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

Our client is seeking a highly experienced senior program manager to serve as the client-side lead on program execution, partnering closely with an external management consulting firm to drive delivery of an organizational redesign initiative and AI tool implementation. The role is accountable for the successful coordination of multiple workstreams in this strategic initiative. This transformational program is highly visible in this fast-paced organization.

This role requires a leader with deep project management expertise with experience in highly sensitive and confidential organizational redesign efforts. This role will work closely with our client to support the people change, along with upcoming AI technology implementation. Discretion is critical.

This program manager will also complete weekly and monthly status and progress reporting as defined by the client and provide regular communication to the executive team.

• Validate project scope and tasks as defined in the previous phase.
• Oversee organizational design initiatives and support implementation of organizational change.
• Prepare and deliver weekly and monthly status reports to leadership and key stakeholders.
• Present program updates, risks, and outcomes to C-suite executives.
• Leverage AI and automation tools to improve program efficiency and reporting.
• Support change management efforts, ensuring smooth adoption across impacted teams.
• Classic project management deliverables including:
  • Plan and manage the project lifecycle – Define scope, timeline, budget, and resource needs; build and maintain the project plan from kickoff through go-live and post-implementation support.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams and vendors – Align IT, business stakeholders, and third-party vendors/consultants, ensuring roles, dependencies, and deliverables are clearly understood and on track.
  • Manage risks and issues – Proactively identify implementation risks (technical, resourcing, timeline, adoption), track issues to resolution, and elevate blockers to leadership when needed.
  • Drive stakeholder communication and reporting – Provide regular status updates, dashboards, and executive-level summaries to keep sponsors and leadership informed on progress, budget, and milestones. Facilitate meetings to ensure progress and decision making.
  • Oversee testing, training, and change management – Ensure the solution is properly tested, end users are trained, and organizational change (process updates, communication plans) supports successful adoption.

• Proven experience as a Senior Project or Program Manager within large-scale organizational transformation efforts - multiple project references required.
• Demonstrated experience with organizational design and change implementation.
• Familiarity with AI and automation tools in a project/program management context.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies deployed in large organizations.
• Willingness to work early or late on occasion to support program deadlines.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Strong executive presence with experience presenting to C-suite audiences.
• Proficiency with various project management tools.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly collaborative with a team mindset working with cross-functional teams across all levels.

• Industry experience in Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) experience is strongly preferred.
• Change management experience/certification preferred.
• Experience with Smartsheet is preferred.
• Experience with Workday is preferred.
• Experience in implementing AI automation tools is preferred.
• Willingness to commute to East Coast for key client meetings.

Primarily Remote*

08/15/2026 – 02/15/2026 with the possibility of extensions

Available during standard working hours of M-F, 8:00 – 5:00 Eastern Time Zone

Must be on video for all remote calls, business casual attire

*May be asked to travel onsite for kickoff meeting or on occasion to meet with client team on East Coast.

• This position has the option of being a full-time employee with benefits eligibility, or a 1099 contract position. Total compensation is negotiable and will be based on a permanent or contract arrangement. Benefits can include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, a 401(k) program with a company match, plus paid vacation and sick time.