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Director Of Program Management Jobs in Chicago, IL

Nemera

Head of Program Management

Buffalo Grove, IL

Manage and organize the activity of the Program Management team: planning, organization of work ... Experience in direct customer contact * Strong leadership, convincing and communication abilities

Nemera

Head of Program Management

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Manage and organize the activity of the Program Management team: planning, organization of work ... Experience in direct customer contact * Strong leadership, convincing and communication abilities

Nemera

Head of Program Management

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Manage and organize the activity of the Program Management team: planning, organization of work ... Experience in direct customer contact * Strong leadership, convincing and communication abilities

Sidley

Program Management Director

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$231K - $330K/yr

The Program Management Director will be the operational backbone of Sidley's Data & AI organization-a fast-moving, cross-functional team comprising AI Engineering, Data Engineering, UX Design ...

Sidley Austin LLP

Program Management Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$231K - $330K/yr

The Program Management Director will be the operational backbone of Sidley's Data & AI organization-a fast-moving, cross-functional team comprising AI Engineering, Data Engineering, UX Design ...

Socket.dev

Program Management Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$232 - $330/hr

The Program Management Director will be the operational backbone of Sidley's Data & AI organization--a fast-moving, cross-functional team comprising AI Engineering, Data Engineering, UX Design ...

New

jobr.pro

Program Management Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$232 - $330/hr

The Program Management Director will be the operational backbone of Sidley's Data & AI organization--a fast-moving, cross-functional team comprising AI Engineering, Data Engineering, UX Design ...

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All JobsOf Program Management JobsDirector Of Program Management JobsDirector Of Program Management Jobs in Chicago, IL

Director Of Program Management information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33K

$112.4K

$188.7K

How much do director of program management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of program management in Chicago, IL is $112,431.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,600.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of program management do?

A director of program management implements strategic programs, monitors program performance, and evaluates project leaders for efficiency and accomplishments. As a director of program management, your job duties include overseeing the program management team, coordinating related projects, and finding solutions that improve performance at all levels within the company. To pursue a career as director of program management, you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in project management, change management, business administration, or a related field, along with industry-specific knowledge and experience. Most employers also look for candidates with proven success in prior program management positions and demonstrated leadership skills.

What is the difference between Director Of Program Management vs Program Manager?

AspectDirector Of Program ManagementProgram Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects and programs, aligns strategic goals, manages teamsManages individual projects, coordinates tasks, ensures project delivery
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Business, Management, or related field; PMP or PgMP certifications often preferredBachelor's degree; PMP or similar certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, leadership meetings, cross-department collaborationProject planning, stakeholder communication, team coordination
Industry UsageCommon in large organizations, tech, finance, healthcareWidely used across industries for project execution

The main difference between a Director Of Program Management and a Program Manager lies in scope and leadership. Directors oversee multiple programs and set strategic direction, while Program Managers focus on executing individual projects. Both roles require strong project management skills and certifications, but Directors typically have more leadership responsibilities and strategic influence.

How does a director of program management typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure program success?

A Director of Program Management works closely with various teams, such as product development, marketing, finance, and operations, to align program objectives and execution. They facilitate regular meetings to ensure transparency, address potential roadblocks, and foster a shared understanding of project goals. Effective Directors leverage their leadership and communication skills to build consensus and keep teams focused on deliverables, often acting as a bridge between executive leadership and project teams. This collaborative approach is essential for navigating complex projects and achieving organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of program management?

To thrive as a Director of Program Management, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management expertise, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree and extensive experience managing complex programs. Familiarity with project management tools (like MS Project, Jira, or Asana), portfolio management systems, and certifications such as PMP or PgMP are often required. Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills set top candidates apart in this role. These capabilities are crucial for aligning cross-functional teams, achieving program objectives, and driving organizational success.
More about Director Of Program Management jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Of Program Management jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Of Program Management jobs in Chicago, IL are:
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What job categories do people searching Director Of Program Management jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Director Of Program Management jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Director Of Program Management jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Director Of Program Management job openings:
Director Of Program Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Program Management job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,431 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Director of Program Management (Medical Device Manufacturing)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Wheeling, IL

$180K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Director of Program Management
Greater Chicago Area (relocation available for qualified candidates)
Reports To General Manager
Target Compensation: $180,000-$205,000/year + 20% bonus (up to 40% bonus based on company performance)

Overview
We are seeking a Director of Program Management to lead strategic, client-facing program execution for a high-volume medical device manufacturing operation. This role will serve as the primary executive interface for key customers, ensuring exceptional delivery, long-term partnership growth, and operational excellence.

This leader will oversee cross-functional program management activities across engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain, driving performance from product launch through full-scale production. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in medical device manufacturing, strong business acumen, and a proven ability to lead complex, high-volume programs with a focus on process improvement and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as the primary executive point of contact for key customers, including Abbott, building strong relationships and ensuring high levels of satisfaction, retention, and growth.
  • Lead and develop a team of Program Managers, ensuring alignment to customer goals, operational priorities, and financial targets.
  • Drive end-to-end program execution across the product lifecycle, from development and launch through high-volume manufacturing and sustaining activities.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless program execution and on-time delivery.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for program success, including cost, quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction metrics.
  • Champion process improvement initiatives across program management and operations, with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and margin expansion.
  • Provide strategic direction in customer engagements, including Quarterly Business Reviews, executive updates, and issue resolution.
  • Support business development efforts, including contract negotiations, proposal development, and identification of growth opportunities within existing accounts.
  • Ensure successful transitions of new products into manufacturing, with strong coordination across engineering validation, quality systems, and production readiness.
  • Develop and implement organizational strategies to attract, retain, and develop high-performing program management talent.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree (MBA or MS) preferred.
  • 7+ years (Grade 29) or 9+ years (Grade 30) of progressive experience in program management, operations, or business leadership within medical device manufacturing.
  • Strong experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments; familiarity with injection molding processes is highly preferred.
  • Demonstrated success managing large, complex customer relationships, ideally with major medical device OEMs such as Abbott.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence senior internal and external stakeholders.
  • Experience driving process improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent methodologies preferred).
  • Strong financial acumen, including program cost management, forecasting, and margin improvement.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and executive presentation skills.
Leadership & Impact
  • Drives the long-term strategic direction and operational success of program management functions.
  • Influences site-level and potentially multi-site performance, including customer satisfaction, revenue growth, and operational efficiency.
  • Acts as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to overall business strategy and execution.