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Junior Program Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Wahl Clipper Corporation

Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

As a Program Manager, you'll lead cross-functional product development programs from concept ... Mentor junior project coordinators and support development of project management capabilities ...

Wahl Clipper Corporation

Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

As a Program Manager, you'll lead cross-functional product development programs from concept ... Mentor junior project coordinators and support development of project management capabilities ...

Ripple

Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$132K - $165K/yr

Ability to mentor and develop junior PMs and consultants while managing your own program delivery load. For positions that will be based in IL, the annual salary range for this position is below.

Aleysian

Principal Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

JOIN OUR TEAM Principal Program Manager Chicago, IL (Hybrid) - preferred; remote available in WI ... junior team members. * Navigate team conflicts and maintain morale during high-pressure periods ...

Aleysian

Principal Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

JOIN OUR TEAM Principal Program Manager Chicago, IL (Hybrid) - preferred; remote available in WI ... junior team members. * Navigate team conflicts and maintain morale during high-pressure periods ...

Baxter

Sr Program Manager

Round Lake, IL · On-site

$152K - $209K/yr

This role operates at the Senior Program Manager level. It ensures sustained product performance ... Mentor core team members on operating mechanisms and PM field; guide junior PMs to build PM ...

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Junior Program Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$18.4K

$50.8K

$85.3K

How much do junior program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior program manager in Illinois is $50,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,900.00 and $55,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Program Manager, you need a solid understanding of project management principles, organizational skills, and a relevant degree, such as in business or management. Familiarity with project management software (like Asana, Trello, or MS Project) and certifications such as CAPM or Agile methodologies are advantageous. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you coordinate tasks and support senior managers effectively. These skills ensure that projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget, while fostering positive stakeholder relationships.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Senior program managers, executive roles such as VP or Director in large corporations, and specialized roles like investment bankers or surgeons can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes professional certifications or advanced degrees.

What is a junior program manager?

A junior program manager is an entry-level or early-career professional responsible for assisting in the planning, coordination, and execution of projects within a larger program. They typically support senior managers by tracking progress, managing schedules, and communicating with team members, often using project management tools like Microsoft Project or Jira.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

A Junior Program Manager typically earns less than $100,000 annually, as this role is entry-level and often requires developing skills and experience. Higher salaries, including $100,000 or more, are usually associated with senior project or program management positions, certifications like PMP, and experience in larger organizations or industries with higher pay scales.

How do you get a PM job with no experience?

To secure a Junior Program Manager position with no experience, candidates should develop foundational project management skills, such as planning, communication, and organization, often through certifications like CAPM or PMP. Gaining relevant experience via internships, volunteering, or managing small projects can also improve prospects, along with demonstrating proficiency in tools like MS Project or Jira.

How does a Junior Program Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams?

As a Junior Program Manager, you’ll regularly work alongside teams from different departments such as engineering, marketing, finance, and operations. Your role is to help coordinate project timelines, facilitate communication, and ensure everyone is aligned on objectives and deliverables. You may organize meetings, track progress, resolve minor conflicts, and escalate issues to senior managers when necessary. This collaboration helps you build valuable relationships and develop a comprehensive understanding of how various functions contribute to a program’s success.

What is the difference between Junior Program Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectJunior Program ManagerProject Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects, manages program goals, coordinates between projectsSupports project tasks, tracks progress, assists project managers
Required SkillsProgram management, communication, organizational skillsScheduling, documentation, communication skills
CertificationsOften preferred: CAPM, PMP, or related certificationsTypically not required, but certifications like CAPM can be beneficial
Work EnvironmentInvolves strategic planning, cross-project coordinationMore administrative, task-focused

The Junior Program Manager and Project Coordinator roles share some skills and certifications, but differ mainly in scope. The Junior Program Manager oversees multiple projects and aligns them with broader organizational goals, while the Project Coordinator supports individual projects. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right role based on their experience and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Manager jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Program Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Junior Program Manager jobs in Illinois? For Junior Program Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Program Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Program Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Junior Program Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Junior Program Manager job openings:
Junior Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Program Manager job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,837 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Program Manager

Program Manager

Wahl Clipper Corporation

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Wahl Clipper rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Wahl Empowers People To Be Their Best!

Lead Programs That Bring Ideas to Life

At Wahl, innovation doesn't happen by chance-it's driven by people who can turn complex ideas into real, market-ready products. As a Program Manager, you'll lead cross-functional product development programs from concept through launch, ensuring every detail-from engineering to execution-comes together seamlessly.

