1

Capital Program Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

This role involves managing a team of technical and management support personnel to assist the client in the delivery of a multi-billion-dollar capital program. A key responsibility of the role is ...

New

Develop and manage program plans, timelines, milestones, capital requests (CERs), budgets, and product objectives, including cost, weight, performance, quality, and timing targets. * Develop, monitor ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Capital Program Manager information

What are some common challenges a capital program manager faces when coordinating large-scale projects across multiple departments?

Capital Program Managers often face the challenge of aligning the objectives and timelines of various departments, such as finance, engineering, and procurement, while managing multiple projects simultaneously. Effective communication and stakeholder management are crucial, as unexpected delays or changes in one area can impact the entire program. Balancing competing priorities, staying within budget, and maintaining regulatory compliance also require strong organizational and leadership skills. Successful Capital Program Managers proactively address these challenges by fostering collaboration, setting clear expectations, and implementing robust project management frameworks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a capital program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Capital Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, budgeting, and construction or infrastructure planning, usually backed by a relevant degree and experience in large-scale capital projects. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), financial analysis tools, and often PMP or similar certifications is expected. Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure effective delivery of complex capital projects on time, within budget, and in alignment with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Capital Program Manager vs Project Manager?

AspectCapital Program ManagerProject Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related field; certifications like PMP or PgMP are commonUsually holds a bachelor's degree in a relevant field; PMP certification is often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple large-scale capital projects within infrastructure, construction, or public works sectorsManages individual projects across various industries, including construction, IT, or manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by government agencies, large corporations, and infrastructure firmsFound across diverse industries including construction, technology, and healthcare

The main difference is that a Capital Program Manager oversees multiple related projects within a capital program, focusing on strategic alignment and large-scale investment, while a Project Manager handles specific projects, ensuring their successful completion. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and scale of responsibilities.

What does a capital program manager do?

A capital program manager oversees large-scale infrastructure or construction projects from planning through completion, ensuring they meet budget, schedule, and quality standards. They coordinate between stakeholders, manage resources, and monitor progress, often using project management tools and techniques. Strong leadership, communication, and knowledge of construction or engineering processes are essential for success in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Capital Program Manager jobs in Illinois?

For Capital Program Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Capital Program Manager jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Capital Program Manager jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Capital Program Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Capital Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Capital Program Manager job openings in Illinois as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Transit Planning & Design Program Manager

Chicago, IL

GFT.
Construction • 1 - 5K employees

$240K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Gannett Fleming is looking for a Transit Planning and Design Program Manager in the Chicago area. This is a hybrid role requiring onsite attendance at the client in downtown Chicago on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  

Working with the transit & rail team at GFT means shaping the future of transportation, delivering projects that improve operations, capacity, and safety for our clients. Specializing in large-scale intermodal facilities, capacity improvements, commuter projects, and industrial developments, our experts combine deep technical knowledge with creative thinking to provide innovative solutions for complex problems. Together, we're transforming rail networks across North America and optimizing how goods and people reach their destinations.

 

What you'll be challenged to do:

The transit deputy program manager of planning and design will be responsible for managing the delivery of various transit projects including stations, track, and systems. This role involves managing a team of technical and management support personnel to assist the client in the delivery of a multi-billion-dollar capital program. A key responsibility of the role is assisting in the planning for the overall program, including understanding of how local, state, and federal funding can shape project development. The planning side of the role will manage individuals responsible for delivering major program master plans for large transit initiatives, environmental clearances, identification of alternative delivery options to meet schedule or budget requirements, coordination of major initiatives for accessibility or state-of-good repair, and overall assistance in major capital program identification and delivery methods. For design, the role will assist in reviewing best procurement practices, procurement of consultant contracts, and recommendations to maintain design scope, schedule, and budget. This role requires excellent communications skills and regular interfaces with client senior management.

 

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

  • Lead client communication for all projects in planning and design phases. Regularly interface with via written and verbal communication with client senior management.
  • Manage a team of 15 - 18 specialists in architecture, systems, track, planning, estimating, and program management to prioritize workload for efficiency, responsiveness, and quality.
  • Lead coordination with other program management teams and client departments to enhance overall program and project delivery.
  • Identify issues with project delivery, lead investigations, and present findings / recommendations on improvements to delivery.
  • Assist the client in identifying potential capital projects based on overall agency priorities and need.
  • Provide guidance on project planning and delivery given funding source, NEPA, or other constraints.
  • Develop major program initiatives for accessibility, state-of-good repair, or other client priorities, including management of federal transit master plan documents.
  • Work closely with the client to prioritize, drive, and accurately report upon the progress of capital projects.
  • Identify and recommend solutions to maintain design schedules and budget based on overall program metrics.
  • Review design task orders and contracts for consistency and improvements, including incorporation of lessons learned.
  • Across the team, ensure consistency and monitor adherence to the client ISO 9001 quality procedures, guidelines, and work instructions.

What you'll bring to our firm:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Architecture, Planning, Business or a related field.
  • A minimum of 18 years of experience managing delivery of projects in the transit industry.
  • Knowledge of typical infrastructure project lifecycles for traditional and alternative project delivery methods.
  • Excellent interpersonal, time management, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to independently assess workload requirements and prioritize needs based on funding deadlines or other client considerations.
  • Ability to lead meetings and groups to develop consensus on program or project goals, objectives, and scope.
  • Excellent working knowledge of computer software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Bluebeam
 Compensation:The salary range for this role is $240,000 - $260,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits:  Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment. Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan. Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual. Tuition reimbursement for continued education. Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. 

Location: ChicagoCore Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time

Salary: $240,000- $260,000

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-AC1

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles- Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco- Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California-Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME