Notion
- TeamGantt
- Clickup
- Klaviyo
- Salesforce
- Easy Projects
- HubSpot
- Agile CRM
- Trello
- Miro
- Visio
- Umbraco
- Figma
- Marvel
- Replicon
Soft Skills:
- Organization and Time Management
- Project Planning
- Self-Directed
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Public Speaking
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Process Improvement
- Budget Development
Timeline
Senior Digital Project Manager
Pawty Animals
08.2022 - Current
Senior Digital Project Manager
BulkBullys.ca
06.2021 - 12.2023
Senior IT Project Manager
S4 Capital / MediaMonks
07.2020 - 11.2021
Digital Marketing Project Manager
Bond Brand Loyalty
02.2019 - 08.2020
Technical Project Manager
West Corporation
08.2017 - 02.2019
Project Manager
ShiftPosts
01.2017 - 08.2017
Some College - Business Management
Humber College
Some College (No Degree) - PRINCE2 Agile® Project Management Certifications
Udemy
Some College (No Degree) - Scrum Master Certified (SMC)
Udemy
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