Manager, management consulting

Who is Trace3 ? Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate. Our culture at Trace3 embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business. Employees can grow their career and have fun while doing it! Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco. Ready to discover the possibilities that live in technology? Come Join Us!

Street-Smart - Thriving in Dynamic Times

We are flexible and resilient in a fast-changing environment. We continuously innovate and drive constructive change while keeping a focus on the “big picture.” We exercise sound business judgment in making high-quality decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are highly creative and can dig deep within ourselves to find positive solutions to different problems.

Juice - The “Stuff” it takes to be a Needle Mover

We get things done and drive results. We lead without a title, empowering others through a can-do attitude. We look forward to the goal, mentally mapping out every checkpoint on the pathway to success, and visualizing what the final destination looks and feels like.

Teamwork - Humble, Hungry and Smart

We are humble individuals who understand how our job impacts the company's mission. We treat others with respect, admit mistakes, give credit where it’s due and demonstrate transparency. We “bring the weather” by exhibiting positive leadership and solution-focused thinking. We hug people in their trials, struggles, and failures – not just their success. We appreciate the individuality of the people around us.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Management Consulting, Manager will harness passion for innovative technology to partner with Trace3 clients in the development of strategic planning and roadmaps. The role will provide oversight and serve as the guiding force behind transformational initiatives. The Management Consulting, Manager’s leadership will drive the execution of complex, cross-functional initiatives and key projects, while creating and delivering programs and plans to help maximize adoption. This will involve leveraging Trace3’s deep expertise in technology platforms and solutions, as well as managing the people side of change, the impacts to business processes, ensuring cohesive system designs, and the appropriate data architecture. This role will be responsible for understanding our clients’ business centric issues and design solutions that will result in achieving the clients’ desired outcomes.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Program leadership and delivery Lead end‑to‑end delivery for complex, multi‑workstream technology programs (e.g., cloud, data/AI, cybersecurity, enterprise platforms), establishing program governance, PMO cadence, and cross‑workstream orchestration (RAID, dependencies, critical path, change control, financials, benefits tracking). Define program scope, OKRs/success metrics, integrated roadmaps, resource plans, and interdependencies; ensure requirements traceability to business outcomes and adoption plans. Create executive‑ready dashboards and status reporting for scope, schedule, budget, risk, and benefits realization to maintain alignment and transparency. Work closely with clients to understand their challenges, gather and analyze data, formulate hypotheses, and define actionable plans to solutions. Deliver thoughtful recommendations through compelling presentations to ultimately influence business decisions.
• Lead the design and execution of technical capability assessments, analyzing results and presenting recommendations in an effective, logical manner to the client. Serve as an integrated Program Manager responsible for guiding, setting expectations and methodology from planning to execution. Manage the scope, requirements, resources and budget for all assigned projects.
• Methodologies, frameworks, and toolkits Develop, standardize, and maintain Trace3 consulting playbooks and delivery toolkits (charters, governance packs, RAID/RACI, KPI trees, benefits realization plans), and operate a delivery excellence rhythm with quality checkpoints and retrospectives to uplift consistency and outcomes. Blend and tailor PMI/PMBOK and Agile/SAFe with change (Prosci/ADKAR) and ITIL service transition, aligning to client context and regulated environments as needed. Define and enforce quality gates (design reviews, test strategy sign‑off, cutover readiness, hypercare exit); monitor delivery health metrics (schedule/budget variance/EVM, defect density, incident rates post‑go‑live, adoption/CSAT/NPS) and implement corrective actions.
• Client engagement, growth, and pre‑sales Serve as an executive‑facing advisor; facilitate steerco/decision forums; translate delivery health and risk posture into clear business narratives and options. Identify expansion opportunities through program insights; support pursuits with delivery approaches, estimates, staffing models, and differentiated Trace3 accelerators that emphasize repeatable value and client experience (e.g., measurable value realization, high NPS). Run structured delivery excellence reviews at key phases (kickoff, midpoint, pre‑close, post‑retro) to surface risks, capture lessons, and update standards and assets.
• Team leadership Lead resources directly and through cross functional teams; exhibit strong leadership to drive high performing teams. Conduct performance feedback, coaching, and development planning for team members; provide input into performance evaluations, compensation decisions, and promotion readiness. Build and lead blended teams (Trace3, client, partners/vendors); clarify roles and capacity, coach PMs/Scrum Masters/BAs/architects, and foster psychological safety and accountability. Establish clear communication cadences and governance forums to ensure transparency, alignment, and timely decision-making across stakeholders. Support our account teams in presenting opportunities and proposals to clients. Serve as the primary escalation point for delivery issues, ensuring timely resolution and alignment with client and internal stakeholders. May perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. Up to 50% travel to various client sites.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 8 years of related professional work experience preferably at a technology or consulting company. Strong client service skills are imperative. Demonstrated delivery in one or more domains: cloud transformation, data/AI, cybersecurity, enterprise platforms/applications, or digital/omnichannel programs. Executive communication and stakeholder management; experience producing dashboards/status that connect delivery health to outcomes and decisions. Ability to listen, build rapport, and credibility as a strategic partner within business units; able to build bridges across teams and job functions. Demonstrates strong expertise in program management, change management and continuous improvement. Highly organized, detail-oriented, excellent time management skills and able to effectively prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, high-volume, and evolving work environment. Ability to approach customer requests with a proactive and consultative manner; listen and understand user requests and needs and effectively deliver. Comfortable managing multiple and changing priorities, and meeting deadlines in an entrepreneurial environment. Interprets data and identifies trends and performance insights. Strong ability to operate independently. Excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills with an ability to present technical issues to C-Level Executives and non-technical audience. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) with intermediate level Excel skills.

Preferred Certifications:

PMP or PgMP; Agile (CSM/SAFe); Prosci/ADKAR; ITIL; Lean Six Sigma; TOGAF; FinOps Practitioner (for cloud heavy programs). Experience standing up PMO/Transformation Office operating models (decision rights, cadence, artifacts) and rolling out playbooks across a practice. Strong financial acumen (forecasting/EAC, margin management, earned value) and benefits/value tracking aligned to business cases and OKRs.

The Perks

Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents. 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability. Competitive Compensation. Training and development programs. Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages. Collaborative and cool culture. Work-life balance and generous paid time off.

Our Commitment

At the core of Trace3's DNA is our people. We are a diverse group of talented individuals who understand the importance of teamwork and demonstrating leadership, character, and passion in all that we do. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to grow. We recognize that embracing diversity drives innovation, improves outcomes, fosters collaboration, boosts teammate satisfaction, and builds a more inclusive culture. As an equal opportunity employer, Trace3 bases all employment decisions based on individual qualifications, merit, and business requirements. We do not engage in discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Any demographic information provided is strictly voluntary, kept confidential in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, and will not be used in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, or mentorship programs. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process or participate in an interview, please email recruiting@trace3.com.

***To all recruitment agencies: Trace3 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Trace3 employees or any other company location. Trace3 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.