Tara Goodwin-Ruffus
Tucker,GA
Summary
Talented Senior Project Manager with excellent client oversight and issue resolution talents. Highly effective overseeing multiple tasks and projects at once. Dedicated to detail-oriented leadership and goal-oriented planning. Experienced professional with over 20 years of client-facing roles across multiple disciplines. Proven experience with leading teams from project inception to completion. Proficient in prioritizing and completing tasks in a timely manner, yet flexible to multitask as necessary.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Project Manager
NCC Group
06.2023 - Current
- Responsible for coordinated management of 100+ projects directed toward strategic business and customer objectives, including some of the nation’s largest companies
- Streamlined project management processes by implementing agile methodologies, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced costs.
- Led cross-functional teams for successful project delivery within scope, schedule, and budget constraints.
- Successfully implemented new project management programs for multiple service lines within the North American Cyber Security businesses and documented processes for training other PM's
- Conducted post-project evaluations to identify areas of improvement and implement corrective actions for future endeavors.
- Presented regular status reports to executive leadership, providing insights into progress made toward achieving key milestones.
Project Manager
NCC Group
01.2022 - 06.2023
- Manage high volume of projects simultaneously, serving a broad spectrum of clients and NCC Group security teams, each with its own unique set of requirements
- Work directly with the Operations and Scheduling teams to provide proper resourcing for every project
- Collaborate with Account Managers and delivery Security Consultants to ensure planning and execution on security assessment engagements following PMO standards and NCC delivery standards are consistently met
- Provide assistance with project scoping
- Consistently met and exceeded utilization goals every period.
Project Coordinator
PSC, an NCC Group Brand
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Manage PCI Compliance and Cybersecurity Assessment projects to ensure efficient, on-time and on budget delivery
- Ensure project deliverables pass through the QA process in a timely manner and are delivered promptly to clients
- Assist all PCI clients with the process of renewing registration with the card brands ensuring there is no lapse in their registration
- Work alongside the account managers to ensure timely renewal of annual PCI compliance with clients
- Maintained accurate documentation of all projects, facilitating efficient audits and future reference.
- Managed competing demands and professionally adapted to frequent change, delays and unexpected events.
Contracts Manager
NCC Group
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Negotiate non-standard contract terms and conditions with clients
- Edit and review new contracts, with a focus on mitigating risk in the areas of liability, indemnity, confidentiality and intellectual property rights
- Create amendments for existing contracts to meet the requirements of all parties involved
- Ensure that all non-disclosure agreements meet legal and industry standards
- Act as an independent third party in the negotiation of a wide range of software escrow agreements.
Contracts Manager
One Diversified (Formerly Technical Innovation)
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Manage end to end procurement process soliciting quotes from partners and vendors, coordinating the delivery of product, and managing purchase orders through closure
- Create, price, and deliver over 1,000 managed services contracts for 200+ clients
- Manage recurring revenue tracking and forecasting for all Secured Federal, Critical Space and Broadcast contracts totaling over $10 million in revenue annually
- Partner with cross-functional teams of engineers, regional directors, and sales teams to support existing relationships and pursue new client opportunities
- Monitor account cycles and consolidations to offer service renewals in a timely and efficient manner and negotiate pricing adjustments with client’s pre-award
- Process orders for service contracts by entering accurate vital information into various databases and ensuring all contracts are accurate.
Client Support Representative
Whitlock
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Manage the project life cycle for over 50 contracts
- Collaborate in bid process with pricing, insurance bond issuance, and financial & qualification requirements
- Monitor project schedule, labor resources and equipment lead times for more than 100 projects
- Facilitate the creation of change orders on current projects in a cross-functional team of 20 people
- Audit projects for financial accuracy as well as proper project closeout documentation and client training
- Organize and maintain compliance, license, and warranty information related to audio and video facilities
- Participate in formal and informal decision-making sessions/meetings; interacting with senior management, support staff, office administrators, and clients.
Education
BBA - Marketing And Professional Sales
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA05.2012
Skills
- Program Management
- Project Management
- Project Planning and Tracking
- Schedule Management
- Resource Allocation
- Client Relationship Management
- Cross-Functional Communication
- Agile Methodology
- Contract Preparation
- Problem Solving
- Scope Management
- Risk Assessment
Certification
PMP – Project Management Professional
Timeline
Sr. Project Manager
NCC Group
06.2023 - Current
Project Manager
NCC Group
01.2022 - 06.2023
Project Coordinator
PSC, an NCC Group Brand
01.2021 - 01.2022
Contracts Manager
NCC Group
01.2019 - 01.2021
Contracts Manager
One Diversified (Formerly Technical Innovation)
01.2014 - 01.2019
Client Support Representative
Whitlock
01.2009 - 01.2014
BBA - Marketing And Professional Sales
Kennesaw State University
PMP – Project Management Professional
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