Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Technical Acumen
Timeline
Generic

Laurene Cooke

Greater San Antonio,TX

Summary

Expertly guides diverse teams through successfully executing complex projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and stakeholder needs. Specializes in leading rigorous planning, execution, and quality assurance efforts that enhance operational efficiencies and compliance across various sectors. Skilled in driving innovative solutions and processes, significantly reducing costs and improving customer satisfaction.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Project Manager - Agile Coach/CSM (Contract)

Brillio - McAfee
10.2024 - Current
  • Establishing Project Review Cadence: Develop structured review schedule with stakeholders, agreeing on frequency, agenda, and outcomes. Align timelines, milestones, risks, and mitigation strategies to help move quarterly goals from yearly to quarterly.
  • Operational Reviews & Performance Tracking: Implement processes to monitor performance, resource utilization, and project health. Conduct regular reviews to identify bottlenecks, improvements, and risks, ensuring continuous improvement through actionable follow-ups.
  • Metric Definition & Reporting: Collaborate with teams to define KPIs and successful metrics for projects and operations. Create dashboards and reports to provide regular updates to stakeholders on key metrics.
  • Documentation & Process Standardization: Develop templates and guidelines for documenting technologies, processes, and workflows. Maintain updated documentation of operations, systems, and project workflows in collaboration with tech and operations teams.
  • Tool Utilization: Use Jira for managing project tasks, tracking risks, and resolving issues. Utilize Click Up and Confluence to streamline documentation and facilitate collaboration across six different teams.

Project Manager/Programme Director

JLL
09.2023 - 06.2024
  • Led project initiation, planning, execution, and control, implementing a deployment quality strategy while supporting stakeholders and account teams.
  • Improved vendor payment and registration processes, enhancing efficiency and ensuring compliance with upcoming international standards for 2025/2026.
  • Developed job aids to streamline client/vendor information collection, facilitating operational transitions.
  • Achieved a 65% adoption rate within two weeks of the U.S. launch, proving successful user integration and system functionality.
  • Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
  • Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
  • Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
  • Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team's ability to deliver results.
  • Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
  • Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
  • Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
  • Managed risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues during project execution.

PMO Project Manager/Program Manager

E2Open
12.2021 - 06.2023
  • Oversaw project governance and scope definition, working with cross-functional teams. Created detailed project plans, managed resource allocation, and maintained strict timelines. Ensured thorough project documentation and post-evaluation to improve processes.
  • Executed a client upgrade process for software implementations, resulting in transitions without downtime, maintaining logistics and shipments across 15 locations.
  • Managed the client upgrade to newer software versions within one month instead of the typical quarter, ensuring no service interruptions and securing client funding.
  • Developed solutions for a major account experiencing delays, leading to savings of over $750,000 by optimizing shipping processes and compliance during peak sales periods.
  • Integrated new strategies for existing project issues, improving system capacity and scripting for shipment regulations, which minimized additional costs and avoided regulatory fines.
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
  • Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
  • Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout the engagement process.
  • Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.
  • Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
  • Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.

IT/Data Manager, Payroll

Thrive Outdoor Inc.
11.2020 - 12.2021
  • Standardized processes and supervised software certifications to ensure system compliance. Handled payroll data, fixed tech issues, and streamlined cross-team workflows. Improved payroll operations, maintained data integrity, and provided targeted training.
  • Created a vehicle usage dashboard, cutting repair costs by 20% in three months.
  • Introduced a new payroll system, boosting speed by 25% and saving $5,000 annually, with bilingual training materials.
  • Streamlined payroll operations for faster processing and fewer issues, enhancing efficiency.
  • Spearheaded initiatives to automate repetitive tasks, freeing up staff time for more value-added activities.

Program Compliance and Oversight Monitor (PCOM)

Warren County Transportation
06.2020 - 08.2020
  • Monitored program activities to ensure they meet federal and state guidelines, addressing any issues directly with the team. Managed crucial reporting to management to maintain program integrity and effectiveness. Wrote grants and coordinated the collection of necessary approvals for public transportation projects under the Care Act.
  • Obtained a $1.5 million grant on the first submission by gathering required information from all departments and completing state grant paperwork.
  • Ensured that all program activities complied with federal and state guidelines, resulting in consistent adherence and effective program execution.

