SOMESH RAO

Mobile: 641-919-8991 Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/someshraop
Program/Project Manager
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY:
Over all 20+ years of experience Program/Project Manager focused on planning and executing programs/projects to
achieve business objectives. Skilled in monitoring risk, scope, time, and cost, and leading Project Managers for
successful enterprise project implementation. Adept at managing requirements, controlling scope changes, and
engaging clients and stakeholders to ensure effective project execution through regular meetings and agile practices.
 Results-driven Program Manager with expertise in coordinating multiple projects and programs, aligning with
organizational strategy, and driving high-impact initiatives that improve operational efficiency and client
satisfaction.
 Skilled in stakeholder communication and collaboration, ensuring alignment across business units and
maintaining transparent, results-focused dialogue with clients, vendors, and executive teams.
 Proven ability to lead diverse teams in fast-paced environments, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and a
culture of continuous improvement that elevates team performance and productivity.
 Adept at resource planning, budgeting, and risk management, with a track record of reducing costs, mitigating
project risks, and enhancing resource utilization across multiple projects.
 Experienced in Agile, Scrum, and Lean methodologies, with hands-on experience implementing process
improvements that streamline project delivery and increase team agility.
 Analytical problem-solver with a strong focus on data-driven decision-making, utilizing KPIs, dashboards, and
metrics to track progress and drive accountability.
 Recognized for building and managing high-performing teams by cultivating a positive work environment and
encouraging skill development, resulting in improved retention and project outcomes.
 Skilled at managing change and stakeholder expectations, with expertise in conflict resolution and proactive
issue management to ensure project success.
 Strategic Planner with a strong ability to define project scopes, objectives, and deliverables, translating complex
requirements into actionable project plans that align with organizational goals.
 Experienced in change management and process improvement, effectively guiding teams and organizations
through transitions with minimal disruption to productivity and morale.
 Proven success in vendor management and contract negotiation, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality
partnerships that support project objectives.
 Skilled in resource optimization and capacity planning, maximizing team effectiveness and ensuring projects are
completed efficiently with available resources.
 Demonstrated ability to manage high-stakes, high-visibility projects within regulatory environments, ensuring
compliance and adherence to industry standards.
 Data-driven decision-maker who leverages project analytics and performance metrics to make informed
adjustments that drive project success and client satisfaction.
 Proficient in developing project roadmaps and milestones, ensuring each stage of the project lifecycle is
monitored and adjusted as needed to meet deadlines and budgets.
 Strong background in risk analysis and mitigation planning, proactively identifying potential challenges and
implementing contingency strategies to keep projects on track.
 Dedicated to fostering stakeholder engagement, delivering clear and consistent updates to ensure all project
partners remain informed, invested, and aligned with project goals.
 Versatile leader with experience across diverse industries and project types, including IT, construction, and
finance, bringing a flexible approach to managing unique project requirements.

SKILLS:
Project Management, Project Implementations, Application Development, Business Requirements, Agile /Scrum
Methodologie, Project Coordination, Vendor Sourcing Vendor Selection, Team Leadership, Remote Team
Management, Resource Management, Product Development, Technical Presentations, Flexible and Adaptable,
Multitasking, Cost Estimates & Budget forecasts, Project Reviews & Status Updates, Risk Analysis and Management,
Software Documentation, Budget coordination, Interpersonal Skills, Attention to Detail, Problem-solving aptitude,
Project Lifecycle, Scope Management, Order.co, Procurefy and Airbase procurement software, ETL and S/W
migrations using SSIS, Oracle data, Architecture, Design & Analysis, UX / UI Design, Review and Approve Scalable
Code, use cases, functional specs, design documents, Class diagrams, sequence diagrams, test plans, test cases,
integration, Apache NIFI, USMT, Data Collection & Research, Work Planning and Prioritization

Java Frameworks: Java, Spring, Hibernate, Micro Services, Restful, Soap, AWS, Java Script, CSS3, Docker, Kubernetes,
Azure, HTML5, AJAX, Angular, Node, C#, JSP, Servlets, Kafka, Cassandra, EJB 3, Tableau, Hive, Trello, Holistic (data
visualizations), ASP.Net, C, C++, MSMQ, Swing, Jira and Confluence, MS SQL Server
FileNet: (Workflow and content management systems), Oracle 9i, MongoDB, Crystal Reports
ERP: Oracle 11i, Distribution and Finance (Data conversions, migrations and Reports), Datadog (Monitoring,
Development and cloud Migration)
Tools: IntelliJ, Eclipse, NetBeans IDE, Rational Rose EE and MS Project, Waterfall, RUP, RAD, Agile Methodology, MS
Visio, Authoring
Other Software: Proflow, Uniface.
Autodesk Tools: (MapGuide, Envision, Map, ADT, LDDT).
ESRI Tools: (GeoServer, Arc/Info, ArcView, SDE, ArcGIS, etc.), and FileNet applications – Workflow, IBM Infosphere
(PIM), Digital Asset Management, SlideShare (Content Syndication)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Nation wide Insurance Feb 2024 – Till Date

