Project / Program Manager

OverviewAt Wipfli, people count.At Wipfli, our people are core to everything we do—the catalyst behind our ability to create exceptional impact and extraordinary results.We believe in flexibility. We focus on relationships. We encourage each individual to follow their own path.People truly matter and they feel it. For those looking to make a difference and find a professional home, Wipfli offers a career-defining opportunity.Job Summary: The Client Experience Manager is responsible for leading complex, multi‑workstream client engagements with a strong emphasis on delivery excellence, resource optimization, and engagement economics. This role partners closely with firm leadership and operations teams to ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and with appropriate governance, while navigating ambiguity, evolving scope, and imperfect data.The Client Experience Manager serves as a senior delivery leader—translating delivery risk into financial, operational, and audit impacts—and regularly presents to executive‑level stakeholders, including CFO, CIO, COO, and Audit Committee audiences.Work LocationThis role is open to remote candidates. Due to the geographic distribution of our team and client base, we are primarily focused on candidates located within the Central or Eastern time zones. Candidates should be comfortable working primarily within these time zones to support collaboration with team members and clients. Occasional travel is required (approximately 20%), primarily within the Midwest and East Coast regions.ResponsibilitiesEssential Responsibilities: Program & Engagement LeadershipLead large, complex programs and portfolios with multiple workstreams, managing scope, schedule, budget, risk, and interdependencies.Own budget‑to‑actual performance, including forecasting, reconciliation, burn analysis, ETC, utilization, and margin impact.Translate delivery risk into financial, operational, and audit‑relevant language for executive and governance forums.Define, implement, and enforce stage gates, delivery standards, and governance models across engagements.Confidently challenge clients, partners, and internal stakeholders when risks, scope, or economics require course correction.Resource Management & Portfolio Planning (Critical)Provide deep resource management expertise to support and optimize allocation across the Operations and delivery teams.Lead detailed resource planning, capacity planning, and portfolio prioritization across competing initiatives.Analyze and optimize resource utilization to improve delivery outcomes and firm economics.Team Leadership & Delivery EnablementDirectly manage and develop teams of 10+ professionals (excluding implementation-only teams), providing coaching, performance feedback, and delivery oversight.Use delivery data and operational metrics (burn, ETC, utilization, risk heatmaps) to drive informed decision‑making.Build executive‑ready dashboards and narratives from incomplete or evolving data.Tools, Data, and Process OptimizationLead or support the implementation and optimization of PSA / PPM tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Mavenlink, OpenAir, Adaptive, Planview).Develop and enhance delivery methodologies, templates, and best practices to improve consistency and scalability.Ensure alignment between SDLC, change management, access controls, and governance frameworks.Executive & Governance EngagementRegularly present program status, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.Facilitate and lead executive steering committees and governance forums.Partner directly with external auditors and internal audit teams, as applicable.Travel RequirementsThis role includes limited travel, estimated at approximately 20%, primarily within the Midwest and East Coast. Travel may include local, regional, and occasional overnight or air travel, depending on client needs.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesRequired Qualifications:PgMP or PMP certification required.Bachelor’s degree in Business, Technology, or a related field (business school degree preferred).7+ years of experience in professional services or consulting environments with increasing responsibility for complex delivery.Proven experience leading large, multi‑workstream programs or auditing program and project management for large clients.Demonstrated ownership of engagement economics, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance.Deep experience operating in environments with ambiguity, incomplete requirements, and shifting scope.Strong understanding of SDLC frameworks and ability to train and enable teams.High initiative with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.Preferred QualificationsPrior experience at a Big 4 or Tier‑Two consulting firm, with progression to Manager or Senior Manager.Experience implementing or remediating SOX controls during ERP or large‑scale technology implementations.Working knowledge of IT General Controls (ITGCs) and segregation of duties (or