Manager-Technology

JLL
08.2016 - 05.2020
  • Led development and implementation of technology solutions that streamlined operations and enhanced data management across various platforms. Ensured comprehensive training and support for system users, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs that increased user competency and efficiency in system operations.
  • Led the integration of cross-platform data management strategies, improving data accessibility and reliability.
  • Streamlined operational workflows, reducing process time by 30% and increasing compliance with project standards.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.

Technology Specialist (contract)

TEKsystems-JLL
05.2014 - 08.2016
  • Actively documented business needs and solutions, outlining business and functional requirements while maintaining best practices. Guided users in developing effective data and knowledge management strategies. Managed quality assurance for product upgrades and trained clients and staff on new features and configurations.
  • Developed a 360-degree tour using HTML and specialized software, providing a remote viewing option for clients, which saved international travel costs and generated an additional $500,000 in projects.
  • Expanded a new line of service, increasing the PDS group's offerings by 35% through innovative client engagement strategies.
  • Enhanced client service delivery by creating and documenting critical operating processes, leading to a 40% increase in customer satisfaction scores and a 25% reduction in technology budget expenditure.
  • Mentored junior team members in best practices for technology use, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by providing timely and effective technology support.
  • Played an instrumental role in streamlining communication channels between different departments through efficient utilization of collaboration tools.
  • Implemented effective change management strategies to facilitate smooth adoption of new systems and processes among users.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - Business

St. Mary’s University

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - Business

College of DuPage

Associates of Science (AS) - Real Estate

Waubonsee Community College

Skills

  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Strategic Planning
  • Quality Assurance
  • Project Execution
  • Project Governance
  • Resource Management
  • Risk Mitigation
  • Client Engagement
  • Process Standardization
  • Data Integrity Management
  • Software Compliance
  • Business Analysis
  • Process Optimization
  • Project management
  • Project planning and development
  • Team collaboration
  • Relationship building
  • Strategic planning
  • Client relations
  • Stakeholder communications
  • Staff management
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Risk management
  • Document management
  • Scope management
  • Project estimation and bidding
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Processes and procedures
  • Conflict management
  • Data analysis
  • Agile methodology
  • Productivity improvement
  • Purchasing and procurement
  • Performance improvements
  • Technical support
  • Logistics management
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Budget administration
  • Performance evaluations
  • Project regulations
  • Vendor sourcing
  • Business analysis
  • Critical design review
  • Root-cause analysis
  • Procedure development
  • Software development lifecycle
  • Requirements gathering
  • Change control processes
  • Permit processing
  • Cost reduction and containment
  • Functional & business requirements
  • New product introductions strategies
  • Project recovery
  • Planning and scheduling
  • Verbal and written communication

Certification

  • Real Estate Broker / Managing Broker for Illinois
  • Certified Scrum Master
  • PMP, 07/25/XX

Technical Acumen

SQL, SQL, HTML, Agile, Waterfall, Scrum, Six Sigma, Teamwork, SQL, JIRA, Confluence, Viva, Engage, Microsoft Office, Access, QuickBooks, Peachtree, Project, Smartsheet, Planner, Adaptive Work, Clarizen, Daptiv, Miro

Timeline

Project Manager - Agile Coach/CSM (Contract)

Brillio - McAfee
10.2024 - Current

Project Manager/Programme Director

JLL
09.2023 - 06.2024

PMO Project Manager/Program Manager

E2Open
12.2021 - 06.2023

IT/Data Manager, Payroll

Thrive Outdoor Inc.
11.2020 - 12.2021

Program Compliance and Oversight Monitor (PCOM)

Warren County Transportation
06.2020 - 08.2020

Manager-Technology

JLL
08.2016 - 05.2020

Technology Specialist (contract)

TEKsystems-JLL
05.2014 - 08.2016

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - Business

College of DuPage

Associates of Science (AS) - Real Estate

Waubonsee Community College

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - Business

St. Mary’s University
Laurene Cooke