Playground Project Manager - Kaplan Early Learning Company

Kaplan Early Learning Company is growing and seeks to hire a Project Manager.

For more than 50 years, Kaplan Early Learning Company has been a champion for play. From our research-based curricula to enriching classroom environments and innovative technology solutions, Kaplan's products and services inspire a lifelong love of learning in children and educators. We are architects of learning good and defenders of the imagination. We live for inseparable bonds and open minds. We encourage the eager and inspire the inspirers. We transform lives through play.

Don't come to work; come to play! Family-oriented and mission-driven, Kaplan is proud that our work champions play every day, and we are looking for team members who take learning and play as seriously as we do. Accountability, equity, advocacy, and integrity are the heart of what we do at Kaplan, and together we can improve the outcomes of all children. To learn more about our culture and to join our team, visit us at https://www.kaplanco.com/about/

About the Position:

Our Project Manager will manage multiple aspects of our growing playground installation business while based in our corporate office in Lewisville, NC. The primary role of this position will be to gain a deep understanding of our installation process and enhance communication of project status updates to customers, internal and outside sales team and facilitate expediting the installation of customer playgrounds.

Work Schedule: 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday

Position Responsibilities Include:

• Develop proactive communication system and timeline for relaying pertinent information to appropriate customer contacts and outside sales team members from the time of order placement through completion of project. Manage communications with all involved parties with a focus on resolution.
• Work closely with Installation Coordinator and current Playground Sales Representatives to understand scope of work on projects, vendors involved and realistic timelines for completion.
• Develop, drive and analyze existing and new operational workflows to expedite installation of customer playgrounds.
• Engage with outside sales team and customers to build relationships, resolve escalated issues and deploy seamless customer experience.
• Learn KapQuotes quoting software to gain better understanding of installation quotes and occasionally assist with installation quote preparation, if necessary.
• Monitor vendor estimated ship dates for equipment and identify items with unusually long lead times that may delay scheduling and offer customer substitution options.
• Participation in HubSpot training and responsible for daily updates to CRM
• Cross-train in other relevant areas of department to enhance knowledge of how each area plays a vital role in success of overall department and company.
• Identify potential subcontractors within specific regions, where required.

Position Requirements Include:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 - 3 years Project Management experience required. Sales/construction background is preferred.
• Must be highly organized, possess great customer service skills, and be able to partner with customers, contractors, internal and outside sales team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to compose professional correspondence.
• A team player with leadership abilities.
• Exceptional technical, analytical and time management skills.
• Self-motivated and results focused with a goal oriented approach to project management.
• Forward thinking with proactive decision-making skills.
• Solid influencer and collaborator who weeks a wining solution for all.
• Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed project goals with minimal direct supervision.
• Proficiency in MS Office (intermediate) with preferred CRM and PeopleSoft ERP experience.
• Understand customer centricity and leads projects and programs with such a mindset.
• Willing to work extended hours periodically based on business demand.
• Minimal travel required. Travel to limited conferences or visit customer sites to resolve installation concerns.

Benefits Include:

• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Voya Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Verizon & AT&T Discount
• Educational Tuition Assistance
• Paid maternity/paternity leave supplemental program
• Child Care Discounts
• YMCA Discount
• Employee Referral Bonus
• LifeMart Discounts Shopping Website
• Kaplan Store Discounts
• Matching 401(k) Plan

Kaplan Early Learning Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace differences, welcome diversity and value a culture of respect.