Project Manager III

About Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc.

Wildfire Defense Systems (WDS) is the North American leader in insurer wildfire services, combining professional wildfire consulting and loss intervention services with Qualified Insurance Resources (QIR). Founded in 2001 to fulfill initial-attack assignments for the US Forest Service, the company added professional services support in 2005 and launched wildfire loss-intervention programs for insurers in 2008.

WDS Wildfire Loss Intervention Service (WDS Service) applies a comprehensive approach to reducing risk in catastrophic exposure on an industry scale, decreasing the average annual loss (AAL) for our insurer clients, and providing peace of mind to their policy holders during wildfire events. WDS provides these industry-leading services to insurer clients and their policy holders across a 22-state service area.

Purpose and Scope of Position

The Business Development Project Manager III (BDPM III) is a professional project management role within the Business Development Department of the Professional Services Division at Wildfire Defense Systems. Reporting to the Business Development Manager, the BDPM III manages the full software as a service (SaaS) project lifecycle in coordination with internal stakeholders and external clients. Responsibilities include cross-functional coordination, marketing activities, client relationship management, and software integration coordination to support successful delivery of Wildfire Defense Companies’ wildfire risk management and exposure products.

The BDPM III plans, coordinates, and implements projects within established budgets, timelines, and scope. The role monitors project progress and provides timely updates to stakeholders, clients, and project team members. Success requires close collaboration with internal teams, particularly Data Science, Technology, and Legal, and a consistently professional, constructive approach in a fast-paced environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Market Research & Insights

• Conduct market, industry, and client research to identify trends, emerging opportunities, and potential threats

• Support troubleshooting efforts related to the integration of proprietary Wildfire Defense Companies software into client platforms

• Lead the sales process in collaboration with the Data Science, Technology, and Client Communications departments

• Translate research findings and data into actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making

• Prepare clear, concise reports, dashboards, and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations

Sales Support

• Evaluate new business opportunities through return on investment (ROI) modeling, feasibility assessments, competitive analysis, and risk evaluation

• Develop evidence-based business cases and recommendations for leadership review

• Evaluate existing initiatives and identify opportunities for improvement or expansion

• Conduct market research to identify and assess opportunities for international expansion

Project Management

• Support the planning and execution of new initiatives through project scope development, scheduling, and resource assessments

• Collaborate with clients to ensure technology platforms meet their information technology (IT), risk, and compliance requirements

• Develop comprehensive project plans that define scope, objectives, timelines, and budgets for assigned projects

• Establish project vision and direction and assume accountability for successful project delivery

• Continuously assess existing processes and identify opportunities for improvement
• Coordinate with internal business units to implement effective solutions 

Job Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Computer Science, Marketing, Data Analytics, or a related field

• Minimum of 4 – 7 years of experience in a professional product or service industry

• Demonstrated experience managing business-to-business client relationships in professional consulting services, SaaS, and/or insurance

• Excellent business writing, verbal communication, and presentation skills

• Demonstrated success managing external client projects while meeting revenue and profitability targets

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Business Administration

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated project ownership and accountability for outcomes

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

• Eight or more years of experience in client relations and/or client service

• Demonstrated commitment to the core values of integrity, trust, and persistence

Required Competencies

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail

• Strong business acumen

• Strategic thinking and effective problem-solving skills

• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Adaptability and effectiveness in managing ambiguity

• A proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented approach

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain relationships across the organization

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods

• Ability to lift 15 pounds

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts WDS rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.