Smartsheet Expert - PMO Contract via Toptal (US) in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
This is a freelance contract engagement via Toptal, meaning you'll need to pass Toptal's vetting process if not already in their network — a credential that itself carries significant market signal for future consulting work.
Skills developed and market value:
- Smartsheet expertise is a niche but growing skill in enterprise project management, particularly in utilities, construction, and large infrastructure projects. Certified Smartsheet professionals command $75–$120/hr on the freelance market.
- Coaching and training material creation adds a consulting layer that differentiates you from purely technical Smartsheet builders — valuable for future PM consulting or change management roles.
- RAID log design and program-level dependency mapping are transferable PMO skills valued at senior project manager and program manager levels.
Culture and context signals: This is a defined-scope engagement for a utility sector client undergoing a service territory integration — a complex, high-stakes environment. It's not a startup; expect structured deliverables, stakeholder management, and formal documentation norms.
Green flags: Clear scope, dual build+coaching mandate (good for portfolio breadth), and association with Toptal's premium freelance brand.
Watch for: No salary/rate disclosed — negotiate firmly. Utility sector clients can have slow approval cycles; clarify turnaround expectations for feedback loops before committing.
Summary
We are seeking a Smartsheet Expert to support integrated project planning activities related to the integration of a regional utility's service territory and assets. This role will focus on building complex Smartsheet solutions, coaching the client on similar sheet and formula creation, and producing training materials.
General Information
This engagement supports integrated project planning work tied to a regional utility integration effort. The scope centers on improving planning visibility and structure within Smartsheet, including program views, dependencies, and a more robust RAID log with formulas and connectors.
The ideal freelancer will be comfortable serving in both a hands-on build capacity and a coaching capacity, helping the client strengthen its internal use of Smartsheet while delivering practical project artifacts.
Tasks and Deliverables
- Build Smartsheet solutions to support integrated project planning activities.
- Create program views, dependencies, and a more robust RAID log.
- Develop formulas and connectors to support sheet functionality.
- Perform complex data entry within Smartsheet as needed.
- Coach the client on how to create similar sheets and formulas.
- Produce training materials for ongoing client use.
Required Experience
- Proven expertise in Smartsheet.
- Experience building complex sheets, views, and dependencies in Smartsheet.
- Experience creating formulas and connectors in Smartsheet.
- Ability to support project planning workflows and related documentation.
- Experience coaching stakeholders on Smartsheet usage and best practices.
- Strong written communication skills for training material creation.
- Must be US-based.
Engagement Highlights
- Clear, defined scope combining hands-on Smartsheet build work with client coaching.
- Opportunity to support a large-scale utility integration planning initiative.
- Deliverables include both implementation and reusable training materials.
To apply: https://weworkremotely.com/remote-jobs/toptal-smartsheet-expert-for-integrated-project-planning