project manageMENT LEADER

who I am

Jessica Fuhrman, PMP, ICP, ITIL
"If you don't sacrifice for what you want, what you want becomes the sacrifice."
I've spent my career as a results driven certified project manager helping companies use software to solve business problems. No matter the problem - improve efficiency, improve controls, reduce costs - I've helped companies use software as a solution.

You can read more about my background on my LinkedIn profile (www.linkedin.com/in/jessicafuhrman).

Versatile doesn't even begin to describe me - you name it, I've done it.
  • From ERP software (PeopleSoft and Oracle) to hosted strategic sourcing software packages (Ivalua, Zycus, Emptoris) to custom software development.
  • From software implementation to upgrade to end user support management to enhancement release management.
  • All phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) - from analysis to requirements gathering to functional design to technical design to development / configuration to unit / system / integration / user acceptance testing to training.
  • Beyond software development, I also have experience with business process improvement and cloud / SaaS vendor management.
  • When it comes to industries I have experience in multiple industries - my skills and knowledge translate across any industry.

People are a critical component to any software or business process improvement.
  • From the project team - I have extensive experience managing cross-functional teams, functional and technical direct reports, and vendor resources.
  • To the customers and stakeholders - I utilize my excellent interpersonal communication skills to develop strong relationships of mutual trust.

I look forward to utilizing my skills and knowledge to help your company.

Timeline

  1. Bachelor of Science (BS), Information Systems, New York University / Stern School of Business

    Graduated Magna Cum Laude

  2. Manager, Management Consulting, Capgemini Consulting

    â–º Managed consulting and client resources in delivering ERP implementation and business process improvement projects.

  3. Manager Project Management, Sprint

    â–º Conducted ERP upgrade as part of company merger, including evaluation of both companies existing enhancements. Saved millions by consolidating into a single ERP instance and by retiring customizations. Received Excellence Award from Executive leadership.

  4. Speaker, Ivalua NOW Annual User Conference

    "Overcoming Hurdles: Getting Source-to-Pay Roadmap Moving"

  5. Manager Finance Systems, Sprint

    â–º Implemented hosted supplier bidding software in accelerated 2 month timeline including learning & configuring software & training & supporting 500 end users for over $100M in spend, resulting in 16% average price reduction.


    â–º Saved $1B annually by implementing hosted strategic sourcing software to manage sourcing and contracting totaling almost $40B in spend.

the story of me

Leading team to deliver quality software?exceeds requirements, is on time & budget & is user focus

Experience Highlights

  • Manager, Management Consulting
    capgemini consulting
  • Manager Project Management
    sprint
  • Manager Finance Systems
    sprint

Education Highlights

  • Bachelor of Science (BS), Information Systems - Graduated Magna Cum Laude
    New York University / Stern School of Business

Interests

  • Movies
    you can find me in the theatre enjoying the latest blockbuster
  • Travel
    food & culture & new experiences - OH MY!

Results

  • +4K
    end users supported
  • 12
    software MODULES managed simutaneously
  • $1B+
    saved annually

Skills

  • cloud / saas vendor management
  • change management
  • business process improvement
  • software development lifecycle
  • agile project management
  • Waterfall PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Questions & Answers

What sets you apart from other software development leaders?
I am able to bridge the gap between functional and technical resources.

Given my technical background, I am able to communicate with developers "in their language".

Given my functional background, I am able to explain software in non-technical easy to understand language and instructions.
What is the most important part of software development and/or business process improvement?
Communication and collaboration are the names of the game.

There is no such thing as over communication. Communication needs to start as early as possible - what is coming, when it's coming, and how it will help.

Collaboration is also important - ensuring all necessary stakeholders have a voice.  Stakeholders need to be heard or they will fight adoption.
What can be the biggest pitfall in software development?
Not enough focus on the end user. Even if software is being developed to improve controls or another purpose that doesn't seem focused on the user, we must always focus on the end user. If the end user doesn't find the software usable or helpful, there will be adoption issues.
What is the worst part of your job?
Limited resources. Frequently there are so many great software initiatives that can improve the business, but not everything can be done at once as there are limited resources - therefore prioritization is key.
What is the best part of your job?
It's hard to pick just one. I love a challenge - learning a new application, figuring out how to make the software do what the requirements specify, and troubleshooting to determine the resolution to an issue are just a few examples.

I also love helping users - seeing the "light bulb go on" when users realize how the software will help their daily tasks or when their issue is resolved.

Additionally, I truly enjoy seeing the functional requirements come to life in completed software.

Location

Reston, Virginia

Interested In