Project Lead
Hybrid to Detroit, MI
$47/hr with 2 weeks PTO and contribution towards healthcare
Position Overview
We are looking for a highly motivated, curiosity-driven professional who can both lead application/system implementation projects and conduct deep-dive data analysis. The ideal candidate blends strong project management expertise with advanced technical skills in Excel, Access, SQL, and VBA, and thrives on turning ambiguous business questions into actionable insights.
This role requires overseeing the full project lifecycle, managing client relationships, and delivering data-centric solutions while continuously learning new domains.
Core Responsibilities
Project Management
- Initiate, plan, execute, control, and close application and system implementation projects using a formal methodology.
- Manage one moderate-size project or multiple small projects concurrently, developing detailed plans, schedules, risk registers, and resource allocations.
- Monitor project metrics for deviations in quality, cost, or schedule and ensure adherence to PMO policies and PMI standards.
- Coach and mentor project team members, providing performance feedback to their leaders.
- Oversee client/customer relationships to define and meet service expectations.
Data Discovery & Exploration
- Conduct deep-dive analyses on large, complex datasets using Advanced Excel (PivotTables, Power Query, Power Pivot, complex formulas), Microsoft Access (database design, queries, VBA automation), and SQL.
- Build and maintain dynamic data models, dashboards, and automated reporting tools that evolve with new questions.
Initiative-Driven Projects
- Identify gaps, inefficiencies, or untapped potential within business processes and propose data-centric solutions.
- Own end-to-end project lifecycles, from hypothesis formation to delivery, without waiting for direction.
Domain Expert Engagement
- Lead interviews, workshops, and brainstorming sessions with subject matter experts across finance, operations, marketing, product, and other areas, even when the topic is unfamiliar.
- Synthesize expert knowledge into clear, data-driven recommendations and actionable roadmaps.
Knowledge Acquisition & Sharing
- Rapidly learn new business domains, industry terminology, and technical concepts; document insights for future reference.
- Mentor junior analysts on effective data exploration methods and the art of asking the right questions.
Meeting Leadership
- Facilitate and drive discussions in meetings where you may have limited prior subject matter expertise, ensuring productive outcomes and clear next steps.
- Translate technical findings into business-friendly language for stakeholders at all levels.
Required Technical Skills & Experience
- Advanced Excel (PivotTables, Power Query, Power Pivot, complex formulas): 3+ years of hands-on analytical work.
- Microsoft Access (database design, queries, VBA automation): Proven ability to build and maintain relational databases.
- SQL (efficient query writing, data extraction, performance tuning): Experience with major RDBMS platforms such as SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, etc.
- VBA (macro development, automation of repetitive tasks): Demonstrated experience developing automation projects that save time and effort.
Core Attributes
- Strong initiative: History of launching independent analytical or process-improvement projects.
- Thirst for knowledge: Continuous learning through courses, certifications, or self-study.
- Passion for problem solving: Examples of tackling ambiguous business challenges and delivering solutions.
- Love of data exploration: Portfolio of exploratory analyses, visualizations, or sandbox projects.
- Ability to gather knowledge quickly: Experience leading discussions in unfamiliar domains and gaining expertise rapidly.
- Comfort in low-knowledge meetings: Skill in steering meetings, asking insightful questions, and synthesizing outcomes despite limited prior knowledge.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of related experience preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Engineering, or a related field preferred.