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Associate Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Required : • Nine (9) years of work experience in project management or program coordination, OR • Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree PLUS seven (7) years of project ...

PROJECT MANAGER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K/yr

Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree PLUS seven (7) years of project management or program coordination work experience, OR * Graduation from an accredited college or ...

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Associate Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$17

$39

$61

How much do associate project manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate project manager in Chicago, IL is $39.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.72 and $46.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Associate Project Manager do?

An Associate Project Manager supports project managers in planning, executing, and closing projects. They help coordinate tasks, manage schedules, communicate with team members, and track project progress to ensure deadlines and quality standards are met. Associate Project Managers often prepare reports, monitor budgets, and address issues as they arise. This role serves as a stepping stone to more senior project management positions, providing valuable hands-on experience in managing various aspects of projects.

What are the 5 C's of project management?

The 5 C's of project management are commonly considered to be Clarity, Communication, Coordination, Control, and Completion. These principles help associate project managers ensure clear goals, effective team communication, proper resource coordination, monitoring progress, and successful project delivery. Mastery of these areas supports successful project execution and stakeholder satisfaction.

What Is an Associate Project Manager?

An associate project manager assists lead project managers with running large projects that need multiple supervisors. You find associate project managers in many different industries, such as construction, software development, and finance. As an associate project manager, you may be the primary contact between vendors and staff, or you may help manage the scope of the project by overseeing the cost and budget for the project and ensuring the team completes the project on time. Other responsibilities may include delegating tasks to staff members, reporting on the project’s progress to upper management, and making sure everyone stays on schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Project Manager, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a foundational understanding of project management principles, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello, and certifications such as CAPM or PMP are highly beneficial. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring projects stay on track, stakeholders are aligned, and objectives are successfully met.

How much do associate project managers get paid?

Associate project managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $65,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level roles may start lower, while those with certifications like PMP or experience with project management tools can earn higher salaries.

What do associate project managers do?

Associate project managers support project teams by coordinating tasks, tracking progress, and communicating with stakeholders. They assist in planning, scheduling, and ensuring projects stay on track, often using tools like Microsoft Project or Jira. This role typically requires strong organizational skills and may involve supervising junior team members or preparing reports.

Is an associate project manager higher than a project manager?

An associate project manager is typically an entry-level or supporting role that assists a project manager, who is responsible for leading projects. The project manager generally holds a higher position with more authority, experience, and responsibility than an associate project manager.

What are some common challenges an Associate Project Manager faces when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Associate Project Managers often encounter challenges related to communication and alignment when working with cross-functional teams. Each department may have different priorities, working styles, and timelines, which can lead to misunderstandings or delays. Successfully navigating these challenges involves proactively facilitating meetings, clarifying expectations, and ensuring that all stakeholders are regularly updated on project progress. Building strong relationships and developing conflict resolution skills are also key to maintaining momentum and achieving project goals.

What is the difference between Associate Project Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectAssociate Project ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; certifications like CAPM or PMP beneficialBachelor's degree often required; certifications less common
Work EnvironmentSupports project managers; involved in planning, execution, and monitoringAssists with administrative tasks, scheduling, and communication
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries like IT, construction, and engineeringCommon in similar industries, often as entry-level support role

The Associate Project Manager and Project Coordinator roles share similarities in industry and required education, but the Associate Project Manager typically has more responsibility in project execution and may hold relevant certifications. The Project Coordinator mainly handles administrative tasks, supporting project teams. Both roles are essential for project success, but the Associate Project Manager often advances into more senior project management positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Associate Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Project Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Project Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,092 per year, or $39.9 per hour.
Senior Project Manager, CMC Portfolio Management

Senior Project Manager, CMC Portfolio Management

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
The Sr. Program Manager, CMC Portfolio Management leads with the development and maintenance of Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) project plans for Product Presentation & Device Strategy Teams (PPDST) using standardized project management tools and processes. These CMC plans are used for decision making on drug development teams and across the R&D portfolio. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate PPDST rosters, generation of timeline swim lanes, and scenario planning interacting with Program Development Directors and key external stakeholders within R&D/Ops/Commercial.
Responsibilities
  • Independently provide advanced and extensive project management support to multiple complex (e.g. combination product, ADC, etc.) mixed/late- stage drug development and on-market LCM projects, including creation and maintenance of CMC technical plans in Asset Management Platform (AMP), PPDST roster management, and timeline swimlanes for relevant program reviews.
  • Lead the PPDST Team meetings, including setting agenda topics, capturing action items, and driving discussions with PPDST members. Drives PPDST team accountability to meet project deliverables. Develops multiple project planning scenarios in collaboration with PPDST team members; identifies, monitors, and analyzes business risks. Recognizes when corrective action and planning are necessary and makes recommendations to PPDST Co-Chairs. Manage activities to ensure functions have the right tools, reports, and data for accurate estimates.
  • Supports organization/communication of knowledge management materials (e.g. SharePoint/Team sites, etc.) for PPDST teams.
  • Independently identifies opportunities for improvement of business processes. Lead multiple cross-functional business process improvement initiative teams through execution and roll out andkeep management informed of progress and achieved project milestones.
  • Apply advanced and extensive project management principles and techniques to the coordination and completion of assigned goals and tasks. Prioritize tasks with effective use of time.
  • Support and advise peer Project Managers/PPDST Co-Chairs on monthly project plan issues and timelines for maintenance and information reporting.
  • Apply advanced project management tools for metrics collection and conduct advanced analysis of project data. Develop guidelines and checklists. Utilize and implement tools to identify novel solutions for metrics collection, data analysis and process improvement.
  • Serve as local expert for business procedures and recommends solutions to the broader PM community.Develop and provide advanced training courses, presentations, and guidance to foster best practices. Mentor junior staff on training, presentation development, and delivery.
  • Provide general training support, administration and guidance regarding project management practices and systems.
  • Establish and maintain strong network within department and external stakeholders. Actively manages cross-functional and departmental team behaviors, mediates internal team disputes, and facilitates establishment of high performing teams. May manage Associate Project Manager or Project Manager within the department.
  • Interact with all levels of employees in support of project coordination. Effectively influence peer Program Managers regarding project initiatives and direction.
  • Define performance expectations and assess progress against plans, processes, and practices to determine effectiveness and areas for process improvement.

Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree required in a technical or scientific related discipline and 8+ years professional work experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry; or Masters degree with 6+ years of work experience; or Doctorate degree with 4+ years of work experience in same disciplines. NOTE: Higher education may compensate for years of experience; years of experience may compensate for education.
  • Accreditation in a project management or process improvement discipline highly preferred (e.g. Project Management Professional, LEAN Six Sigma, etc.).
  • 2+ years Project Management experience, including leadership of a cross-functional team required. Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of project management principles.
  • Ability to work independently and represent sound strategies is required.
  • Must have clear leadership skills that minimally include: strong written and effective interpersonal communication; capability to clearly present, influence, and logically justify proposals; sound judgment; negotiation and conflict management; effective communication across cultures and disciplines; relationship building and fostering teamwork; and training experience.
  • Job requires knowledge of the drug development process.
  • Cross-functional and global project team leadership experience preferred.
  • Proficient in the tools and techniques of Project Management and/or Business Excellence (e.g., MS Office software, MS Project, Qlikview, Spotfire, etc.) required.
  • CMC experience preferred.

Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of thisposting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location,and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
  • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission,incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless anduntil paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013