You'll operate at the center of it all-balancing technical complexity, timelines, and business priorities while guiding teams toward high-quality outcomes. If you thrive on solving problems, aligning teams, and delivering results in fast-moving environments, this is where your leadership makes an impact.

This position may sit in the Sterling Headquarters location or our Rosemont, IL location.

What You'll Do

As a Program Manager, you'll lead product development programs end-to-end while ensuring alignment, visibility, and execution across teams. Your day-to-day will include:

  • Lead end-to-end product development programs from initial concept through production launch, managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Finance teams
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including work breakdown structures, resource allocations, critical path analysis, and milestone tracking
  • Chair project review meetings and stage-gate reviews, preparing materials and facilitating decision-making at appropriate organizational levels
  • Manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing resources and resolving conflicts to optimize portfolio performance
  • Work closely with Engineering teams to understand technical requirements, constraints, and risks associated with new technologies and design approaches
  • Translate technical concepts and trade-offs for non-technical stakeholders, ensuring informed business decisions
  • Identify technical dependencies and integration points across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing workstreams
  • Support technical teams in developing validation plans, design verification testing, and production qualification activities
  • Understand manufacturing processes (injection molding, assembly, electronics integration) well enough to identify schedule and cost risks early
  • Proactively identify program risks related to technology readiness, supplier capability, regulatory compliance, and market timing
  • Maintain CRAID logs (Change Requests, Risks, Actions, Issues, Decisions) and drive resolution through appropriate channels
  • Escalate critical issues to leadership with recommended solutions and decision frameworks
  • Manage engineering change processes during development and launch phases
  • Facilitate root cause analysis for program delays or failures and implement corrective actions
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for program status, communicating progress, risks, and decisions to executive leadership
  • Prepare executive-level presentations, business cases, and decision communications
  • Build strong relationships with global manufacturing partners and suppliers, coordinating activities across time zones
  • Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages innovation, problem-solving, and accountability
  • Mentor junior project coordinators and support development of project management capabilities across the organization

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial) or related technical discipline; MBA or advanced degree preferred
  • 5-7 years of project/program management experience in consumer products, appliances, or related hardware industries
  • Demonstrated track record of successfully leading product development projects from concept to production launch

Technical Knowledge

  • Strong understanding of product development processes and stage-gate methodologies, include Waterfall and Agile (Scrum, KanBan, SAFe ,etc.)
  • Working knowledge of mechanical design principles, injection molding, electronics integration, and manufacturing processes
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, CAD models, and engineering specifications
  • Understanding of design validation, reliability testing, and production qualification requirements
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements for consumer electrical products (UL, ETL, CE, FCC)

Project Management Expertise

  • Proficiency with project management tools (Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, or similar)
  • Experience with both Waterfall/Stage-Gate and Agile methodologies; ability to adapt approach based on project needs
  • Strong understanding of critical path analysis, resource leveling, and schedule optimization techniques
  • Experience managing projects with Asian manufacturing partners and contract manufacturers
  • PMP, PMI-ACP, or equivalent certification preferred

Professional Competencies

  • Exceptional organizational skills with ability to manage complexity and ambiguity
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decision-making approach
  • Outstanding communication skills-both written and verbal-for technical and executive audiences
  • Proven ability to influence without direct authority and build consensus across diverse stakeholders
  • Results-oriented mindset with strong business acumen and customer focus
  • Comfortable with international travel (20-25%) and working across multiple time zones

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in professional or consumer grooming products, beauty appliances, or personal care devices
  • Knowledge of battery technologies, BLDC motors, and cordless product development
  • Exposure to Lean principles, Design Thinking, or Lean UX methodologies
  • Experience leading innovation or advanced technology development programs
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification a plus
  • Experience with US-China collaborative development models

Core Competencies

  • Ensures Accountability
  • Plans & aligns
  • Manages complexity
  • Develops talent
  • Courage

Why You'll Love Wahl Clipper

We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being and growth, including:

  • Low-cost BCBSIL medical, dental, and vision plans
  • A generous company-matched 401(k) and profit sharing
  • Tuition support to fuel your learning
  • Paid holidays and a vibrant, casual work environment

But that's just the beginning. At Wahl, you'll also enjoy:

  • A legacy of quality and innovation.
  • A team that values your expertise and ideas.
  • Opportunities to grow and contribute to meaningful projects.
  • A culture built on respect, precision, and progress.

Ready to Lead What's Next?

If you're a program leader who thrives on driving alignment, solving complex challenges, and delivering innovative products to market, we'd love to meet you. Apply today and help bring the next generation of Wahl products to life.

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