Michael Chance

Experience

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  Ericsson

  May 1999 - Apr 2002

  Project Manager

  Had overall program management responsibility to achieve customer acceptance, including verification and implementation of new SW/HW releases. Main focus of work was directed toward Vodafone (both Global and UK organisation). In addition, worked closely with T-Mobile, BTCellnet, Libertel (Holland), Manx Telecom and Guernsey Telecom. Successfully delivered and implemented the first release of GPRS in Vodafone UK network. This represented Ericsson’s first implementation of GPRS technology in “live” deployment. This was a significant project for Ericsson, sponsored by the Sweden-based Product Group, involving a team of approx. 25 from a number of countries and disciplines.Other projects included: major switch upgrades in Manx and Guernsey Telecom mobile networks; initial project set-up for UMTS R1 projects for Vodafone UK; and major software upgrades to mobile networks in major UK Mobile operators. Show less

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  Siemens Enterprise Communications

  Jun 2002 - May 2004

  Project Manager, Sales

  Part of a cross-functional team which had responsibility for account sales in the UK. Contributed to the development of new business strategies and programs. Undertook Bid Management and Preparation (in co-operation with Global and Local Account Teams).Key achievement was to provide Program Management for Vodafone UK’s Second Vendor RAN opportunity, contract value Euro 100M+.In addition, provided program management for other opportunities, for both product and services, included: further bids with Vodafone for GPRS and introduction of microwave technology for backbone transmission; and GSM-R for Network Rail. Show less

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  Avaya

  Jun 2004 - Feb 2009

  Product Manager / Project Manager

  Previously Ubiquity Software, acquired February 2006Product portfolio ownership for Ubiquity’s core product line (included 5 products):Product Management leadership: determination and implementation of business strategic goals and priorities; management of product budget and performance within cost/time-to-market/P&L goals; and Roadmap definition and development.Successfully led “concept-to-launch” of new products, providing program management to the cross-functional product realization team.Responsible and accountable for determining development goals, in-line with defined product strategy, together with establishing integrated product development schedule. Show less

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  Aircom International

  May 2009 - Dec 2013

  Account Delivery Manager

  Coordinated and managed multi-discipline project delivery, support, and maintenance activities, resulting in successful customer acceptance, within a matrix organization encompassing virtual project teams across multiple locations.Demonstrated exceptional project leadership skills by successfully overseeing multi-million-dollar programs for AT&T and the leading mobile operator in Bulgaria.Developed Delivery Project Management methodologies, leading to a significant improvement in margins by over 30%. Show less

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  University of Phoenix

  Apr 2014 - Apr 2022

  Led the successful delivery of technology products, resulting in a significant enhancement of the student experience, increasing new degree enrollments (first time in 10 years), a 7% boost in retention rates, and cost savings exceeding $10M.Oversaw the activities of 12-14 Agile Development Teams focused on the prospect experience, including web development, new application technologies and enrollment.Led, managed and directed cross-functional resources (Technology and Business) as required throughout the development lifecycle. Show less Prioritized, developed, and executed projects organization-wide, resulting in the successful implementation of new applications, technology migrations, and system consolidation.Demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by spearheading program to establish the Technology product set for Apollo Education schools in India and UK. Included overseeing the implementation of SalesForce, self-service applications, digital marketing, virtual classroom, financial aid management, and scheduling.Served as the lead for successfully consolidating the vendor technology product stack for application, financial, and academic planning products.Management responsibility for both Project and Engineering team members. Show less

  • Release Train Engineer

    Aug 2018 - Apr 2022

  • Program/Engineering Lead

    Jul 2015 - Jul 2018

  • Senior IT Program Manager

    Apr 2014 - Jun 2015
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  Soul Machines

  Apr 2022 - Aug 2023

  Senior Manager Program Management Office

  Led Program Management focused on the development of lifelike digital avatars and virtual humans powered by AI, overseeing an international team of 5 Scrum Masters and 12 Agile Development Teams.Implemented Agile transformation to orchestrate program-level planning and software development for the integration of ChatGPT technology, resulting in increased product release frequency from quarterly to bi-weekly providing faster iteration, new capabilities and product validation. Collaborated with Product Management to effectively manage initiatives, utilizing JIRA to develop a mechanism for portfolio management and product roadmap.Established metrics to track progress, resulting in the identification of $3M in tax credits generated from Research and Development efforts. Show less