Program Manager/Project Manager

Responsibilities:
 Lead major program implementation, overseeing project teams and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
 Prepare and manage project plans, and product backlogs, and conduct sprint reviews.
 Monitor project artifacts, risk control, and schedule management to ensure successful outcomes.
 Manage budget and financial processes (Cost Centre) for the project/program.
 Lead Agile teams utilizing technologies such as .NET, Java Frameworks, Jira, MS Project, Confluence, and MS SQL.
 Understanding client challenges and maintaining communication, delivering presentations, and preparing project
proposals using Jira. It includes translating business needs into detailed requirements, collaborating on
wireframes and mock-ups, and creating project plans.
 Tracked and managed timelines and acceptance criteria, established testing strategies, and identified the right
vendors, managing them throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, proficiency in Jira and its administration
was one of the key roles performed.
 Implement projects using predictive, adaptive, and hybrid methodologies, including iterative, waterfall, and
progressive life cycles.
 Generate dynamic reports using Crystal and create custom reports with Jasper in Java and Node applications.
 Oversee procurement planning, conduct negotiations, and manage contracts with vendors.
 Collaborate closely with stakeholders, vendors, and business owners to facilitate effective program decision-
making.

MIU, Iowa Oct 2010 - Jan 2024

Project/Program Manager

Responsibilities:
Led program initiatives and project planning for clients in insurance, government and automotive industries,
developing protocols to enhance infrastructure and applications. Oversaw diverse project teams, integrating systems
using microservices and APIs. Utilized Datadog for performance monitoring and managed workflows to ensure
compliance. Translated business requirements into functional specifications and tracked project tasks with Jira.
 Strategized, planned, and implemented program initiatives aligned with company objectives for clients including
Nationwide, Ford, various state government projects, and financial companies.
 Tracked and implemented to comply with state government laws, regulations, labor rules, policies and discussing
with social groups about environmental impact and zoning rules.
 Developed program assessment protocols to evaluate and improve infrastructure and applications under
maintenance contracts.
 Oversaw multiple project teams (Java, .NET, JavaScript), ensuring program goals were met while managing
relationships with customers, vendors, and stakeholders.
 Integrated existing systems into a unified platform using microservices and APIs.
 Utilized Datadog for data migrations, application performance monitoring, real user monitoring, and resolving
performance issues.
 Conducted gap and impact analyses, designing training sessions to enhance user performance.
 Managed application workflow and documentation (RMS) while ensuring adherence to risk management
practices.
 Monitored Earned Value Management (EVM) regularly to maintain healthy project costs.
 Gathered detailed business requirements and translated them into functional requirements throughout the
Software Development Life Cycle.
 Coordinated with cross-functional teams to integrate APIs, conduct gap and impact analyses, and generate
reports using Crystal and Jasper.
 Managed project tasks and tracked bugs and issues using Jira Boards.
 Developed, managed, and tracked Agile software development using Jira.
 Created and managed Agile burndown and velocity charts using Kanban boards to visualize work-in-progress
(WIP) and ensure scalability of projects.
 Generated reports and maintained documentation from retrospectives to plan future sprints, prioritizing project
backlogs to establish realistic and quality schedules using Jira.
 Executed ETL processes with SSIS and Oracle for data integration and analysis.
 Implemented applications using Agile and Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodologies, including GIS
projects for Roads Management Systems.
 Supported RFPs, RFQs, POs, and managed contracts and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
 Delivered Project Management training twice a year, totaling 320 hours annually.
Tools: PMBOK (10 Knowledge Areas, processes), ASP.NET, C#, Java, Spring, Hibernate, Kafka, Microservices, RESTful
APIs, Azure, AWS, Jira, Confluence, Angular, Node.js, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, JSP, AJAX, Cassandra, MS SQL,
MongoDB, Agile, ESRI tools, Waterfall, and Iterative methodologies.

Manager Media Ring, Singapore June 2008 to Jan 2010

Senior Project/Program

Responsibilities:
 Responsible for planning and implementing several java projects with Content Management Systems (using
FileNet and Oracle) and implementing while ensuring the success of projects in Scrum Environment. Served
Banking. Commercial and Telecom companies
 Played key role in purchasing and preparing contracts. Prepare purchase contracts and non-disclosure
Agreements with quality metrics.
 Customized the workflow across the enterprise and used FileNet security and AD while transferring data across
the networks for OCBC. Used ETL (Oracle tools) and custom-tailored codes to migrate (In house developed).
 Implemented RMS systems with security that comply with company’s records management policies. Integrated
Financial systems with Java systems using Restful APIs.
 SaaS Data Management Solution used for decreasing in deployment costs and improvement in application
scalability and integration.
 Experienced in managing, tracking and support the operational scope, technical architecture, Vendor Sourcing
Vendor Selection and Vendor Management as per the contracts and agreements.
 Used Jira to create user stories, track workflow performance, identify bottlenecks, measure efficiency, and make
necessary improvements to optimize their processes and deliver projects more effectively.
 Controlled access, surveillance, to ensure the integrity and longevity of the stored records from theft and fire.
 Define user stories and create a product backlog, manage, and optimize the backlogs, primary points to identify
and gather the product requirements along with the development team and some of the stake holders.
 Planned, scheduled, and monitored overall progress and initiated corrective action, to ensure that program
deliverables are produced on time and cost.
 Determined, monitored, and reviewed all program economics to include program costs, operational budgets,
forecasts, staffing requirements, program resources, and risk for all Java projects and integrated with GIS systems
using Java frameworks and APIs.
 Manage exceptions, slippage, and issues of priority, and initiate extra activities in the program.
 Supported clients- Request For Quotations (RFQ), Request for Proposals (RFP), and Tenders.

