Certification Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Description

At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It’s why we’re coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we’re headed. We’re proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW.

The Senior Program Manager leads the planning, coordination, and execution of complex programs in support of Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM), including Military Construction (MILCON) and Installation Communication Grid (ICG) initiatives. This role is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of infrastructure and telecommunications programs, ensuring alignment with mission requirements, technical standards, and program objectives. The Senior Program Manager serves as a key interface with senior stakeholders while driving cross-functional collaboration to successfully deliver large-scale programs.

• Manage MILCON and ICG programs from initiation through planning, execution, and closeout, ensuring alignment with mission requirements and Marine Corps standards
• Lead program planning and execution activities across multiple initiatives supporting MCICOM
• Oversee scheduling and milestone management, including development and maintenance of Integrated Master Schedules (IMS)
• Provide schedule oversight to ensure alignment of project milestones, deliverables, and critical path activities
• Coordinate project planning across engineering, logistics, financial, and operational teams
• Manage cross-program resource allocation to optimize personnel, funding, and materials
• Identify program risks and support development of mitigation strategies and risk management plans
• Oversee program performance tracking, including metrics development, analysis, and reporting
• Partner with engineering teams and SMEs to ensure technical alignment and successful system delivery
• Lead stakeholder engagement efforts with Marine Corps leadership, installation personnel, and external partners
• Support change management activities impacting program execution
• Oversee project validation and prioritization to align efforts with mission and strategic objectives
• Coordinate requirements development and ensure alignment with operational and infrastructure needs
• Support issue resolution to maintain program timelines and execution success
• Develop program roadmaps including long-range planning and capability development
• Provide milestone and deliverable forecasting to support leadership decision-making
• Conduct or support risk assessments and integrate findings into program planning
• Support resource planning and cross-functional coordination across all program elements
• Assist in development of Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and future system requirements
• Provide input into long-term budgeting and outyear planning efforts
• Ensure effective stakeholder coordination across all supported installations

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Program Management, or a related field and 15 years of experience in program or project management supporting federal or defense programs OR 10 years with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Demonstrated experience managing MILCON and/or ICG programs with end-to-end lifecycle ownership
• Extensive experience with scheduling, milestone tracking, and Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) oversight
• Strong background in risk management, resource allocation, and performance tracking
• Experience coordinating across engineering, logistics, financial, and operational teams
• Familiarity with Department of Defense processes and infrastructure program management
• Experience engaging with senior-level stakeholders in a federal or defense environment
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities across multiple complex programs
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings
• Active Secret clearance required
• Must be a U.S. Citizen

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus
• Master’s degree in Program Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field is a plus
• Experience supporting Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM) is a plus
• Strong familiarity with Installation Communication Grid (ICG) architecture and telecommunications infrastructure programs is a plus
• Experience supporting MILCON programs, including DD Form 1391 development and infrastructure modernization initiatives is a plus
• Knowledge of Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPB&E) processes is a plus
• Experience developing program roadmaps, CONOPS, and long-term capability strategies is a plus
• Experience working with NAVFAC, USACE, DISA, or other Department of Defense stakeholders is a plus

CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization

Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that’s curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what’s possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice.

About Us

CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what’s possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. At CDW we act as one—building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win—focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward—staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That’s why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees—working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities.

As a full‑stack, full‑lifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what’s next.

Together, we deliver the full promise of what technology can do. Together, we Make Amazing Happen.

CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.