About me...
This page highlights my goals and priorities across two key dimensions - Career & Community.
Feel free to reach out! Jacob.Rayburg@gmail.com
About me...
This page highlights my goals and priorities across two key dimensions - Career & Community.
Feel free to reach out! Jacob.Rayburg@gmail.com
Technical Program Manager & Emerging Technology Writer
Breaking down what it means to be a Technology Strategy Consultant at PwC with....
...a background in software engineering
who currently works as a technical program manager......
#1 I have grown from engineer to program manager by:
Software Engineer - Developing applications for clients
Started as an IT Business Analyst and progressed to a Software Engineer role, working on custom applications and customizing vendor products for various clients. Focused on data integration using MEAN Stack, Azure services, and MuleSoft, earning certifications in all three to enhance expertise and deliver robust solutions.
Tech Lead - Implementing enterprise software ( e.g., ERPs, CRMs, MRO, HCM, and managed cloud services)
Designed and executed end-to-end system implementations, including requirements gathering, vendor selection, and system customization. Led cross-functional teams to ensure seamless deployment, user adoption, and alignment with organizational objectives. Specialized in MuleSoft, an integration platform that establishes a common data layer and manages application integrations for large enterprises—e.g., connecting SAP S/4HANA or Microsoft D365 F&O with Salesforce, Workday, and other key data sources.
Drove alignment between business operations and IT leadership to deliver user-centric applications, effective data management strategies, and seamless adoption of emerging technologies, such as AI and IOT devices for smart manufacturing. Established clear requirements, led software development best practices, and enforced rigorous testing protocols to ensure high-quality products.
Working as Technical Program Manager on PwC’s Tech Modernization team, advising clients on software modernization, vendor selection, and M&A technology strategy. My work spans two core areas.
First, I help organizations assess technical maturity, develop architecture recommendations, and lead tech modernization efforts, including software selection—covering RFPs, vendor evaluations, cost analysis, application rationalization, business case development, and board/CFO funding requests.
Second, I guide clients through M&A tech diligence and post-deal implementation, focusing on strategic tech adoption and integration. This includes assessing the complexity of rationalizing tech products and IT infrastructure, developing cost models, quantifying synergies, and building execution roadmaps.
My role is hands-on, ensuring companies make informed technology decisions and successfully implement modernization initiatives.
#2 I currently deliver large strategic initiatives, such as:
Tech Modernization & Software Selection – Lead software selection processes, including RFP management, vendor evaluation, cost analysis, and application rationalization to align with business goals.
Architecture & Technical Maturity Assessments – Advise on modernization strategies by assessing current-state architectures, identifying gaps, and developing future-state recommendations.
Business Case & Funding Strategy – Develop ROI-driven business cases, support board/CFO funding requests, and define success metrics for modernization initiatives.
Execution & Program Governance – Drive program mobilization, oversee execution, and provide executive reporting to ensure alignment and measurable impact.
Created vendor evaluation & scoring framework
Drafted RFI sent to 20 vendors
Facilitated down-selection to 4 vendors
Drafted RFP sent to remaining 4 vendors
Advised client through vendor demos, cost analysis, final selection, and negotiations
Assigned application dispositions to over 200 applications leveraging Gartner's TIME framework (Tolerate, Invest, Migrate, Eliminate)
Sizing & level of effort estimations for data migration and software customizations
Led software development teams creating SQL views and data transformation logic based on source-to-target system mapping
Designed and executed IT and tech product integration strategies, aligning systems with parent company standards while minimizing disruptions
Developed comprehensive integration roadmaps, addressing data migration, system rationalization, and risk mitigation, with a focus on operational continuity
Provided executive reporting and strategic advice, highlighting progress, ROI projections, and opportunities for optimization
#3 I hope to make advancements in technology more digestible to all:
My 2025 writing journey
Publish Two blogs in 2025 - Focus on writing blogs to share insights about the evolution of technology and its potential to reshape business dynamics and society
Find my niche area of focus - Explore topics outside my core domains, such as Robotics, to develop deeper expertise in a select few rather than staying surface-level across many. Create structured learning plans and systems for documenting my journey
Begin to document my journey understanding robotics - Explore and share insights and experiences to deepen my understanding and add value to the broader discussion
Volunteer Leader &
Tech/Business Strategy
As part of my day job, I co-lead the PwC Pittsburgh Volunteer & Community Impact Network.
This entails organizing...
Women's Center & Shelter of Pittsburgh Day of Service - March 2024
Spring Point Park Garden Planting event for Western PA Conservancy - June 2024
JA Day at Brookline Elementary - October 2024
...just to name a few.
Stay tuned for more events in 2025!
Outside of my work at PwC, this year I plan to narrow my focus to my two favorite non-profit organizations:
Knead Cafe
Pay-what-you-can restaurant, healthy food and fundraise events for the community - over 2000 meals donated each month
2025 Goals:
Volunteer 10 times in the kitchen
Fundraise $3k in donations
Use my business and tech expertise to deliver a hands-on volunteer project
Long-term goal: Become strategic advisor helping to plan and execute long term impact
Western PA Conservancy
Protecting 265,000 wildlife acres, preserving clean waterways, and planting community gardens
2025 Goals:
Establish and deliver clear, measurable goals for the Emerging Leaders Committee
Fundraise $3k in donations
Coordinate volunteer event with 75+
Long-term goal: Advance in my role as a Strategic Advisor by scaling current initiatives and collaborating more closely with the board
Now lets talk about how I'd like to support local political leaders to make informed decisions on emerging technology and business development in an effort to advocate for continued American innovation and prosperity....
My goals for getting started supporting politicians
Pittsburgh City Government
Goal 1: Support one moderate democrat and one moderate republicans' tech strategy priorities
New Kensington Local Government
Goal 2: Support the New Kensington city government on one strategic technology initiative
Long term goal: Foster industry growth in the Greater Pittsburgh area while enhancing education, skill development, and quality of life for residents in New Kensington and other underserved communities.