Senior Information Technology Project Manager

Job Description Job Title: Senior Project Manager – IT & ITES (Government Projects & Public Sector Undertakings) Reports to: Director / Head of Program Management Location: Bengal Eco Intelligent Park, 13th Floor, Unit 29, Tower 1, EM 3 Block, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata – 700091About Us: With over many years of excellence in the advertising and communication industry, Cygnus Advertising is a full-spectrum agency delivering innovative, high-impact solutions across:·        Advertising & Brand Communication·        Public Relations & Media Strategy·        Social Media Management·        Audio-Visual Production·        Creative & Design ConsultingJob Summary We are seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Senior Project Manager with a minimum of 10 years of experience, with a significant portion (5+ years) spent managing large-scale projects within the Indian government ecosystem. The ideal candidate will be a strategic leader responsible for the end-to-end delivery of complex projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, while meticulously navigating the unique regulatory, procedural, and stakeholder landscape of the public sector. You will act as the critical bridge between our organization and our government clients, translating policy objectives into actionable project plans and driving execution with diplomacy, precision, and an unwavering focus on public impact. Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Project Planning & Initiation: Lead the development of comprehensive project plans, including Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), scope, goals, deliverables, required resources, budgets, and timelines, in alignment with government objectives.Conduct thorough feasibility studies and risk assessments, considering political, regulatory, social, and financial factors inherent to government projects.Define project governance structures and communication protocols in consultation with senior government stakeholders.2. Stakeholder Management & Communication: Proactively manage and build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior bureaucrats (IAS/IFS/IPS officers), ministry officials, department heads, vendors, contractors, and end-user agencies.Serve as the primary point of contact for all project-related communications, providing clear, concise, and regular updates to steering committees and government leadership.Navigate complex hierarchies and protocols with diplomacy and tact to influence decisions and secure buy-in.3. Project Execution, Monitoring & Control: Oversee all aspects of project execution, ensuring adherence to the defined scope, schedule, and budget.Implement robust project monitoring and control systems using tools like MS Project, Primavera, or Jira to track progress, identify variances, and implement corrective actions.Manage project finances with strict adherence to General Financial Rules (GFR) and government accounting norms.Lead the procurement and tendering process, ensuring compliance with guidelines like the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and other relevant procurement policies.4. Risk, Issue, and Compliance Management: Develop and maintain a detailed risk register, proactively identifying potential risks (e.g., regulatory changes, funding delays, political shifts) and implementing mitigation strategies.Manage and resolve project issues in a timely and effective manner, escalating when necessary.Ensure strict compliance with all relevant government regulations, including those set by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), and prepare the project for potential audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.5. Team Leadership & Mentoring: Lead, motivate, and mentor cross-functional project teams, including engineers, developers, analysts, and support staff.Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture, setting clear performance expectations and providing regular feedback.Delegate tasks effectively while maintaining overall accountability for project outcomes.6. Project Closure & Handover: Manage the formal closure process, including the creation of "As-Built" documentation, final acceptance, and handover of the project to the client agency for operations and maintenance.Conduct post-implementation reviews to capture lessons learned and best practices for future projects.Required Qualifications & Experience Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Public Administration, or a related field from a recognized university. A Master’s degree (MBA/M.Tech) is highly desirable.Experience:A minimum of 5+ years of professional project management experience.Mandatory: At least 2 years of demonstrable experience managing large-scale projects for, with, or within Central Government, State Governments, or PSUs in India.Proven track record of successfully delivering at least 2-3 complex projects.Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of the government sector's functioning, including budgeting cycles, approval processes, and inter-departmental coordination. Experience in one or more of the following is a strong plus:e-Governance & Digital India InitiativesSmart Cities & Urban InfrastructureTransportation & Logistics (e.g., Roads, Railways, Ports)Public Finance Management SystemsHealthcare or Education sector projectsEducational InstitutesProcess Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of government procurement processes, tendering norms, GFR, and compliance requirements (CVC/CAG).Preferred Qualifications (Desirable Skills) Certifications: PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 certification is highly preferred. Agile/Scrum certifications are a plus for IT-related projects.Technical Skills: Proficiency in project management software (MS Project, Primavera P6) and collaboration tools.Language Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Hindi. Proficiency in a regional language relevant to the project location would be an advantage.Network: An existing professional network within government circles is a significant asset.Key Competencies Leadership & Decision Making: Ability to lead teams confidently and make sound judgments under pressure.Diplomacy & Negotiation: Exceptional interpersonal skills to negotiate with vendors and influence senior government officials.Resilience & Patience: The temperament to navigate bureaucratic delays and procedural complexities without compromising project goals.Problem-Solving: A structured and analytical approach to resolving complex, multi-faceted problems.Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of project budgeting, financial controls, and public sector accounting.Attention to Detail: Meticulous in documentation, compliance, and reporting.What We Offer An opportunity to lead projects of national importance and make a tangible impact on society.A competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience.A stable and professional work environment that values expertise and integrity.Continuous learning and development opportunities.The chance to work with a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about nation-building. Salary: ₹45,000 – ₹50,000 per monthHow to Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience with government projects in India to hr@cygnusadvertising.in. In your cover letter, please specifically highlight a challenging government project you have managed and how you navigated its unique complexities. Cygnus Advertising (India) Pvt. Ltd. is an equal-opportunity employer.