Customer Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

PURPOSE:
The Program Manager will be responsible for the full lifecycle management of a large, highly complex program spanning multiple IT and business departments. The Program Manager will manage the initiation, planning, execution, and finalizing projects according to deadlines and budget. This includes coordinating the efforts of team members and third-party contractors or consultants in order to deliver projects according to plan.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Liaise with C-level stakeholders on a regular basis via presentations and written communications.
• Troubleshoot and confidently participate in strategic dialogue. Facilitate meetings with large audiences and/or broad/complex topics.
• Create a roadmap/plan for multiple related work efforts which all roll up into a Program level plan to manage cross-functional and project dependencies, milestones, and deliverables.
• Ensure deliverables/objectives are based on customer expectations and are within project scope. Establishes procedures for scope control by engaging stakeholders to agree on scope and schedule.
• Proactively perform risk management and identify issues across functions and inter-dependent efforts.
• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
• Effectively communicate program level status to multiple stakeholders at varying levels within the organization.
• Set and continually manage project expectations with team members and other stakeholders.
• Define project success criteria and disseminate them to involved parties throughout project life cycle.
• Ensure the gathering and documentation of clear, thorough requirements and project specifications
• Monitor project financials and recommend budget changes where necessary.
• Perform resource management on projects to level resources and acquire appropriate staffing.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to appropriate personnel.
• Identify and resolve issues and conflicts within the project team.
• Identify and manage project dependencies and critical path.
• Provide oversight across multiple projects to identify inter-project dependencies and resource constraints.
• EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• 10 years direct work experience in a project management capacity including all aspects from project initiation through execution and delivery.
• Strong familiarity with MSProject, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint
• Experience at working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment is essential.
• Can conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Reacts to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently.
• Flexible during times of change.
• Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including upper management, clients, and other departments.
• Ability to defuse tension among project team, should it arise.
• Ability to bring project to successful completion through political sensitivity.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment is crucial.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Work with senior management and stakeholders to gain buy-in and time commitments on the project, define project scope, goals, and deliverables, communicate project status, and manage expectations. Ensure all areas are appropriately informed and involved in the project.
• Develop and maintain project plans to be used in tracking project milestones and deliverables. Identify critical path and dependencies either with other projects, departments, or resources.
• Proactively manage changes in project scope, identify potential crises, and devise contingency plans. Communicate and acquire approval via the change control process.
• perform risk and issue management, escalate when necessary, communicate impacts, and take corrective action.
• Perform resource management on projects to identify resource needs and communicate to leadership to acquire appropriate staffing.
• Build, develop, and grow any business relationships vital to the success of the project.