Project Manager

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow our staff exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Project Manager to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in managing project timelines, resources, and communication between stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• This role maintains a dotted-line relationship with the Director of Finance Technology and Digital Transformation, collaborating on the Finance Department project portfolio and technology initiatives. 
• Lead and manage finance-related projects from initiation through completion, including scope definition, project planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
• Oversee key initiatives such as billing and collections optimization, time entry improvements, financial system upgrades, and automation of workflows.
• Partner closely with finance leadership, attorneys, and practice groups to gather requirements, document workflows, and identify process improvement opportunities.
• Manage vendor relationships (e.g., Aderant, or other financial systems) to ensure timely delivery of technology solutions and issue resolution.
• Coordinate internal and external resources for the flawless execution of projects.
• Assume responsibility for project tasks and timelines.
• Gathering critical information from meetings with various stakeholders and produce insightful reports.
• ·Manage projects of varying size and complexity, develop project plans, and monitor performance.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including charters, roadmaps, timelines, risk assessments, and communication plans.
• Drive change management and adoption efforts, ensuring stakeholders understand and embrace new systems and processes.
• Coordinate the creation and implementation of solutions that streamline firm processes and automate workflows.
• Provide regular status reporting to finance leadership and firm executives, highlighting progress, risks, and required decisions.
• Monitor KPIs such as billing cycle time, realization, and DSO (Days Sales Outstanding) to measure success and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Establish priorities, work independently, and proceed in a timely manner with objectives with little supervision.
• Execute multiple tasks and projects concurrently, while maintaining deadlines.
• Practice exceptional problem-solving skills with a proactive and thoughtful approach to completing work.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills including technical writing skills.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Smartsheet Product and Solution Certification strongly preferred.
• PMP certification or related project management course work required strongly preferred.
• 5 years of experience with project management and systems implementations, with a proven track record of leading complex, high-impact initiatives.
• Strong understanding of finance operations and systems (ERP, billing, reporting, or workflow automation tools).
• Desire and aptitude to learn new tools and technologies to support our team and the firm.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated strength in risk management, change management, and structured communication.
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to assess ROI, track outcomes, and continuously improve processes.
• Aptitude to build relationships and manage conflicts at all levels.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Solid organizational, time management and prioritization skills.
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed in a timely manner with objectives with little supervision.

The primary location for this job posting is in Palo Alto, but other locations may be listed. The actual base pay offered will depend upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, professional certifications and licenses, and work location. The anticipated pay range for this position is as follows:

Palo Alto, San Francisco: $116,875 – $158,125 per year.

The compensation for this position may include a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits information can be found here. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).