Optimum Solutions, New Jersey May 2004 to May 2008

Program Manager

Responsibilities:
Responsible for leading initiatives worth over $3 million using Java frameworks and FileNet for content management.
Designed user-friendly interfaces for telecom clients and implemented CPDRS systems for major companies like
AT&T. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to manage project scopes and integrate SAP systems with Java
solutions. Developed dynamic reports and supported change management processes. Previously, at NCS, led web-
based projects integrating legacy systems with GIS and AutoCAD.
 4 years of experience serving several clients in different projects and products
 Planned and Managed projects using java frame works and FileNet suite (project cost worth more than $3 mil)
for workflow and content management. Key person to design and procure major Infrastructure items required
for the project.
 Prepared user-friendly interfaces for video streaming, and broadband services for a telecom client.
 Implemented CPDRS systems for Lisco, Lumen, and AT&T through Optimum Solutions.
 Collaborated and worked closely with various development teams with cross functional teams.
 Clients served are AIG (Insurance Domain), AMFAM (PC, BC and CC), Mortgage Hub, Juken, Bank of America, and
AT&T.
 Implemented FileNet applications – Workflow, IBM Infosphere (PIM), Digital Asset Management, SlideShare
(Content Syndication)
 Helped the teams prepare, manage, maintain scope and change processes.
 Prepare production support plans for complex, mission-critical business systems. Integrated SAP systems with the
latest Java systems using Microservices and APIs.
 Developed status reports ensuring that key issues are highlighted, communicated and followed-up; Analyze
status reports and provide them with user groups, assuring the completion of project within budget and
schedule.
 Involved in the Business Modeling and Integration Activities
 Plan & track all project activities, resource planning, identifying dependencies and risks, issues tracking, score
carding, etc.
 Helped establish and sat on the Change Control Board, Co-ordinate In-house and offshore teams.
 Designed & developed key issue dynamic reports (Standard, Scheduled, and ad-hoc Reports)
 Experienced in RFQ (Request For Quotations), Request for Proposals (RFP), tenders and bids.

NCS - group of Singapore Telecoms April 1995 to April

2002
Project Manager/Team Leader

Responsibilities:
 Company Implements government, Telecom, Commercial and industrial, and Finance domains (OCBC bank). I
started as IT analyst and grown up to Project Manager level.
 Responsible for planning, managing and leading C/S and web-based development projects for clients. Integrated
several Legacy systems for LTA, Min. Law and MND with GIS and AutoCAD systems to purchase online housing
related, legal and roads related information.
 Responsibilities include managing and dealing with the clients and leading the development teams.
 Key lead role in the team in analysis, design, develop, code, test, and implemented projects like RIMS, DBCS,
INLIS, e-Rims and TAMS.
 Involved in coding and hands on experience for pilot prototypes leading a team of developers.
 Change control and Change Management was critical as the RIMS was derived from a formal existing system.
 Key role monitoring several tests with test plans (unit, system integration, UAT etc..)

GRM international Pte. Ltd - OMAN Aug 1993 to Jan

1995
Sr Software Engineer

Responsibilities:
 Responsibilities include analysis, design, develop and implementing the client-server application systems for
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for around 400 users.
 The system runs on HP UNIX servers under C/C++ platform with ORACLE and database. Integrated legacy
systems with GIS Systems.
 The application system has a major component of Admin and Financial modules (integrated with GIS
systems, where ESRI products are used for GIS - Arc/Info and ArcView).

Indian Space Research Organization, India July 1991 to Aug 1993

Scientist C

Responsibilities:
 Developed an intelligent system to identify the objects of the digital satellite data for 600 users. (Artificial
Intelligence and Expert Systems)
 The system runs on Vax/Vms, Unix and Oracle. Migrated major legacy application
 systems from Vax to Unix
 Used C++, Pascal, Fortran and Imaging systems with Prolog and Lisp.

Government Organizations Worked around many countries:

Land Transport Authority, Ministry of National Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Law, Accounting
and Corporate Regulatory Authority, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Ministry of Education, Inland Revenue
Authority of Singapore, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Municipality of Sharjah, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries,
Indian Space Research Organization

EDUCATION:

M.Tech: (IT) Birla Institute of Technology and Science – India (1989-1991)

MS (Computer Science), MIU - Fairfield, IA (2004-2006)
MBA: Master of Business Administration MIU - Fairfield, IA (2010-2012)
Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD, MCAD and MCP).
Microsoft Certified SharePoint Developer.